The Unofficial Recipes of The Hunger Games (4 page)

THICK AND CREAMY CARROT SOUP

SERVES 4

For her first dinner aboard the train, Katniss had this rich and creamy soup made of carrots, a vegetable that probably hadn't been seen very often back home. It was just one of many courses on the train, but in Katniss' world it would have been a filling meal by itself.

This soup is wonderful with crusty bread and a green salad. It tastes even better after sitting, so make it a day ahead to allow the flavors to intensify.

1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL

1½ CUPS SWEET ONIONS (SUCH AS VIDALIA), CHOPPED

2 POUNDS CARROTS, PEELED AND CUT INTO 1-INCH PIECES

1 TEASPOON SALT

1 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER

½ TEASPOON GROUND GINGER

½ TEASPOON TARRAGON

3 CUPS FAT-FREE CHICKEN OR VEGETABLE BROTH

1 CUP WATER

2 TABLESPOONS HALF-AND-HALF

1 BUNCH PARSLEY (FOR GARNISH)

Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.

Add onion and carrots to pan and sauté for 15 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent.

Stir in the salt, pepper, ground ginger and the tarragon, and cook for 1 more minute.

Turn the heat on high and add the broth and water to the pot. Bring to a boil and cover, then turn the heat to low and simmer 30 minutes, or just until carrots are tender.

Remove from the burner and allow to cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the mixture into a large bowl or baking pan.

Once cooled, put carrot mixture in batches into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. (You can skip this step and use a hand blender if you have one.)

Pour blended batches back into the original pot. Add the half-and-half and stir well, then warm over low heat, stirring frequently until serving temperature.

Garnish with parsley if desired and serve with Fresh Green Salad, Tribute Lamb Chops and Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

FRESH GREEN SALAD

SERVES 4

While Katniss and Gale often had greens for their meals, they were usually cooked and used to make a meal more nutritious and filling. A fresh green salad such as this would have probably been something new to them in the Capitol. Since the residents of the Capitol were known for their love of sweets, this may have been served with a sweet dressing such as poppy seed or balsamic vinaigrette.

1 CUP FRESH SPINACH LEAVES RINSED

1 CUP MESCLUN GREENS RINSED

1 CUP ROMAINE LETTUCE, WASHED AND CHOPPED

¼ CUP SWEET POPPY SEED OR BALSAMIC DRESSING

In a large salad bowl, toss all of the greens with clean hands until well mixed.

Pour a little of the dressing over the greens and use two wooden spoons to turn greens until lightly coated. Add more dressing as needed.

Serve immediately.

TRIBUTE LAMB CHOPS

SERVES 4

The highlight of Katniss and Peeta's first meal on the train was these tender lamb chops. A rich dish for anyone, it was incredibly decadent to these young people who rarely had meat on the table.

Lamb absorbs the flavors of herbs beautifully, so use fresh herbs to get the best results. Allowing the meat to rest for 10 minutes after cooking will ensure that it's moist and flavorful.

2 TABLESPOONS PLUS 1 TEASPOON OLIVE OIL

1 TEASPOON FRESH ROSEMARY

1 TEASPOON FRESH TARRAGON

1 TEASPOON FRESH THYME

1 TEASPOON FRESH PARSLEY

2 CLOVES PEELED GARLIC

4 LAMB CHOPS CUT 1-INCH THICK

SALT AND PEPPER

Place olive oil, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, parsley and garlic in food processor until a fine puree is achieved. Set aside.

Salt and pepper both sides of each lamb chop.

Take ¼ of the herb mixture and rub onto both sides of each lamb chop, then place the herbed chops onto a plate.

Once all of the chops are covered with the mixture, cover the plate with plastic wrap and allow them to marinate in the fridge for 1 hour. Remove plastic wrap and let it to come to room temperature.

Set oven to broil and allow to heat.

Heat a cast-iron or other heavy, large skillet over high heat.

Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and sear chops for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned.

Remove pan from heat and place in the oven. Broil for about 7 minutes or until medium rare. (This recipe works great on the grill too!)

Let meat rest 10 minutes so the juices recede.

Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

CREAMY MASHED POTATOES

SERVES 4

Potatoes were often featured on Capitol tables, so it's not surprising that they were served during the first meal on the train. The Capitol folks loved their potatoes and served them several ways throughout the series.

These potatoes are perfect with the Tribute Lamb Chops and any other roasted or grilled meats.

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the richest flavor.

