Book Review: GASTRONOGEEK GOTHIC RECIPES

Cassie Holguin

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The cover for Gastronogeek Gothic Recipes features a black and teal design including all things gothic like crows, skulls, and bats.

Thank you to Titan Books for a copy of Gastronogeek Gothic Recipes in exchange for an honest review. 

The Gastronogeek Cookbook series by Thibaud Villanova focuses on creating gourmet-style recipes inspired by the most beloved icons of pop culture. For 10 years, Chef Villanova has surprised us over and over with truly delicious meals that embody some of our favorite shows, movies and video games. In Gastronogeek Gothic Recipes, the focus is on those that send chills up your spine. 

Gastronogeek Gothic Recipes

To help set the mood, the author was kind enough to begin the cookbook with a music playlist. If you are like me and love to listen to music while cooking, the list includes songs from BeetlejuiceCorpse BrideBram Stoker’s Dracula and more. Even the Tales from the Crypt theme song is on the list, which has always been a favorite of mine. Also, I never knew Danny Elfman wrote that song until now, but it definitely makes sense.  

Left is Villanova's playlist for setting the mood while cooking. Right are his movie, TV, and book recommendations.
Photo courtesy of Cassie Holguin.

If you have more time because you are simmering a stew or waiting for the oven, Chef Thibaud also includes a list of spooky movies to watch and books to read while you wait. Watch The Addams Family while you wait for your Girl Scout Cookies to bake. Or read the Hellboy comic while waiting for Baba Yaga’s Soup to simmer. 

RELATED: Book Review: Gastronogeek: The Book of Potions

Stews, Brews and Boos

Gastronogeek Gothic Recipes includes over 40 recipes categorized by Starters, On the Go, Main Dishes, Desserts and Drinks. So, whether you are looking for a warm soup for the cold weather or a strong drink for a party, this book has you covered. Best of all, with Gothic Recipes, you don’t have to wait all year long for spooky inspiration.

Left is an elaborately set table featuring a bowl of soup. Right is A Soup with Baba Yaga recipe.
Photo courtesy of Cassie Holguin.

Chef Villanova delves into the darkness of 36 gothic pop culture realms, including Supernatural, Locke and Key and Evil Dead. Of course, several Tim Burton classics made the cut. For the anime fans, try the Tempura for Inosukee from Demon Slayer or Gracia Hughes’ quiche inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. There is even a little something for the gamers with Mr. Luggs’ feast from Luigi’s Mansion and Trout a la Tepes inspired by Castlevania

RELATED: Book Review: Gastronogeek Anime Cookbook

Gothic Recipes is easy on the eyes, organized and a pleasure to read through. Although some of the recipes involve unconventional ingredients and methods, there are plenty of concoctions for the less adventurous cooks. Luckily, each recipe has a difficulty indicator, along with everything else you need to know before you begin.   

A Padded Stew from Penny Dreadful

A bowl of stew sits in front of Gastronogeek Gothic recipe book opened to A Padded Stew recipe from Penny Dreadful.
Photo courtesy of Cassie Holguin.

Penny Dreadful is one of my favorite shows ever, and beef stew is one of my favorite foods, so it was a no-brainer to try A Padded Stew. This beef stew is slow-cooked in dark beer (I used Guinness) for four hours and is just the thing to keep the cold away. Typically, I do not care for recipes cooked in beer, but this stew changed my mind. After cooking, there is no alcoholic taste, just a rich flavor that sets this stew apart from others I have made.

A closeup of a bowl of A Padded Stew from Penny Dreadful.
Photo courtesy of Cassie Holguin.

I already had most of the ingredients in my kitchen, and the process was pretty painless. Like any slow-cooking recipe, the worst part is smelling it all day and not being able to eat it. Overall, there were no complaints, and even more telling, no leftovers. Even the buttered spinach side was a hit, and my eight-year-old has actually been requesting it. Yes, my child has been begging me to make spinach. Chef Villanova, I cannot thank you enough for that. 

RELATED: Book Review: Gastronogeek: Cult TV Series

To Read or Not to Read 

Once again, thanks to Chef Thibaud Villanova, I have a tasty new recipe in my wheelhouse and my kids are requesting vegetables. As if you need any more convincing, the cover alone is enough to make it worth having. Altogether, the cover, the photos and the illustrations amount to one beautiful book. However, it is more than just a pretty face because the variety of recipes will have you reaching for this one again and again.

Left is the recipe for The Yeti'tini of the Ball from Wednesday. Right is a picture of a smoking blue drink in a martini glass.
Photo courtesy of Cassie Holguin.

This is the case with all of the Gastronogeek cookbooks. I made a recipe from the Cult TV Series book for Christmas because my family loved it so much the first time I made it. These books have truly reignited my passion for cooking, and I hope they do the same for you. Definitely grab Gastronogeek Gothic Recipes for yourself or anyone in your life who appreciates creepy cuisine. As for me, I am headed to the kitchen because I’m now ravenous after looking through this book again.  

Gastronogeek Gothic Recipes is now available; visit your local bookstore or get your copy from Titan Books

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