Cookbooks inspired by TV series, comics and movies: they are the hit of the moment. Also in Italy
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The Harry Potter Yorkshire Pudding and the Game of Thrones honey chicken, the Turkish delights of Narnia and i Nestlé Toulose of Friends, i Star Wars Yoda sandwiches and the Downton Abbey raspberry meringue: you could build a whole, fantastic and surprising menu with recipes inspired by the most beloved television series, film sagas and comics of all time. And without straining with the imagination. Simply by following the instructions indicated in the many (and increasingly numerous) cooking books dedicated to the most popular of these masterpieces of popular culture. A phenomenon born in the 60s and that has never stopped, but has actually been growing and has been experiencing a real boom in recent times, among long-selling titles (such as "In the kitchen with Harry Potter" published by Vallardi which from 2010 to today has sold over a million copies), books that have marked an era (such as “In Cucina con Disney”, published by Vallardi) and new arrivals already announced (such as the new Friends cookbook, due out in February for Panini).
A movie menu Could this trend not also conquer food lovers like Italians? In the bookstore, there is something to make your mouth water. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki you can delight with the sizzling bacon de Howl's Moving Castle and the Siberia cake of Si alza il vento and with many other delights taken from the films of the Japanese master, collected in the book "The enchanted kitchen", written by Silvia Casini and Raffaella Fenoglio (Trenta Editore). Staying in the Land of the Rising Sun, I am 50 recipes inspired by the most popular manga series and souls created by the famous Chef Hiro and collected in the book “Hiro Cartoon Food” (Mondadori). You travel in the flavors of hyperspace with "Star Wars: Delights from a distant galaxy …." (published by Panini), while taking a sophisticated break in pure English style with the recipe books inspired by Downton Abbey, to feel in company of Lord Grantham and family. Among the upcoming releases announced is "Friends: The Official Central Perk Cookbook”(Panini publisher), which offers over fifty coffee-inspired recipes where many episodes of this popular sit-com have been set. A best seller announced after the success of the previous cooking book "Friends: The Official Recipe Book", published in Italy by Panini in 2020.
An endless saga But what determines the birth of a recipe book inspired by a TV series or a cult comic? Often it is the passion of the fans that pushes them to imagine how they were prepared dishes seen in an episode or mentioned in a streepx. The most famous of these authors is American Chelsea Monroe-Cassel, who wrote the cookbooks inspired by the Game of Thornes and World of Warcraft series and is now working on the upcoming Star Trek one. In these books he put his passion for these television programs to good use, the hours spent watching and reliving the episodes, and his imagination in translating the menus seen on the small screen into real, feasible and… appreciable recipes!
High rate of creativity It is precisely the goodness of the recipes combined with their rate of creativity (and the precision in describing them) that has made this editorial trend make the leap in quality. If the first books released in the 70s – starting from what (probably) is the most popular progenitor, namely "The Little house cookbook", Inspired by the popular TV series"That house on the prairie”- they were rather simple and not very pretentious, today these cookbooks compete with those signed by great chefs. They are born after careful research on the narrative universes they are inspired by, they are developed respecting the character of the characters and the emotional climax of the stories, they are precise and detailed; in short, they are so accurate that they do not disappoint any enthusiast and, on the contrary, they become an indispensable appendix to make these fantastic worlds come alive with real life. And the skills of cooks and food writers fit into this in-depth knowledge of the subject, so that even thegastronomic aspect both from ten and praise.
Ingredients for 4 people 50 ml of vegetable oil 80 g of low gluten flour 80 ml of milk 5 eggs 80 g of sugar a pinch of salt 1 vanilla bean
Method In a bowl, beat egg yolks, milk, vanilla seeds and sugar and a pinch of salt; add the sifted flour, the oil, and mix with the spatula. Add the beaten egg whites. Put the dough in a pan and bake in the oven in a bain-marie at 160 ° for 50 minutes. The more experienced can try their hand at covering the cake with a layer of ivory-colored sugar paste.
If you love cinema and cooking, here is a list of films not to be missed. Maybe comfortably on the sofa, munching something
You don't have to be passionate about cooking to appreciate these films. They are all great films, to be seen regardless of the link with food, because they are also interesting from many other points of view. A part of the following texts were written by some students of the 3 ^ A Cuochi class of a school in Grumello del Monte, in the province of Bergamo, within the "Food and Cinema" project. We just have to wish you good vision, but above all good appetite (since you will be very hungry)!
30. The Chef
Very funny irreverent comedy by Jon Favreau, where the life of a chef changes (positively) after the (negative) review of an important blogger and food and wine critic. This film also shows the power of communication on social media (are we exaggerating?), Everything is in rhythm with good music. Only contraindication: makes an incredible desire for Cuban sandwiches.