2 QUARTS WATER

8 MEDIUM YUKON GOLD POTATOES, PEELED AND QUARTERED

½ STICK BUTTER

¼ CUP HALF-AND-HALF

1 TEASPOON SALT

½ TEASPOON WHITE PEPPER

2 TEASPOONS FRESH PARSLEY, CHOPPED

Place 2 quarts water into a large, heavy pot and bring to a boil.

Add potatoes, return to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Drain potatoes into a colander and set aside.

In the same pot, combine butter, half-and-half, salt and pepper and place over very low heat just until butter is melted and liquid is warmed through.

Place drained potatoes back into heavy pot and use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Turn off heat, stir in chopped parsley and serve.

FINGER LICKING CHOCOLATE CAKE

SERVES 12

During the first meal on the train, Katniss was so offended by Effie's commentary on the table manners of past tributes that she ate the rest of her meal with her fingers. Katniss made her point and, just to be sure, wiped her fingers on the tablecloth when she was through with the meal. A rich chocolate cake, similar to this one, was served for dessert at that meal.

CAKE:

2¾ CUPS SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS

1 CUP BUTTER

1 CUP SUGAR

1 CUP HALF-AND-HALF

1 TEASPOON CINNAMON

8 EGGS

2 TABLESPOONS VANILLA EXTRACT

GLAZE:

1 CUP SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS

3 TABLESPOONS HALF-AND-HALF

2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER, SOFTENED

2 TABLESPOONS DARK CORN SYRUP

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

2 TEASPOONS COCOA POWDER

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 10-inch round springform pan generously and set aside.

CAKE:

In a double boiler, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, sugar, half-and-half and cinnamon and cook over very low heat, stirring frequently.

Cook until all chips are melted and smooth. Remove from heat and pour into shallow bowl to cool.

In a large bowl, beat eggs on high for 2 minutes until fluffy but not stiff.

Fold into cooled chocolate mixture until well blended and stir in vanilla.

Pour into greased pan and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not over bake!

Let cake cool and don't be alarmed if it settles a bit.

Once cooled to room temperature, cover and chill for 1 hour. Use a knife to loosen cake around the edge of the pan and remove.

GLAZE:

To make the glaze, combine the chips, half-and-half, butter, corn syrup and vanilla in a double boiler and stir over low heat until the chocolate chips are melted.

Remove from the heat and stir until very smooth.

Pour some of the glaze over the top and sides of cake to cover very thinly and spread with a rubber spatula to smooth the surface a bit.

Chill for 15 minutes, and then use the spatula to apply another coat with the rest of the glaze. Chill overnight.

NEW DAY DAWNING CODDLED EGGS WITH GLAZED HAM STEAKS

SERVES 4

Upon awakening on the train, Peeta and Katniss were greeted by a lavish breakfast. For young people who often had nothing at all for breakfast, this meal must have seemed extremely luxurious.

For our recipe, we continue the theme of richness with creamy coddled eggs, while the Capitol sweet tooth is well represented with this simple glazed breakfast ham.

FOR THE CODDLED EGGS:

4 TABLESPOONS ROOM TEMPERATURE BUTTER, DIVIDED

1 CUP HALF-AND-HALF, DIVIDED

4 WHOLE EGGS

SALT AND FRESHLY GROUND PEPPER

1 TEASPOON FRESH PARSLEY, CHOPPED

FOR THE GLAZED HAM STEAKS:

4 (6-OUNCE) SLICES OF BREAKFAST HAM STEAK

4 TABLESPOONS LIGHT MOLASSES

1 TABLESPOON DARK BROWN SUGAR

½ TEASPOON DRY MUSTARD

FOR THE CODDLED EGGS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Rub ¼ of the softened butter into each of 4 small, oven-safe ramekins or custard dishes, being sure to coat the bottoms as well as the sides. Place the ramekins onto a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Pour ¼ cup of half-and-half into each ramekin and then add 1 egg to each without stirring. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Place baking pan onto middle rack of the oven and pour in enough hot tap water to reach halfway up the ramekins.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until yolks are still runny but have a thin white coating. Remove from the oven and set aside. Leave the ramekins in the pan to keep them warm.

FOR THE GLAZED HAM STEAKS:

As the eggs are baking, place ham steaks into a large, heavy skillet and cook over medium heat, turning after 5 minutes.

While ham cooks, combine molasses, brown sugar and dry mustard in a microwave safe bowl, stir well and heat for 1 minute. When ham is done, place onto plates and drizzle with glaze.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over coddled eggs and serve with the ham.

