The Unofficial Recipes of The Hunger Games (23 page)

PEETA'S POSITIVELY AWESOME ROASTED RACCOON

SERVES 4

Katniss and her family relied on game meats to get by and escape starvation. None of the animals in the nearby woods would have been passed up as a source of meat.

Raccoons have a lot of meat, though they tend to be a bit greasy, much the way bear is. The meat can also be a bit tough; so don't skip the meat tenderizer.

5-POUND RACCOON, DRESSED AND BUTCHERED

½ CUP BARBEQUE SAUCE

3 TABLESPOONS MEAT TENDERIZER

2 CUPS DIET COLA

1 GALLON WATER

1 STICK BUTTER

3 GARLIC CLOVES, CHOPPED

1 TABLESPOON SALT

10 SLICES BACON

1 SMALL ONION

Put the raccoon in a baking bag and add the barbeque sauce, meat tenderizer and diet cola.

Marinate for 8 hours.

Transfer the raccoon to stockpot, add the water, butter, garlic and salt, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer.

Cook 1–1½ hours. Remove raccoon from stockpot and debone.

Chop up the bacon and onion. Fry them in a large skillet until almost done and add the raccoon meat.

Cook an additional 15 minutes and serve.

CAPITOL FRIED SQUIRREL WINGS

SERVES 5

Squirrel was a welcome source of meat in Katniss' hunting days with Gale, and is mentioned several times throughout the trilogy.

Fried squirrel tastes similar to fried chicken, though it may be a bit greasier. The legs even look like small chicken wing drums. Breaded and tossed in buffalo sauce, they're absolutely delicious. It does take several squirrels to make these though.

½ CUP PEANUT OIL

¼ CUP FLOUR

½ TEASPOON PEPPER

1 TEASPOON SALT

10 SQUIRREL LEGS

¼ CUP HOT SAUCE

¼ CUP MELTED BUTTER

1 STALK CELERY

1 CUP BLUE CHEESE DRESSING

Preheat a cast iron skillet with ½ cup oil until hot.

Combine the flour, pepper and salt.

Rinse the squirrel legs and dust in the flour mixture.

Fry the legs for 5–10 minutes, or until golden brown.

In a medium bowl, combine the hot sauce and butter.

When the legs are done, put them in the bowl and toss in the sauce.

Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery.

GREASY SAE'S BAKED GROUNDHOG

SERVES 6

It's not easy to come up with dishes that are both nutritious and palatable, but Greasy Sae was at the top of her class when it came to this exercise. This baked groundhog tops the charts in both flavor and creativity.

Look online for a reputable game meats retailer if you don't hunt yourself or know a local hunter. Groundhog has a slightly gamey taste, but is quite nutritious and most people enjoy the flavor.

1 LARGE GROUNDHOG

1 TABLESPOON APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

½ CUP CORNMEAL

½ CUP FLOUR

2 TEASPOONS SALT

1 TEASPOON PAPRIKA

1 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER

Butcher the groundhog like you would a chicken, breaking down the legs, thighs and breasts.

Soak the meat in apple cider vinegar and one quart of water overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the cornmeal, flour, paprika, salt and pepper together.

Roll the pieces of groundhog in the mixture and place on a baking sheet.

Bake 35–40 minutes, or until tender.

GALE'S RAT ON A STICK

SERVES 1–2, DEPENDING UPON THE SIZE OF THE RAT

When you're hungry and food is scarce, you eat what you can catch and hope that it's safe to build a fire without being caught by the Careers.

This recipe is strictly for the truly adventurous, but if it's authenticity you seek, this is where you'll find it. It's up to you to find your own rat; even game retailers don't sell it.

1 LARGE RAT, SKINNED AND DRESSED

1 TABLESPOON SALT

1 SKEWER, EITHER METAL OR WOODEN

Sprinkle the salt over the rat. Skewer the rat on a stick and roast over an open fire or on the grill.

Cook for 20 minutes, or until meat is cooked through and pulls away from the bone.

