As Thanksgiving break quickly approaches, HPU students will get a much-needed break from their research and spend quality time with the ones they love for Thanksgiving. However, the big question on their minds now is what to make for the big family dinner? Perhaps mashed potatoes, how about a green bean casserole, or maybe something altogether different? With so many different options to choose from and so many different skill levels when it comes to cooking, it can be hard to decide!
Here at HPU Libraries, we’ve discussed traditional Thanksgiving foods throughout the US, delving into greater detail on historical dishes and the significance they hold for each region. Here it is for those who might be interested in rereading it.
However, for this blog post, we are turning fantasy into reality with food from everyone’s favorite pastime: Gaming. Whether you play arcade games, shooters, rogue-like, bullet-hell, or just cozy farming games, games are something that everyone can get behind, no matter what you play! So, grab some Suspicious Stew or a nice cold Nuka-Cola, and let’s dive into some fun new ways to cook.
Heroes’ Feast (Dungeons & Dragons): The Official D&D Cookbook
Dungeons & Dragons, otherwise known as D&D, is a famous and widely popular tabletop role-playing game (RPG). In this RPG, you create your own characters, fight monsters, and overall have fun with your friends doing so. The game itself is created by a game master by either using their own creativity and world-building skills or from books that have premade adventures and D&D elements in them. It’s up to the game master to detail what is going on in the world they have created with the characters you’ve made. D&D can either be played online or in person, with some games using custom maps, minis of the players’ characters, and other terrain to help you feel like you’re a part of the game itself. For more on the game itself or information on how to play, we recommend checking out our D&D Library guide!
Not only is Hero’s Feast the official Dungeons & Dragons cookbook, but it is also a New York Times best-seller and a favorite among the nerd community. For the food itself, Heroes Feast puts an interesting spin on the game by creating recipes around different kinds of races and classes you can play.
Want something healthy and light? Try some of the elven dishes that mostly encompass veggies or have a full-on salad. Want something heartier? Maybe one of the dwarven meals is the way to go, with a smoked sausages meal or black pudding. With beautiful illustrations and easy-to-make meals, this book has something for everyone, no matter what kind of relatives you may encounter this Thanksgiving.
My Pokémon Cookbook: Delicious Recipes Inspired by Pikachu and Friends (Pokemon)
Created in 1996, the Pokémon franchise has several media formats to choose from; these include card games, movies, TV shows, and, of course, video games, revolving around capturing and being companions with a wide range of fantastical beasts or creatures known as Pokémon. “Since then, several generations of Pokémon games have been released and each one has brought new Pokémon species. (There are now around 900 of them!)” (Cabral, L). The creatures themselves can be based on real-world avians, fish, fungi, inanimate objects, mammals, mythical creatures, plants, and reptiles. The player’s goal in most games is to capture them and fight against other Pokémon then battling in gyms to gain as many badges as possible and beat the Elite Four or the final battle(s) to win the game. Other games include solving mysteries in Detective Pikachu or in their Mystery Dungeon series. With their mobile Pokémon Go series, you have the option to catch Pokémon based on locations in the real world and trade Pokémon with real-life friends.
For those interested in the movie series or games themselves, you can check them out here at the library. Even if you are unfamiliar with the series or have a favorite Pokémon, the recipes are perfect for those who wish to make something wholesome, simple, and maybe even cute.
My Pokémon Cookbook has all kinds of different dishes set in different regions of the fictional world. Most of the recipes are vegan or vegetarian-friendly, with a helpful guide located in the back of the book showing and catering to those with different dietary needs. Some of the most iconic Pokémon and symbols in the game get their own dishes, some include Poke bowl pokeyballs, Pikachu lemon tarts and Charizard Spicy Arrabbiata. All dishes have a guide on the top right describing difficulty, prep time, rest time (if needed), cook time, and fun notes talking about the Pokémon based on the dishes. From Incineroar Sandwiches to Dragonite Butternut Squash Gnocchi, this book has a little bit of something for everyone.
Minecraft: Gather, Cook, Eat! Official Cookbook (Gaming)
Minecraft was created in 2009 and released in 2011 for personal computers using the Java programming language. This game soon became a widely successful open-world sandbox game where players can craft and create anything of their choosing, and as years passed it would become one of the best-selling games of all time. As its popularity grew, it gained various game modes, features, and crafting abilities, expanding beyond its typically open-world sandbox nature, and more options became available. Some of these different options include Minecraft Java & Bedrock, Minecraft Dungeons, Minecraft Legends, and even an educational version called Minecraft Education. “It is extremely popular with children, young adults, and adults alike, due to its sandbox nature – meaning if you can imagine it, you can build it with the game’s Lego-like blocks.”( Gerken, T).
Then in 2025, the game was adapted to a movie, which, while gaining overall mixed reviews, was the second-highest-grossing video game movie of all time. Feel free to check it out from the library and let us know what you think!