GOLDEN FRIED POTATOES

SERVES 4

Katniss enjoyed piles of delicious fried potatoes with her eggs and ham. She seemed to favor this “home-style” version of potatoes more than any other.

Use a cast-iron skillet for the best results, but if you don't have one, a heavy skillet will do. Some recipes use leftover baked potatoes, but using raw potatoes results in a wonderful flavor.

4 RAW YUKON GOLD POTATOES, WASHED

2 TABLESPOONS CANOLA OIL

½ CUP SWEET ONION (SUCH AS VIDALIA), CHOPPED

2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER

½ TEASPOON SALT

½ TEASPOON FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER

Slice potatoes into ½-inch slices. Do not remove the skin.

Heat canola oil in a skillet over high heat. Add potatoes and brown on all sides about 5 minutes.

Add onions and butter and continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes or until onions are soft.

Season potatoes and onions with salt and pepper then reduce heat to medium-low.

Place lid over top and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes or until tender

IRRESISTIBLE HOT CHOCOLATE

SERVES 2

Katniss had never seen hot chocolate before breakfast on the train, but the hot chocolate she was served was so irresistible that she ignored the array of foods until she'd drunk the last drop. Later in the story, Katniss emulated Peeta, dipping her roll into the hot chocolate as she saw him do this first morning on the train.

For this recipe, buy the best chocolate you can afford. It doesn't take much, and the resulting drink is so irresistibly worthwhile.

1¼ CUPS WHOLE MILK

½ CUP HEAVY CREAM OR HALF-AND-HALF

½ OF ONE REAL CINNAMON STICK

½ TEASPOON HIGH-QUALITY VANILLA EXTRACT

¼ CUP LIGHT BROWN SUGAR

4 OUNCES (ABOUT 4 SQUARES) OF GOOD BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE, FINELY GRATED

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream, cinnamon stick and vanilla. Heat on medium to low heat until slightly frothy.

Add brown sugar and stir, cooking until dissolved.

Remove pan from heat and stir in chocolate a little at a time, stirring constantly until all is melted.

Let sit for 10 minutes off the heat, and then remove the cinnamon stick. Return to heat just until warmed through and serve.

PEETA'S SWEET BREAKFAST ROLLS

MAKES 2 DOZEN

The book doesn't tell us whether the rolls served for breakfast were sweet or not, but these slightly sweet yeast rolls are perfect for dipping into Irresistible Hot Chocolate.

Dip these in hot chocolate or slather them with butter and honey for a delicious breakfast meal. They'll keep for 2–3 days in a well-sealed container.

½ CUP WARM WATER, 110 DEGREES

2 PACKAGES ACTIVE DRY YEAST

1½ CUPS ROOM TEMPERATURE MILK

½ CUP SUGAR

2 TEASPOONS SALT

2 BEATEN EGGS

½ CUP BUTTER-FLAVORED SHORTENING

7–7½ CUPS FLOUR

Mix water and yeast in a large mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until dissolved.

Add the milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and about half of the flour.

Mix until smooth and then liberally flour a clean surface or large cutting board with some of the remaining flour.

Turn out the dough onto the floured surface and knead, adding additional flour as needed until dough stops sticking. Knead for about 5 minutes, or until it's smooth and elastic.

Place dough in a large bowl greased with butter-flavored shortening and turn to grease other side as well. Cover with a clean, damp cloth and let rise for about 1½–2 hours, until doubled.

Punch the dough down and then let rise again until almost doubled.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray 2 (12-muffin) pans with cooking spray, or grease with shortening. As oven preheats, pinch off pieces of dough (about golf-ball size), roll into balls and place 1 in each muffin cup.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or just until lightly golden.

Dip into your hot chocolate or spread with butter.

4

THE CAPITOL

“As long as you can find yourself, you'll never starve.”

KATNISS,
THE HUNGER GAMES
BY SUZANNE COLLINS, CHAPTER 4

TO SAY THAT THE CAPITOL
was an entirely new world to Katniss, Peeta and the other tributes would be a serious understatement. Although the different Districts had varying degrees of technology and sophistication, first-timers to the Capitol wouldn't have ever seen anything like it before. The city itself was spectacular, and the residents, at first, were like another species. The food was no different.

Katniss and the other tributes were overwhelmed by a smorgasbord of foods they may had only heard of and never seen. Most of them couldn't have dreamed of eating these things back home, and most of them would never eat them again, either. For a time, though, the tributes were treated to an array of rich, glamorous and often whimsical dishes.