Studio Ghibli Cookbook: Unofficial Recipes Inspired by Spirited Away, Ponyo, and More!

Fan cookbooks abound. Coming out this fall are also books focused on Seinfeld, Star Wars, Parks and Recreation, and Somebody Feed Phil, to name just a few of the offerings. Combining multiple pleasures, cooking, eating, and enjoying yet another dimension of a beloved story, they have a focused, avid readership. This work centers on the works of Studio Ghibli, best known for Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke. Many of the studio’s productions are based on short stories, novels, and manga. Recipes are tied to specific works, sometimes very directly, pulling from story events. All include a short introduction to the artwork and the dish, followed by step-by-step illustrated instructions. The dishes are designed for home kitchens, and many would be suitable for beginners. A nice side highlight of the book is that the recipes are prepared in a Japanese kitchen, and some offer glimpses of Japanese groceries.