Known for this blocky art style, the book Minecraft: Gather, Cook, Eat! provides you with everything from appetizers to Minecraft meal planning. Showcasing the world Minecraft has built itself around by naming lots of its food items after places in the game and its iconic characters/enemies. Some of these include iconic villains like Creepers, green monster-like creatures that will run up to the character playing and try to cause damage by exploding on them. Others include the Ender Dragon, one of the final bosses you fight in the game, and lesser-known enemies like Hoglin (Hog-like enemies). All have food based on them and use real-world elements to tie them in. Try some Dragon’s Breath & Hoglin & Lava appetizers, Nether Portal Rolls, and Creeper Cleanse for dessert.
Not only is this book great for its play on characters and enemies in the world, but it’s also perfect for beginner chefs. It provides lots of cooking resources, such as measurement conversions, kitchen tools, and survival tips, even meal prep, to make the book user-friendly and very easy to pick up. With breathtaking photos and a clear layout of how to craft all of these dishes, you’ll be sure to make the perfect lava chicken.
Fallout: The Vault Dweller’s Official Cookbook
From the popular video game publisher Bethesda, Fallout is a series set in a 1950s post-apocalyptic world where you can navigate/explore different cities in the United States. Some of those places include Boston, New Vegas, California, and the surrounding areas. The series has 11 games and several different adaptations based on the ideas above. Throughout the main game series, you meet an eclectic variety of characters, learn a wide range of mechanics, and experience different stories, all depending on your actions in the game. Like previously mentioned, the game is set in the 1950s, so lots of imagery, music, references, and several mascots are based on the world itself. The most iconic being the Vault Boy, appearing in the game to help give you tutorials or instructions for how to survive in the wasteland, while also serving as a collectible bobble-head or other items in the franchise. Like in the game, Vault Boy is also featured in the Vault Dwellers Official Cookbook as well, helping add character to the book and is how you can find and locate more information regarding preparing the meal/skill level.
While the idea of food in the wastelands doesn’t sound super appetizing, with over 70 recipes to choose from, you are sure to scavenge something superb. It’s got tons of options, with loads of cool ideas and fun twists on the foods we all love from the series and wanted to try. Like Minecraft: Gather, Cook, Eat! , this cookbook also has clever ways of showcasing villains and characters throughout the game and putting them into fun Americana-themed recipes. Some of these include Radscorpin en croute, Deathclaw Wellington, The Captain’s Feast, and so much more. The book features some gorgeous artwork and fun little notes to make you feel like you stepped into the world itself, and are ready to take a bite of some Radstag Stew.
The Legend of Zelda series is an iconic adventure franchise in which various incarnations of Link, a courageous Hylian hero, and Princess Zelda battle to protect the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil Ganon. The games combine action/adventure, puzzles and exploration, and many entries feature cooking systems that let players turn foraged mushrooms, meats and herbs into restorative dishes.
The Unofficial Zelda Cookbook taps into this culinary side of Hyrule. Published by Titan Books and written by popculture chef Thibaud Villanova, it is presented as a travel notebook kept by a new character called the Gourmet. The book “samples the culinary delights of all your favorite Legend of Zelda games” and contains over 50 recipes inspired by titles such as Breath of the Wild, Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker. The travel diary format follows the Gourmet’s journey across regions of Hyrule, mixing in-world anecdotes with cooking techniques and tips. Recipes range from rustic forest stews and spicy meat skewers to sweets inspired by in-game items, and step-by-step instructions are written for both seasoned cooks and beginners. If your Thanksgiving table needs an adventurous twist, consider serving a Hearty Stew from Hyrule or a honeysweet dessert worthy of Princess Zelda.
The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook
In Stardew Valley, players inherit their grandfather’s old farm and are free to craft the life of their dreams: raising animals, fishing, tending crops and forging friendships in Pelican Town. The game celebrates slow, seasonal living; you grow what you eat and share meals with neighbors.
The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook, authored by the game’s creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone and writer Ryan Novak, captures this wholesome spirit. The cookbook is organized by season and features about 50 recipes, from comfort food staples like Pumpkin Soup and Survival Burger to treats such as Seafoam Pudding and the mysterious Strange Bun. It even includes a definitive real-world recipe for the Strange Bun, which in the game requires rare ingredients. Beyond these highlights, the book offers instructions for Complete Breakfast, Farmer’s Lunch, Crab Cakes, Pink Cake and Roots Platter. Recipes are grouped by season to encourage cooks to use locally available produce, reflecting the game’s sustainable ethos. Lavish illustrations and in-world commentary from characters like Gus and the Queen of Sauce make this cookbook a cozy companion for anyone longing to bring Pelican Town’s flavors to their Thanksgiving table.
