by Emma Smith, Assistant Editor

Hey Disney fans! Insight Editions’ Lilo & Stitch: The Official Cookbook has landed, and now you can work your way through a variety of recipes inspired by the hit animated adventure. 

Author Tim Rita describes the recipes in this cookbook as “out of this world concoctions” that merge traditional Hawaiian dishes with a cosmic twist. In the spirit of the movie that serves as the inspiration, the book is full of color and fun. Rita introduces each recipe with a short description tying it to an aspect of the movie, Hawaiian culture, or both. For example, “Kiki’s Special Saimin Noodles” begins with a note about Kiki’s friendship with Nani, and “The One Time Lilo and Stitch Make Poke” explains that poke is the Hawaiian word for “to cut.” A beautiful photo of the intended result accompanies each recipe, and vibrant illustrations from the movie appear throughout.

The book is divided into five chapters: (1) Cosmic Pupus (appetizers), (2) Main Island Main Dishes, (3) Multi-galactic Pupus, (4) Decadent Desserts, and (5) Sips in Paradise. Each chapter has a good number of recipes, with the largest devoted to main dishes. Some of the dishes require ingredients not likely to be found in most American grocery chains, so make sure you plan ahead for finding those online or in a more specialized grocery store if kamaboku or ti leaves aren’t things you already buy regularly.

Each recipe includes an estimation of the amount of time necessary to prep and cook the dish, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, and there are plenty of recipes easy to make with kids. In particular, I think kids will get a kick out of putting together chicken and veggie skewers (Meteoric Teriyaki Chicken Skewers), assisting in the science experiment that is pickling (Pleakley’s Picked Artifacts) or using a mixer to whip up some cream (Ube Ice Cream). Adults are also likely to get a kick out of putting together bao buns (Experimental Sweet and Sour Bao Buns) and deep frying spam (Deep Fried Musubi) Though there is no official difficulty ratings in the cookbook, I found the recipes require at most intermediate levels of cooking skill, with many entirely beginner friendly.

Whether you are a huge fan of Lilo & Stitch or interested in trying some Hawaiian cuisine, this colorful and fun book should be as big a hit in your house as the original movie. With an easy to follow layout and engaging content, I’m excited to work my way through these recipes.

From the original Press Release:

About the Author:

Tim Rita is an award-winning mixologist who has spent a lot of his time in the kitchen discussing flavors and gaining culinary inspiration with his chefs. So, with no surprise cooking became a second love for him. Growing up in Hawai’i and with nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, Tim began his cocktail journey from the island paradise on the beach at Waikiki and eventually spreading the “Aloha” island-wide where he was also part of the opening team for Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.

About Insight Editions:

Celebrated for its unwavering dedication to quality, Insight Editions is a bestselling publisher of books and collectibles that push the boundaries of creativity, design, and production. Through its licensed publishing program, Insight Editions strives to produce unique books and products that provide new ways to engage with fan-favorite characters and stories. Insight Editions’ award-winning art and photography titles celebrate the artistry and history of a wide range of subjects, from rock history to nature conservation. Insight Editions’ New York Times bestsellers include Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams, Henry Winkler’s I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River, and Radhanath Swami’s The Journey Home. Recent national bestsellers include Friends: The Official Cookbook, Harry Potter: Knitting Magic, and The Elder Scrolls: The Official Cookbook. For more information, visit insighteditions.com.

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Rating:
ComicsOnline gives Lilo & Stitch: The Official Cookbook – 4/5 rowdy aliens.

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