Thank you to Insight Editions for a copy of The Elder Scrolls: Tastes and Tales from Tamriel in exchange for an honest review.
The Elder Scrolls: Tastes and Tales from Tamriel is the second volume of official cookbooks featuring some of the most delightful delicacies from all over Tamriel. Tastes and Tales from Tamriel is told from the perspective of Urzhag gro-Larak, an orc who was bullied growing up because he preferred books over battles. After learning to cook from Uncommon Taste, a well-known cookbook, the overlooked orc finally finds his place in the world.
The Elder Scrolls: Tastes and Tales from Tamriel
Fate brings Urzhag gro-Larak to the writer of Uncommon Taste, who agrees to mentor the orc for a short time. The aspiring chef promises their mentor to travel across Tamriel to capture every flavor the continent has to offer. Sadly, Urzhag’s mentor dies before the student returns with his comprehensive Tastes and Tales from Tamriel.
Just as Urzhag believes his life’s work was for nothing, he learns his battle-hardened sister has been using his recipes to become quite a chef herself. Consequently, the chef realizes that the purpose of his journey is to share his passion for Tamriel lore, including its cuisine. Hopefully, this volume will ignite the same spark in others and bring people together.
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From Breakfast to Beverages
Luckily, Victoria Rosenthal and Erin Kwong have translated Urzhag’s cookbook into an easy-to-understand compilation of 70 recipes, covering everything from breakfast to beverages. The entire list of food categories includes breakfast, appetizers, bread, soups and stews, entrees, sides, desserts and beverages.
Going on a long journey? Make a batch of Troll Fat Jerky to get you through the most harrowing of adventures. Or perhaps you are settling in for a cozy night in your keep. In that case, warm up with a nice bowl of Argonian Pumpkin Stew. Delight your friends at the next gathering when you put the Stonetooth Bash Chicken on the table. If you have a sweet tooth instead of a stone tooth, try something from the dessert menu, like the Colovian War Torte.
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Colovian War Torte
In times of war, the Imperial Forces would bring the Colovian War Torte along on marches to encourage camaraderie among their forces. While my situation was much more light-hearted, the intention and results were the same. I have always loved carrot cake, but my husband has never liked it. Therefore, I had never attempted to make one because I would be the only one eating it. However, when I saw this recipe, I thought that maybe if I made it myself, things would be different.
So, I rolled up my sleeves and hoped this Colovian War Torte would show my family how delicious carrot cake can be. And … it worked. Not only did my husband love the cake, but my little ones clamored for it as well. So, every night until the enormous cake was gone, we enjoyed a comforting slice of cake and a few laughs together. Thanks, Urzhag.
Helpful Extras
Each recipe in The Elder Scrolls: Tastes and Tales from Tamriel has a quick guide at the beginning that explains things like difficulty level, prep time, dietary notes and type of cuisine. Paired with the list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, I made the War Torte fairly easily. Additionally, the end of the book includes a list of the recipes by difficulty, dietary considerations and helpful measurements.
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To Read or Not to Read
Because most of the recipes in The Elder Scrolls: Tastes and Tales from Tamriel are meant to be gourmet, the ingredients aren’t the cheapest or easiest to find. In my area, things like oxtails, ducks and lamb are not so easy to come across. While a few recipes include ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, most recipes will take some planning. Tastes and Tales from Tamriel is best for Elder Scrolls collectors and/or those already relatively experienced cooks.
Even if you do not intend to cook from the book, there is so much lore that it’s worth a read-through. Urzhag gro-Larak’s heartfelt anecdotes highlight interesting Tamriel lore, and gorgeous Elder Scrolls-themed artwork is displayed throughout. As a die-hard Elder Scrolls fan and an ever-aspiring cook, both Elder Scrolls cookbooks are welcome additions to my kitchen shelves. Next, I look forward to making the Corrupting Bloody Mara and the Witchmother’s Party Punch because the Witches’ Festival is my favorite Elder Scrolls Online event.
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The Elder Scrolls: Tastes and Tales from Tamriel is now available. Check for it at your local bookstore or get it from Insight Editions.
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