The dark fantasy world of The Witcher follows monster slayer Geralt of Rivia, a mutated swordsman created by author Andrzej Sapkowski. Geralt’s adventures span novels, games and a television series, and Geralt has become “one of the most iconic monster slayers” in modern fantasy. The Continent teems with distinct cultures – from the harsh, windswept isles of Skellige to the sun-soaked duchy of Toussaint – each with its own cuisine.
The Witcher Official Cookbook, written by Anita Sarna and Karolina Krupecka (creators of the Nerds’ Kitchen and Witcher Kitchen blogs), invites readers to taste that world. According to CD Projekt RED, the book contains 80 recipes spread across 256 pages, with a foreword by Sapkowski himself. It is described as a “culinary adventure” that features beautifully photographed dishes and passages from a fictional traveler chronicling regional food across the Continent. Expect hearty stews from Skellige, baked fruits and rustic breads from White Orchard, and delicate pastries from Toussaint. The authors have spent years adapting dishes from The Witcher games and books, and the result is a volume that offers both practical cooking instructions and immersive storytelling. With 80 mouthwatering recipes and stunning illustrations, this cookbook will let you serve your guests a feast fit for witchers and sorceresses alike.
Assassin’s Creed: The Culinary Codex
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise sends players on time-spanning adventures via the Animus, a device that allows characters to relive their ancestors’ memories. The main games are open world, third-person experiences that blend combat, stealth and parkour, letting players explore historic settings such as the Italian Renaissance, Colonial America and Ancient Egypt. Over the years, the series has become one of the bestselling game franchises of all time.
Chef Thibaud Villanova (also known for the Unofficial Zelda Cookbook) has channeled that spirit of time travel into Assassin’s Creed: The Culinary Codex. The book contains 40 recipes across ten full menus, each inspired by a period and place where the Assassins fought. By “stepping into the Animus,” readers can relive the Italian Renaissance, the French Revolution and Victorian London through food. Featured dishes include Masyaf Moutabel, Davenport Homestead Soup, Boston Apple Pie, Colonial Coleslaw, Meringues Mirabeau and Rooks’ Bread Pudding, among others. Each menu pairs appetizers, mains, sides and desserts to form a complete historical feast. Interspersed notes explain how recipes reflect the culture of Altaïr, Ezio, Arno, Evie, Jacob and other Assassins. If you’re looking to add international flair to your Thanksgiving meal, this codex will help you travel the world without leaving your kitchen.
Whether your Thanksgiving plans involve a marathon session of tabletop roleplaying or a cozy evening on the couch, these cookbooks offer a fun way to bring your favorite game worlds to life. From the elven salads and dwarven stews of Heroes’ Feast to the seasonal treats of Stardew Valley, there is a recipe for every adventurer. Consider visiting HPU Libraries to explore these titles and others; the library’s collection continues to grow as more video games inspire culinary creativity. If you do try any of these dishes, share your culinary quests on social media – after all, meals are best enjoyed when stories are shared.
-Blog post by Christina Cavanaugh, Print Shop Manager, and Gerald Ward, Assistant Director & Media Services Librarian
References
Assassin’s Creed Wiki. (n.d.). Assassin’s Creed wiki. https://assassinscreed.fandom.com/wiki/Assassin%27s_Creed
Barone, E., & Novak, R. (2024). The official Stardew Valley cookbook. Penguin Random House. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734046/the-official-stardew-valley-cookbook-by-eric-barone-and-ryan-novak/
Cabral, L. (2025, August 13). The history of Pokémon. Back Then History. https://www.backthenhistory.com/articles/the-history-of-pokemon
CD Projekt Red. (2023). The Witcher series. https://thewitcher.com/
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Gerken, T. (2023, October 16). Minecraft becomes first video game to hit 300m sales. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67105983
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Morrison, S. (2024, April 7). Who is Vault Boy? Fallout’s Vault-Tec mascot & origins explained. ScreenRant. https://screenrant.com/fallout-show-vault-boy-tec-mascot-origins-explained/
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Rosenthal, V. (2024). Fallout: The Vault Dweller’s official cookbook. Insight Editions.
Sarna, A., & Krupecka, K. (2023). The Witcher official cookbook: Provisions, fare, and culinary tales from travels across the Continent. Penguin Random House. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/740907/the-witcher-official-cookbook-by-anita-sarna-and-karolina-krupecka/
Stardew Valley Wiki. (n.d.). Stardew Valley wiki. https://stardewvalleywiki.com/Stardew_Valley_Wiki
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Villanova, T. (2023). Assassin’s Creed: The culinary codex. Titan Books. https://titanbooks.com/79017-assassins-creed-the-culinary-codex/
Villanova, T. (2023). The unofficial Zelda cookbook. Titan Books. https://titanbooks.com/73008-the-unofficial-zelda-cookbook/
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Wikimedia Foundation. (2025, November 15). List of highest-grossing films based on video games. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_films_based_on_video_games