Every year it seems that the holidays sneak 
up faster and faster. It feels like only yesterday, I put away the decorations for last year’s Life Day. I think it is pretty amazing that something that once was just a Wookie holiday is now celebrated across the galaxy. Life Day is a great time of year, with families gathered around their Kashyyyk Tree of Life, holding hands and singing.
Decorating and spending time with your loved ones isn’t the only good thing about this time of year, there is also the food. Honestly, I think I gained 6 pounds last year. Speaking of food, this year there is a brand-new cookbook for Life Day from Insight Editions to help you make your celebration the best it has ever been!
Star Wars: The Life Day Cookbook is written by Jenn Fujikawa and Marc Sumerak and is 128 pages of food, drink and decorations. The Life Day Cookbook is divided into six sections; which are:
- Appetizers and Snacks
- Side Dishes
- Main Courses
- Desserts
- Drinks
- How to Celebrate Life Day at Home
The book also features and introduction from Chef Strono Tuggs AKA Cookie, former head chef at Maz Kanata’s castle on the planet Takodana.
As with any good cookbook the majority of recipes are accompanied by a photograph or two, illustrating the final product. There were a few recipes that did not have pictures which can be an issue if you don’t know how the finished dish is supposed to look. That isn’t a deal breaker for this book. I am sure I can find an Ithorian grandmother out there who knows how a dish is supposed to look.
The Star Wars: The Life Day Cookbook is perfect for this time of year; preparing a Star Wars themed meal can be fun for the whole family. I don’t think I have ever met a kid (myself included) that didn’t want to try some weirdly colored food just because it looks alien. The whole reason I tried octopus for the first time is because it looked alien and now I am a big fan! Speaking of octopus, there is a recipe in the book for Trask Chowder that calls for a garnish of canned octopus.
Each recipe includes a description of prep time, cooking time, servings per recipe and a difficulty level. The majority of the recipes are either easy or medium difficulty. If you are not very skilled in the culinary arts you may want to start with some of the easier recipes and work your way up. There is no need to rush. Remember what they say, “The Galactic Empire wasn’t built in a day” and that’s the truth.
Don’t forget, life day is November 17th so you still have time to get your holiday shopping done. While you are out shopping don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Star Wars: The Life Day Cookbook. The book is out now and retails for $24.99 and is available from your favorite bookseller!
I hope you and your family have a blessed Life Day…and may the Force be with you!