KEEP YOU GOING POSSUM ENTRAILS STEW

SERVES 1

It may not sound like the most appetizing dish, but if possum entrails are all you have, they sure are
better than nothing. It's still protein, and it'll keep you fighting one more day. This is the sensibility that dictated the diets of the trilogy's main characters.

If you're going to prepare one of the other possum dishes in this book, freeze the entrails to use for this recipe.

2 CUPS BOILING WATER

1 TABLESPOON SALT

ENTRAILS FROM 1 POSSUM, INCLUDING STOMACH, LIVER, LUNGS, KIDNEYS, HEART AND INTESTINES

1 TOMATO, CHOPPED IN HALF

1 POTATO, QUARTERED

1 ONION, QUARTERED

FRESH GROUND PEPPER

Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.

Add the entrails and veggies to the 2 cups of water.

Boil for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is semi-tender.

Add pepper. If you have fresh herbs such as basil or oregano, that would be great as well.

If not, enjoy!

FRIED SNAKE STEAK

SERVES 1–3, DEPENDING UPON THE SIZE OF THE SNAKE

Snake is actually a delicacy in many parts of the world and, when cooked properly, is delicious. Katniss would have surely eaten it, as her views on food were very pragmatic.

Snake can be purchased at many game butchers or ordered online. Alternatively, you could go out and find your own. Don't forget to proceed with caution, as some snakes are poisonous.

¼ CUP FLOUR

1 TEASPOON CRUSHED RED PEPPER

1 TABLESPOON SALT

½ TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER

1 SNAKE, SKINNED, CLEANED AND SLICED INTO 1-INCH STEAKS

2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL

Combine the flour, crushed red pepper, salt and black pepper.

Heat the oil in a medium-to-large skillet on high heat.

Roll the snake steaks in the flour mixture and add to the hot oil.

Fry 3–4 minutes on each side, until brown and done through the middle. The meat should be white and opaque.

KATNISS' BAKED PIGEON

SERVES 1

Pigeons may seem like dirty birds, but when your stomach's growling and you're getting lightheaded from hunger, it's likely that they're extremely tasty.

There may not be any salt or herbs if you're out hunting, but this recipe adds seasoning for a better taste. Pigeons are small birds once dressed, but the meat is tender and juicy.

1½ TABLESPOON BUTTER, SOFTENED

1 TEASPOON SALT

2 BASIL LEAVES, CHOPPED

2 SPRIGS OF PARSLEY, CHOPPED

1 PIGEON, PLUCKED AND GUTTED

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the butter, salt, basil and parsley to make herb butter.

Thoroughly rinse the pigeon with cold water. Trim away the excess fat.

Rub the herb butter on the pigeon and inside the cavity. Get it between the skin and the meat if you can do so.

Place on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until meat easily pulls away from the bone.

GREASY SAE'S BADGER STEW

SERVES 4

Greasy Sae cooked whatever meat she was lucky enough to be given. This was true in the Hub and remained true after she was relocated to District 13.

If you can manage to find a badger and kill it, it's delicious meat. This wonderful stew is rich with broth and extremely nutritious.

1 MEDIUM BADGER, CLEANED, DEBONED AND BUTCHERED

2 TABLESPOONS SALT

1 TABLESPOON FRESH GROUND PEPPER

½ CUP FLOUR

¼ CUP VEGETABLE OIL

1 ONION, CHOPPED

1 POUND OF CARROTS, PEELED AND CHUNKED

1 CUP CELERY, CHOPPED

3 CLOVES GARLIC, CHOPPED

4 SPRIGS ROSEMARY

1 TABLESPOON THYME

2 CUPS WATER, APPROXIMATE

4 POTATOES, CUBED

2 ACORN SQUASH, PEELED AND CUBED

Trim fat from badger and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Salt and pepper the badger liberally, then toss in flour.

In a large stockpot, heat the oil on medium-heat.

Add the badger and onions to the stockpot. Sauté until the badger is browned on all sides, stirring frequently.

Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic and herbs. Add water until the meat is covered.

Bring to a boil and cook until the carrots begin to get tender.

Add the rest of the vegetables.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat and vegetables are fully cooked and fork tender.

