Hello Okazu family, this is Pattie, ‘the wife’ and first lady of Yuricon and Okazu.

Here’s a little-known fact about Erica… she reads as many cookbooks as I do. There is typically a collection of cooking magazines, vintage promotional cooking pamphlets, and random cookbooks on the table where we eat. When I finish one, I pass it across the table for her to read. I like to think I’ve helped Erica cultivate a taste for them. So, when we were standing in Five Below, looking at the books, this one was too in our wheelhouse to NOT purchase.

Cooking Anime: 50 Iconic Dishes from Your Favorite Anime* by Nadine Estero honestly surprised me. The author has some serious cooking chops. I was expecting the typical basics of Japanese cooking, and while yes, there are some, the bulk of the recipes on offer are much more involved. More on that in a minute. The other thing that sincerely amazed me was just how up-to-date the series are that are included. Laid-back Camp, Odd Taxi, and Godzilla Singular Point were right next to oldies like Howl’s Moving Castle, Cowboy Bebop, and Card Captor Sakura.

So, the recipes! Each begins by naming the series, season, and episode that inspired the recipe, followed by a description meant to establish the recipes’ background. Some are pretty obvious, based on the series, like the recipe for Tofu Steak from Restaurant to Another World. Others… less so, like Sasha’s Stolen Bread and Potato Ration Soup from Attack on Titan (Erica informs me that potatoes are definitely a thing in AoT, something I did not know.) Most recipes include a delightful color illustration, estimated prep and cooking time, and there are quotes about food from the recipe’s series sprinkled liberally throughout. Many of the recipes are multistep, but the author’s careful step-by-step break down of the process makes even the most difficult recipe seem approachable. For example, the Miso Chashu Ramen from Boruto: Naruto Next Generation literally starts with building the broth, making the chashu, the miso tare, and the infused finishing oil to drip on top. Nothing out of a can or box going on here! And yet, her conversational tone assures you that it’s only a matter of time before you’re placing flavorful bowls on the table.

There was precious little in this book I wouldn’t make, to the point where I was shocked that she was able to sell me on Tuna Meatballs in Orange Sauce from One Piece. I mean, really, that sounds foul… and yet…

The only downside, IMO, was the estimated prep and cook time. But, to be frank, I have this issue with just about ALL recipes. The Land and Sea Mix Okonomiyaki from Himouto! Umaru-chan R says it will take you 15 minutes to finely chop 3 cups of cabbage, 2 scallions, peel and devein 12 shrimp, chop octopus legs, squid heads, mozzarella, and pork belly… aside from making the okonomiyaki base. Apparently, I’m slow.

Ratings:

Art – 9 charming, colorful, enticing
Utility – 9 there were more than a few recipes that called for nothing more than pantry staples
Characters – 10 there were a bunch, for sure
Service – 10 this book WILL make you want to cook
Yuri – 10 I really do love my wife

Slow or not, if you’re like me and Erica; into anime, and food, AND cooking, grab this excellent book. Sincerely, it’s worth twice the price.

*The link to the book on Amazon includes some weird brandjacking by a skin cream, but this link does go to the book. I hope. Or check your local Five Below to see if they have it. ^_^