29. Make Hummus not War
This documentary by Australian Trevor Graham was released in 2012, focusing on the political aspects that ended up covering the hummus, which has now become the symbol of conflicts in the Middle East. Just think of the various murals present from Bethlehem in Istanbul with the words: "Make hummus not wall". At the first screening, it was presented as follows: "What if the secret to peace in the Middle East is in the hummus?".
28. The Survival Family
Impressive to see The Survival Family of the Japanese director Yaguchi, who in 2017 had prophesied our lockwdown, with various scenes similar to reality, such as the assault on supermarkets or the general blockade. In fact, this film tells the story of a Japanese family who from one day to the next faces a sudden blackout across Tokyo, leaving us with a question: do we know how to survive in an industrialized and technological world that leaves no room for errors?
27. Transhumance Tour
Valerio Gnesini tells the musical tour of three boys in Italy who travel woofing, that is various stages in farms and farms, where in exchange for food and accommodation, they help in the countryside, also organizing small concerts. And during the film it seems to travel with them to the rhythm of the song "Transhumance transhumance transhumance …"; that will never go out of your mind!
26. Ramen Heads
All ramen lovers (and not only) should see this film, by Japanese director Koki Shigeno, released in 2017. The protagonist is Osamu Tomita, who in Japan is considered the king of ramen. It is he, in fact, who with his somewhat obsessive approach explains everything that revolves around this dish, along with most of the tricks and secrets to prepare it perfectly, starting from broth and spaghetti. Along with him, other important ramen chefs are also presented, each with their own philosophy, testifying to how many different aspects go through this wonderful world. In short, the advice is to see this film, which also traces the historical roots, for a truly complete 360 ° look at Japanese ramen culture.
25. Fast Food Nation
A necessary documentary film, which lays bare the reality of fast food in America. Director Richard Linklater conducts an investigation into all the economic and commercial interests behind the American food industry, those that for many reasons should be kept hidden.
24. Lunchbox
Director Ritesh Batra talks about the "dabbawallas" system which every day (inside the lunchboxes) deliver about 200 thousand hot meals cooked at home to workers and employees who work in the offices in the city. These bellboys move by bike, public transport and trains and eventually bring empty containers back to families. This delivery method is a real tradition in India, studied by the largest universities for its precision. On average, in fact, this system counts an error on millions and in the film it is the case of the protagonist, Saajan, who receives the Ila lunchbox …
23. The Villani
Beautiful film by Daniele De Michele, aka Don Pasta, which tells various Italian traditions through the story of 8 characters from 4 different generations. There is a 50-year-old farmer who spends his days bringing cattle to pasture and milking cows; a farmer who keeps his family working hard and therefore finds himself forced to stay away from home; then there is a group of octopus and mussel fishermen; and, again, a lady who always prepares fresh egg pasta. In short, a trip to the most beautiful Italy, a must see.
22. And now where are we going?
In this great film by Lebanese director Nadine Labaki (former author of the wonderful Caramel), food becomes a way to distract men from conflict. We are in a small village where Christians and Arabs apparently coexist in peace. But after a small episode ancient grudges return. So women devise various stratagems to bring peace to the country, taking their men … by the throat! There are also some beautiful music scenes (which according to the director derive from her love for the film Grease), such as when women are gathered in a large table and cook singing, hoping to bring joy and peace back to the country .
21. Our Daily Bread
It seems to live the whole film in first person, perhaps because they are issues that concern us. The intent, in fact, is to unmask what is behind the production of food, that food that comes to us every day on the table, our daily bread (hence the title). And to make this documentary even more impactful, the whole film is silent, people do not speak, only the noises of the conveyor belts and the immense machinery of intensive farming are heard, as if to say: "Words are not needed".
20. The chocolate factory
Few perhaps do not know this film, present both in the original version of Mel Stuart in 1971, and in the last of Tim Burton in 2005 with Johnny Depp. In both cases, these are two masterpieces, also because it could not be otherwise since they are taken from that great book by Roald Dahl, which passes the years but continues to make us dream inside that chocolate factory, young and old.
19. The mid-August lunch
Delicious comedy by Gianni Di Gregorio that revolves around the mid-August lunch, prepared by the protagonist for his mom and his friends. We laugh from start to finish: yet another confirmation that he sits at the table more to feel good than to eat.
18. Twentieth century
A masterpiece of that genius of Bernardo Bertolucci (one of my favorite directors) who leaves us an indelible film on the Emilia countryside of the twentieth century, peasant traditions, family rites. And, as a background, a piece of fundamental history, such as the partisans' struggle against fascism.
