Customer Reviews

Disney Recipes: From Animation to Inspiration

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Since I am a zero star cook myself I don't feel qualified to rate ANY cookbook 5 stars. But, like practically everybody else on the planet, I'm charmed by anything Disney and this book fits right in with the overall beguilement we all feel toward Mickey and his buds. And the idea is so clever you can't help being snookered in yet again. The full color layout rocks, the nostalgia is cool and the recipes, mostly, are easy enough even for a fumble-fingered cook like me. Although it's not aimed at kids they too will love thumbing through its pages. The price is certainly right and I bought five copies to put under various Christmas trees, all for the adult "kids" in my life. Mr. Meyer and Mr. Garofalo are to be congratulated. Is Volume II in the works?

Compared with Disney's Mickey Mouse Cookbook, this one is just as good, more "grown-up," and worth checking out because it's so updated--it contains new movies not made in time for the other book, and many rarer Disney cartoons as well. The beginning has a section dedicated to recounting the history of food as featured in Disney animation. The rest of the book is then divided into categories of (mostly wonderful-looking) recipes inspired by Disney characters and movies. Each recipe is assigned to a particular character (it often makes perfect sense because the character is somehow directly connected with the type of food, and other less obvious matches manage to make sense anyway because the recipe is symbolically linked with the character.) A couple of them are given to entire movies as well. The recipes also contain a quote from the movie (frequently food-related), shots and sketches from the production, and notes on serving suggestions, variations, details, and what kids can do to help prepare each dish. For those that include alcohol, it's always suggested that it be replaced with apple juice or something more kid-friendly. "Serving suggestion" images of what the final dish will supposedly look like are not provided for every one, however.

The book presents some good-looking desserts, vegetarian and vegan choices, exotic ones you'd need to go out of your way for, and breakfasts--even features a recipe for pet treats--Kanine Krunchies, as seen in "101 Dalmatians." Some of the recipes have photos of the finished product and some don't. Three beverages comprise the final chapter, including Herculade, the soft drink of heroes. There are no Pixar entries, but there IS a Ratatouille based upon "Fun and Fancy Free!" ;) It's a pretty thick book; I couldn't list every awesome-sounding recipe without going overboard!

One feature of the book I especially liked was the provision of nutrition facts for the recipes--though many of them are astronomical in the measurements. For instance, I find it very hard to believe that the Oliver & Company dry-roasted chicken contains 616 grams of saturated fat in a single serving. Unless the serving is sized for a T-Rex or they intend to kill the people who eat it, I really get the impression that a good number of these charts must be inaccurate. On that note, a few extremely tasty-looking recipe ideas like Si and Am's Thai appetizers or Mushu's egg rolls and juk have high numbers too (and, of course, things like King Midas's hamburger). But on the other hand, there are some delicious-looking recipes which, even if you use the ingredients exactly as printed, are very good indeed on the nutrition factor. Baloo's Jungle Ambrosia Salad of various fruits and Cinderella's Herb and Egg White Soup fit this category.

There are some recipes you just can't miss if you're doing a Disney cookbook, such as your own take on Lady and the Tramp's spaghetti. This book also includes such appropriate ones as the Walrus and the Carpenter's oyster salad, Kuzco's (even though this should be labeled as Kronk's) spinach puffs, and Widow Tweed (of "The Fox and the Hound")'s cheddar soup with herbed crisps. The Cheshire Cat's marinated fish salad is attractively bright in color and looks a potential good choice for even a general non-seafood-fan (such as me).
Honestly? The only one thing in the book that looks truly unappetizing to me is the "Treasure Planet" Astral Soup. The photo of the bowl shown is terrifying to me; in the soup I can see tentacles, shells, large claws, and entire bodies of sea creatures lying there with eyes glaring up at me. Same with Willie the Whale's Pappardelle with Shrimp.

So overall, a good score for this book.

This is probably one of the better children's cookbooks there is, for several reasons. 1. All of the recipes are based on Disney movies and/or characters that most children know, although some are from movies I've never seen, and less recognizable characters that I've never even heard of, and I've been a Disney fanatic for years. 2. All the recipes are realativly easy, although some have foods that picky eaters wouldn't want to eat. The book is laid out in a good format. It has appetizers first, then soups, then entrees, etc. It also has beautiful pictures and pencil sketches of the characters, as well as quotes, mostly having to do with food. There is also at least one recipe from each movie up through Mulan, which is fairly recent. There is also several pages of safety tips, "from the characters." Overall this is a very good cookbook for children who want to help prepare meals with there parents.

If you haven't already purchased a copy of this outstanding cookbook - hurry before they sell out! This beautiful book is chock full of delicious recipes and all of our favorite Disney characters. The recipes are easy to follow for both young and old, and it will keep you coming back for more. I have purchased over 20 copies of this magnificent book for family and friends. All of the recipes are easy to follow, delicious to eat, and have been extremely well received by my guests. If you want to look like a pro in the kitchen, this is a MUST for your collection. Bravo Chef Ira! Looking forward to your next book!!

Upon receiving this book as a gift, I was so enthralled and impressed with it's creativity and enchantment, that I purchased 30 more for people on my holiday list with children.

It is a wonderful book, filled with memories of wonderful Disney characters, that have been brought back to life with Chef Ira's wonderful recipes. Yet, above all, Chef Ira has included with each recipe, the participation that a child can do, to complete the recipe...

Thanks Chef Ira, Disney Recipes: From Animation to Inspiration is the best I've ever seen!

The Disney Recipe book is fantastic!! Not only is the colorful layout a unique idea but the recipes are tasty and yet simple enough for anyone to whip up. I will be buying more for xmas presents. For the Disney collectors,it is a must. Hopefully,we will see a whole collection of Disney Recipe books.

One hundred and one delectable recipes, based on favorite food scenes from the Disney films and created by award- winning chef Ira Meyer, are collected in this colorfully illustrated cookbook. TWO THUMBS UP! Disney Recipes is a treat for the entire family with easy to follow instructions, including tips for involving kids in the preparation. Sprinkled throughout with original artwork and beautiful (never published before!) stills from the Disney films, this volume is one tasty treat. A must for every Disney collector.

I bought this book as a replacement for one that my husband had for years, but was damaged by our 2 year old toddler. The book was in excellent condition and made for happy faces all around the Christmas tree. The artwork inside is the real treasure of this book, but the recipes are also delicious. It's a great starting point when planning a Disney themed party. We use it more as a coffee table book, but it also makes a great addition to any cookbook collection.

These are not recipes from the parks or Walt Disney's own favorite recipes. These recipes are inspired by Disney movies and shorts. Being the disney fan that I am its fun to look at the recipes and remember some of the other less famous Disney classics such as "Fun and Fancy Free" and "Trick or Treat." I have not tried any of the recipes yet but they look delicious. Fun to look through in any case. Great for the Disney fan or "foodie."

This is a really nice book. Love the classic Disney chef recipes, and love the [pictures of the recipes. I am one that wants visual along with a recipe. Great seller, and fast shipping too.