Tag Archives: J.K. Rowling

When I think about the amazing world J.K. Rowling created in her series of “Harry Potter” novels, there are so many things I wish really existed.

The magic, first and foremost.  Wielding a wand for good — and a tiny bit of evil — would be quite a rush.  Next, the people. I especially love Snape.  I stood behind him even during the darkest days. And Hogwarts, of course.  It makes school actually look like fun.

But I never pictured the dining hall and thought, “I’ll have what she’s having.”

I don’t even recall what they eat at Hogwarts.  (They drink butter beer — I do know that.)

And yet, an enterprising editor has compiled an unauthorized collection of recipes featured in the “Harry Potter” books and films.  Some are specific to the series — like Cauldron Cakes and Petunia’s Pudding.  Knickerbocker Glory and Harry’s favorite dessert, Treacle Tart.

Nope, still don’t know when the heck any of these dishes appeared.  I mean, the names are kinda familiar, but they didn’t figure prominently enough in any of the story lines — at least, for me — to make me think, “Wow, I wanna make that for Sunday dinner.”

And, let’s be honest — most of the recipes in this rather lengthy collection are just standards from English country cooking.  Kippers, steak and kidney pudding and English muffins — foods that have been around long before Harry and He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named were duking it out.

Where’s the magic in that?  Nowhere, that’s where.  Except in this crafty editor’s pockets.  She used Harry’s name to make money appear out of thin air.

Maybe she’s the real witch in this story.