17. Super Size Me
Director Morgan Spurlock decides to experiment on himself by eating McDonald's for a month at breakfast, lunch and dinner, to show the deleterious effects of fast food. Already in the second week, doctors are stunned by the changes in his body and weight and warn him to stop immediately so as not to create permanent damage to his health, especially the liver. A useful alarm bell based on real and concrete data that reminds us that in the United States one in four people suffer from obesity, and one obese young person in three can have diabetes, which if developed before the age of 15 can shorten the life of well 17 years.
16. West Bank Story
This short documentary by American director Ari Sandel won the Oscar for best short film in 2006, for treating the Arab-Israeli conflict in an ironic (and music) key. There are two kiosks one attached to the other that make hummus and falafel: one Israeli, Kosher King, and the other Palestinian, Hummus Hut. Following a dispute, it is once again the food that shows how close we are to what we believe, so much so that in the end they both realize they need each other, then finding them so close (watch it on Youtube , it only lasts 20 minutes and it's really worth it!).
The big binge (Wikipedia).
15. Soul kitchen
Beautiful film focused on the frenetic, dynamic and passionate life of a young cook, who must manage to keep his own premises, obtained from an old warehouse. And it does so by revolutionizing its way of cooking, starting from very simple dishes, up to cooking increasingly complex dishes. We do not anticipate anything else, except that it is yet another confirmation that the Turkish Faith Akin (also author of The Turkish Bride) is a great director.
14. The farm of our dreams
Recent American documentary that tells the (true) story of Molly and John Chester (who is also the director), who decide to invest everything they have to make their dream come true: to build a farm by cultivating and raising animals in harmony with nature. But nature, however wonderful, can also be unpredictable, demonstrating its strength to man.
13. Midnight dinner Tokyo stories
It is a series on Netflix, various episodes all set in a Tokyo night restaurant, where various characters meet. There is, for example, a radio speaker and a friend of his, who meet each evening after work over a plate of ramen to talk about their daily adventures. And so on, showing us the most intimate part of a big city, a small place where everyone feels at home, just like there are many in Japan.
12. Couscous
Another great film by Abdellatif Kechinche (they are all wonderful, he is another of my favorite directors), which revolves around a family who has to open a restaurant on a boat in the port of Sète, the city of Georges Brassens. But as in all the best stories, things do not go smoothly and so, waiting for the cous cous to arrive for various inaugurations, there will be one of the most beautiful scenes in the history of cinema. Couscous is a constant throughout the film, as a moment of sharing par excellence.
11. Ratatouille
Cartoon for young and old that tells the adventures of the mouse Remy and his dream of becoming a great chef. And it succeeds, given that it conquers even the most famous gastronomic critic in Paris, Anton Ego, with the Ratatouille dish, which will then become the name of a small bistro with a floor entirely dedicated to mice.
10. Big Night
Here the life of two restaurateur brothers is told in an ironic and extremely realistic way, in particular the organization of a very important dinner where all the typical unexpected events of the trade will emerge. The breakfast scene in the kitchen is unforgettable!
9. The wind makes its turn
Who better than Giorgio Rights, with this 2007 masterpiece, managed to make the atmosphere of a small mountain town in the Alps. In this beautiful film, which wrote the history of Italian cinema, there is a phrase that says : "Culture comes from living together day after day" in reference to the country where the pastor arrives and upsets because "the real transgression is to change, to do what you really want to do even if the greatest fear is not being adequate to the life".
8. The Founder
One cannot help but see the film that traces the entire history of McDonald, from the birth as a small kiosk of the two brothers of the same name, to the transformation into a chain now widespread all over the world. When you finish it you will understand why!
7. The big binge
It can remember a few days during the quarantine, when obsessed with lack of food we stormed supermarkets. In this film, set in France in the 1970s, the director wants to show that the exaggeration of pleasures, from sex to food, if taken to the extreme, can also cause death.
6. The Ramen girl
The food that consoles. After being left by her boyfriend, Abby finds consolation in a ramen dish in the bistro below the house. From that moment on, he decided to learn how to cook to perfection, so he started working with a Japanese chef, completing his apprenticeship with determination, until his dream came true.
5. The Hoof Tree
A masterpiece, a fundamental film, which should be part of all school programs. This great work by Ermanno Olmi tells in a unique and anthropological way the life of the farmers at the end of the nineteenth century in the lower Bergamo area, giving us an indelible photograph of a lost time, far from any form of technology and perhaps for this better.
4. Chocolat
One of the most romantic love films there is, with the timeless Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. But beyond love in Chocolat there is more: there is that immense link between food and religion, with all the prohibitions and taboos that every faith brings with it. And in this small French Catholic town we are in the period of Lent and the opening of a chocolate shop is certainly not frowned upon.
