Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians – The Official Cookbook
OK, I admit it. I am new to the popular “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” young-adult book series by American author Rick Riordan, and the Disney+ TV series of the same name. But after reviewing the latest Disney-themed cookbook from Insight Editions – Disney Percy Jackson and the Olympians The Official Cookbook, I might just be a new fan!
Appropriately titled “Percy Jackson and the Olympians – The Official Cookbook,” this new volume shares more than 60 recipes inspired by the books and the show, which in turn are heavily influenced by Greek mythology. Percy is, in fact, a “half-blood” — that is to say, he’s a demigod, son of the Greek god Poseidon (god of the oceans) and a mortal woman, Sally Jackson.
In honor of Percy’s Greek origins, many of the recipes in this new cookbook are based on items from Greek cuisine that you may already be familiar with. You’ll find the “how-to” instructions for such Greek staples as Souvlaki, Tzatziki, Spanakopita, Moussaka, and the honey-dripping dessert, Baklava.
And if you’re willing to try some lesser-known Greek specialties, you’ll also find details on putting together Greek breads like Eliopsomo and Daktyla, as well as Patates Lemonates, Oyakodon, Melopita and Greek pizza-like dish called Ladenia.
Percy’s satyr friend Grover Underwood is presented as the book’s “author” (it’s actually written by former chef and food writer Jarrett Melendez), “aided” by Percy’s girlfriend Annabeth Chase, who has conveniently pencilled-in some tips and tricks throughout.
Aside from their involvement with Greek mythology, the adventurous trio are in many ways typical American teens/satyr, so it’s no surprise they include other, less-ethnic dishes, such as Sally Jackson’s Seven-Layer Dip, Auntie Em’s Double Smashburger and Oven Baked BBQ Brisket.
Some of these dishes are also reflective of the different “quests” that Percy, Annabeth and Grover have gone on, which have included such diverse locations as St. Louis, New York and… Hades, the mythic Underworld. That’s why you’ll find instructions on making New York-style Bagels and both NYC-style and St. Louis-style Pizza, as well as Cerberus’s Pet-Friendly Treats, special biscuits for dogs like the three-headed canine of Hades.
In addition, there’s a preponderance of foods that are blue — which I recently learned is Percy Jackson’s favorite color. (His is, after all, son of the god of the deep blue sea!) Blue is my favorite, too, so I’m game to try the recipes for Blue Smoothie, Blue Velvet Cake and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookies — just have to remember to keep that blue food coloring handy.
Like all of the other Insight Editions cookbooks I’ve reviewed the past few years, this 144-page volume is chock full of beautifully staged photographs of the featured foods and beverages. There are also generous helpings of tasty narratives that place each item firmly in Percy’s world. Take, for example, the description for the BBQ Brisket: “Who would have ever guessed that dryads are natural pit bosses? BBQ pits, that is. Percy looks fondly upon this recipe because brisket was his first dinner when he arrived at Camp Half-Blood…” Intros like this set the stage for each recipe, giving you insight into the series and perhaps the origins of the dish as well.
This cookbook features a wide variety of recipes for all skill levels, from the aforementioned, super-easy Blue Smoothie (just takes five minutes to put together!) to the time-consuming Daktyla, which are long, thin, sort of finger-shaped rolls that take about four hours from start to finish.
The book also contains a handy glossary of terms and a table with measurement conversions. For those readers with special dietary considerations (gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan), the recipes have been coded, along with occasional suggestions for how they might be altered to suit your individual needs.
Whether you’re a die-hard Percy Jackson fan or simply a cook who likes to try new things, this cookbook will both entertain and educate, while you concoct some flavorful, imaginative dishes.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Official Cookbook” is available now and retails for $27.99.
And get ready for the next installment of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, coming to Disney+ in 2025, with this teaser video!
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** A review copy of this book was provided to us