Add water as needed to keep the stew from boiling dry.

GRILLED MINNOW HASH

SERVES 2

In
Catching Fire
, Katniss discovered little minnows in the Arena that may be similar to the ones used in this recipe. If she came across them in
Mockingjay
she would have likely indulged. Fish is extremely nutritious, but the big ones aren't always readily available. All you need is a net or cloth and you can scoop
the small ones right up.

If you can't find minnows then substitute smelt, which are commonly found in most seafood sections at the supermarket. You can also purchase them frozen if nothing else is available.

1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL

10 MINNOWS

1 SMALL ONION, SLICED

1 TEASPOON SALT

1 TEASPOON LEMON JUICE

1 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER

2 MEDIUM POTATOES, CUBED SMALL

Heat the oil in a large skillet and add all of the ingredients except the potatoes.

Cook over medium heat. Place a lid on the skillet so that the fish can steam and the bones can soften.

About 5 minutes before the fish is done, add the potatoes and cook covered for 10 minutes.

Uncover and cook until the entire dish begins to brown and crisp.

FRIED SNAIL SCAMPI

SERVES 2

Deliciously decadent, when snails are prepared properly, you'll never know that you're eating snails. All of the ingredients in this recipe are local to the Appalachian region, so this dish is something that may have been served in any of the Appalachian-area districts.

You can find fresh snails wild in many parts of the country, but they're also commonly sold at many seafood and gourmet markets.

4 CUPS SALTED WATER

10 LARGE SNAILS

2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER

½ CUP DANDELION WINE

½ SMALL ONION, CHOPPED

2 CLOVES GARLIC, CHOPPED

4 SLICES RUSTIC BREAD, TOASTED

Bring 4 cups water to boil in a medium-size pot.

Blanch the snails in the boiling salt water for a few minutes.

Drain the snails and set aside.

Melt the butter in a skillet on medium-high heat.

When the butter is no longer frothy, add the wine, onions and garlic.

When the onions begin to become translucent, add the snails.

Once the snails are cooked through, remove from the fire and serve with a side of bread.

SECTION FOUR

CELEBRATING THE HUNGER GAMES

19
LET THE GAMES BEGIN

19

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

HUNGER GAMES
-THEMED PARTIES
are a great way to transport you and your friends back into the post-apocalyptic world known as Panem. Parties also provide an excellent excuse to prepare an assortment of the recipes offered in this cookbook.

This section offers party menus that allow you and your guests the opportunity to inhabit District 12 and devour the more rustic and unusual foods of the series. Or better yet, take a trip to the Capitol and treat your guests to a table filled with opulence and delicacies.

No matter what type of
Hunger Games
party you decide to host, this section offers plenty of ideas to get you started. The menus for kids offer dishes that youngsters will love, such as All for Rue Groosling Legs and Pale Purple Melon. Adventurous teens can experiment with the rustic menu, while a more mature audience will find pleasure engaging in conversation over an elegant dinner party at the Capitol.

From President Snow's Snowy Rose Cupcakes to Capitol Lamb Stew with Plums, there's a dish for everyone and every type of party.

Like the books themselves,
Hunger Games
-themed celebrations provide entertainment for all ages.

DECEPTIVELY SWEET PARTY FOR KIDS

SNACKS

Fence-Roasted Tree Nuts

Backpack Treasure Dried Fruits

Arena Beef Strips

Orange and Sweet Berry Coolers

ENTREES AND SIDES

All for Rue Groosling Legs

Burnt “Tree Rat” for the Timid

Goat Cheese Toasts With Fresh Apple

Homesick Cheese Buns

Pale Purple Melon

Deceptively Sweet Berry Syrup Soda

DESSERTS

Cake on Fire

No Manners Needed Chocolate Cake

This section includes menu plans for kids, but don't forget the activities. Set up your own “Hunger Games” by creating an obstacle course where kids can compete as individuals or as boy/girl tribute teams. Turn up the heat and hold a reaping to draw teams for paired competitions like a balloon toss or three-legged races. When it comes time to serve the snacks, hide them in a bag and have the kids “hunt” for their food.