3. Zoran, my stupid nephew
Although this film by Matteo Oleotto does not speak properly of food, it does breathe the atmosphere of the Friulian osmize well. These are unique realities, similar to the branches, originally born from farms that opened the front door to feed the products of the harvest in abundance. Today the spirit has not changed: in the branches and osmize it seems to eat at home, only a few months of the year are open and they are real meeting places (and places of worship).
2. Babette's lunch
A true classic, which many perhaps we have seen right at school. Once again the world of food is connected to the religious one, this time in the Protestant environment of a place in Denmark, held by two sisters who will have to welcome a person who comes from a completely different context from theirs.
1. The hole
It has depopulated on Netflix, provoking often divergent criticisms and stimulating various reflections on the main theme: social inequality. The Spanish director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia has chosen to treat these subjects in a crude way, because the reality of the growing differences between rich and poor is raw and urgent. And to make the idea of a closed system, the film is set in a prison that develops in height, a 333-storey skyscraper with 2 inmates on each floor, for a total of 666 people (the devil's number). In this structure in the center there is a hole called "the pit", where every 24 hours a platform descends which starts full of wanted food (the favorite dishes of each prisoner) from floor 0 and which if equally distributed between the various floors should be able to feed even the top floor. It should. But it's not like that at all.
The role of food in defining the characters of Martin Scorsese's films. From his first film of 1967 to "The Irishman", in theaters from November 27th
Constants are important. Especially when they seem a trivial thing that, in the end, turns out to be the key to understanding a work that is over fifty years long. This is the case of the use of food in Martin Scorsese's filmography, one of the most prolific and appreciated by the critics that returns to talk about thanks to The Irishman, the film that brings together Robert De Niro and Al Pacino who, after a brief passage in the theater, will be available on Netflix starting November 27th. A gangster story, inspired by the novel by Charles Brandt and dedicated to the death of Jimmy Hoffa, who was defined by his rival Robert Kennedy: "The most powerful man in the United States after the president". A strong, powerful film, which brings Scorsese back to the dark and cold atmospheres of the first masterpieces and which reopens a chapter never completely concluded in his works: the kitchen that remains in the background and is the glue of everything. Beyond the scene where the Jordan Belfort played by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street launches a couple of huge lobsters against some FBI agents, it is interesting to note that many of the director's films are full of extravagant restaurants, smoky rooms and diners lit only by the faint light of a neon.
November 15, Hollywood, California, Martin Scorsese (photo by Michael Kovac / Getty Images for Netflix).
The food and the characters of Martin Scorsese
On Scorsese's table there seem to be no nuances: the characters either eat like kings or eat like tramps. A double soul that is often found in the same work. In Who is knocking on my door of 1967, his first film, we can glimpse, for example, immediately one of the scenes so dear to the imagination of the director: the bar as the setting of three "bad boys" who rack their brains to find the solution to a problem. And if in Mean Streets – Sunday in church, Monday to hell (1973) Harvey Keitel boasted of a "sandwich of desires", the thought immediately runs to Taxi Driver (1976), probably his most popular film. The protagonist, Travis, immediately reveals a relationship with particular food, idiosyncratic: "May 26th. At 4 o'clock I took Betsy to the Charles Coffee Shop on Columbus Circle. I ordered black coffee and an apple pie with a slice of melted yellow cheese. I think it was a good choice. Betsy had ordered coffee and a plate of fruit salad. He could have had everything he wanted, "explains Travis at one point, played by that Robert De Niro who four years later in wild bull he would teach his wife the trick to cook the perfect steak. Attention to detail, however, focuses on Those good guys (1990) and garlic which must be treated thinly, with no margin of error. All to pass, then, from the refined oysters swallowed whole The age of innocence (1993), eponymous adaptation of the novel by Edith Wharton, a Gangs of New York (2002), when the bars were full of sloppy people drinking draft beer and surrounding themselves with the company of beautiful women in the middle of the night. The maximum of opulence is reached, however, in The Aviator (2004), when the Howard Hughes starring Leonardo DiCaprio tries to impress Hepburn by using bread as a means of explaining the mechanics of the Air Corps, passing, however, for a simpleton and nothing more. The laid table, which sees food more as a challenge to be won than as a trophy to be exhibited, is also the basis of The Wolf of Wall Street. In this sense, the scene in which Jonah Hill puts a goldfish in his mouth is memorable only to be able to prove that he is all-powerful, to be able to do whatever he wants because he is allowed. In this sense, the dishes and the table are considered as indispensable means for the construction of a character, a mirror of the integrity or undoing of the human condition that Scorsese continues to tell us through his films.
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