CHILDREN AT THE CAPITOL

SNACKS

Disappearing Mints

Catching Fire Lamb Puffs

Fancy Capitol Cream-Filled Cookies

ENTREES AND SIDES

Flower-Shaped Rolls

Noodles in Green Sauce

Deliciously Simple Grilled Groosling Kebabs

Chestnut and Apple Salad With Toasted Bread Croutons

DESSERTS

President Snow's Snowy Rose Cupcakes

Peppermint Ice Cream

CORNUCOPIA BUFFET FOR KIDS

SNACKS AND TREATS

Jewel-Colored Mosaic Gelatin

Cold Raspberry Soup With Fresh Berries

District 11's Seeded Crescent Loaf

ENTREES AND SIDES

Real Bakery Loaf Bread

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Prim's Hearty Beef Stew

Baby Vegetables in Lemon Butter Sauce

DESSERTS

Cake on Fire

Juicy Chocolate Citrus Cake

A RUSTIC MENU FOR ADVENTUROUS TEENS

SNACKS AND TREATS

Better Than Nothing Bread With Moldy Cheese and Mustard Sauce

Pepper Jack and Chive Muffins

Mellark Bakery's Goat Cheese and Apple Tarts

Finnick and Annie's Wedding Cider

ENTRÉES AND SIDES

Charred Tree Rat

Peeta's Multigrain Bread

Goat Trader's Stew

Campfire Bony Fish on a Stick

DESSERTS

Tiny Plum Tarts

Peeta's Sweet Breakfast Rolls

Irresistible Hot Chocolate

Teens and young adults are probably the most intense
Hunger Games
fans there are. And since nobody knows
Hunger Games
trivia like this age group, trilogy trivia could be a great group activity. For the more adventurous teens, stage a pre-meal “Hunger Games” with a lively scavenger hunt.

TEENS PARTYING AT THE CAPITOL

SNACKS AND TREATS

Goose Liver and Puffy Bread

Fruit-and-Herb-Stuffed Portobello Caps

District 12 Jerky

ENTREES AND SIDES

Beloved Lamb Stew With Dried Plums

Flower-Shaped Rolls

Sweet Peas With Tiny Onions

Taste of Spring Soup

Orange Chicken in Cream Sauce

DESSERTS

Cake on Fire

Chocolate Covered Cherry Custard

CORNUCOPIA BUFFET FOR ADULTS

SNACKS AND TREATS

Prim's Goat Cheese Gifts

Real Bakery Loaf Bread

Thick and Creamy Carrot Soup

Backpack Treasure Dried Fruits

ENTREES AND SIDES

Noodles in Green Sauce

Fish Cakes With Wasabi-Lime Mayo

Homesick Cheese Buns

Watercress and Almond Salad

DESSERTS

Golden Cornucopia Cake

Lavender Cookies Fit for a President

Costumes add an extra flavor of festivity to any party, and even more so when it comes to showcasing the exotic garb worn by the characters in the
Hunger Games
trilogy. From the drab apparel in District 12 to the over-the-top flamboyancy at the Capitol, invite your guests to use their creativity to bring the characters of
The Hunger Games
to life.

DINING WITH PRESIDENT SNOW

APPETIZERS

Sweet Raw Shellfish

Creamy Mixed Mushroom Soup

ENTREES AND SIDES

District 4's Loaves and Fishes

Sweet Peas With Tiny Onions

Bitter Greens With Pea-Sized Tomatoes

Beloved Lamb Stew With Dried Plums

DESSERTS

Fiery Spirits Banana Rum Cake

Golden Honey Custard

CONCLUSION

C
reative edibles combined with a passion for the
Hunger Games
is a recipe for adventure. The
Hunger Games
trilogy has become a phenomenon, not only because it's wonderfully crafted, but also because the story and the characters are so compelling. Food is practically its own character in the
Hunger Games
trilogy; it was scarce and precious to Panem's poor, and a status symbol to the rich. The lack of food in the Districts and the abundance of it in the Capitol was at the foundation of Katniss' adventure.