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Castle Rock Kitchen: Wicked Good Recipes from the World of Stephen King [A Cookbook]
Explore 80 classic and modern recipes inspired by Stephen King's Maine, featuring dishes from the books set in Castle Rock, Derry, and other fictional towns—with a foreword from the legendary author himself.
Castle Rock Kitchen is an immersive culinary experience from the mouthwatering to the macabre, with gorgeous, moody photographs to transport Stephen King fans to kitchen tables, diners, and picnic blankets across Maine. Recipes ranging from drinks to dessert (and every course in-between) are inspired by meals and gatherings from the more than forty novels and stories set in King's Castle Rock multiverse—a darker, more gothic version of the Maine most are familiar with. The eighty professionally developed dishes use plenty of local, down-home ingredients such as fresh seafood, potatoes, wild blueberries, and maple syrup, plus some delicacies from away—here are just a few:
Breakfast: Pancakes with the Toziers (It), Dog Days French Toast (Cujo)
Dinner: One-Handed Frittata (Under the Dome), Killer Mac and Cheese ("Gramma")
Supper: Blue Plate Special (11/22/63), Whopper Spareribs (The Tommyknockers)
Fish and Seafood: Crab Canapés (Pet Sematary), Moose-Lickit Fish & Chips (The Colorado Kid)
Vegetarian: Wild Mushroom Hand Pies (Bag of Bones), Holy Frijole Enchiladas (Elevation)
Baking and Sweets: Hermits for the Road (The Long Walk), Blueberry Cheesecake Pie ("The Body")
Drinks and Cocktails: Homemade Root Beer (Carrie), Deadly Moonquake ("Drunken Fireworks")
With a foreword written by Stephen King and story excerpts that connect the recipes to the books that inspired them, Castle Rock Kitchen delivers frightfully good food and drink.
Castle Rock Kitchen is an immersive culinary experience from the mouthwatering to the macabre, with gorgeous, moody photographs to transport Stephen King fans to kitchen tables, diners, and picnic blankets across Maine. Recipes ranging from drinks to dessert (and every course in-between) are inspired by meals and gatherings from the more than forty novels and stories set in King's Castle Rock multiverse—a darker, more gothic version of the Maine most are familiar with. The eighty professionally developed dishes use plenty of local, down-home ingredients such as fresh seafood, potatoes, wild blueberries, and maple syrup, plus some delicacies from away—here are just a few:
Breakfast: Pancakes with the Toziers (It), Dog Days French Toast (Cujo)
Dinner: One-Handed Frittata (Under the Dome), Killer Mac and Cheese ("Gramma")
Supper: Blue Plate Special (11/22/63), Whopper Spareribs (The Tommyknockers)
Fish and Seafood: Crab Canapés (Pet Sematary), Moose-Lickit Fish & Chips (The Colorado Kid)
Vegetarian: Wild Mushroom Hand Pies (Bag of Bones), Holy Frijole Enchiladas (Elevation)
Baking and Sweets: Hermits for the Road (The Long Walk), Blueberry Cheesecake Pie ("The Body")
Drinks and Cocktails: Homemade Root Beer (Carrie), Deadly Moonquake ("Drunken Fireworks")
With a foreword written by Stephen King and story excerpts that connect the recipes to the books that inspired them, Castle Rock Kitchen delivers frightfully good food and drink.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2022
46 people are currently reading
5348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 30, 2022
Seriously?! A Stephen King inspired cookbook?! Just take my money and hand over the book! 😍
October 29, 2024
4 Scrumptious Castle Rock Stars
Calling all Stephen King fans, you know who you are.......your presence is requested in the kitchen! The Master of the Macabre awaits, and, in the book's forward proclaims, "I was born in Maine, grew up in Maine, and expect to be burried in Maine. Before that happens I'll continue to eat in Maine, and many of the things I've eaten are presented in this lovely little cookbook."
Indeed, this is a lovely cookbook, not too little at 10.25" x 8.25" x 0.75" thick, and containing, according to the author, "80 immersive recipes written from the perspective of Mrs. Garraty." Yes, that's Ray Garraty's mom from The Long Walk, of Richard Bachman fame!
There are recipies for Life-Sentence Oatmeal served to the inmates of Cellblock-5 in The Shawshank Redemption: Different Seasons, Apple-Cinnamon Rolls baked at the diner in Chester's Mill in Under the Dome, Ben's Really Big Salad served to Ben Hanscom by his mom in It, the Blue Plate Special served up for eighty cents at the Diner frequented by Jake Epping from Lisbon Falls Maine in 11/22/63, Garlic Fries courtesy of Castle Rock Variety in Bag of Bones sizzling next to Moose-Licket Fish & Chips at a Freeport fish shack in The Colorado Kid, all washed down with Mom's Iced Red Tea stored in Peter Riley's fridge in Hearts in Atlantis.
Received this book less than a week ago and thus far have cooked up Lois's Spicy Stir-Fry, originally stirred up by Ralph Roberts for his beloved Lois in Insomnia; Dog Days French Toast Casserole, dreamt about by Donna Trenton and her 4yo son Tad, held hostage in a Pinto by the rabid Cujo; and, this very easy blender confection: Strawberry Coconut Cream Soda whipped up at Spencer's in ’Salem’s Lot. All three recipes turned out better than expected for this impromtu chef. Many of the recipes, including the first two concocted by moi, can be intimidating due to the extensive ingredients list. However, once the ingredients are gathered, the directions are explicit, and IF FOLLOWED (I'm more of a deviater myself) yield sumptuous morsels, delectable and acroamatic.
Splendid and inspiring food photos accompany EVERY recipe and are credited to Jenny Bravo of Portland, Maine. Each recipe is garnished with a story excerpt that connects it to the book from which it is inspired.
Ancillary information includes cooking tips (actually read the recipe), comments pertaining to relevant cooking equipment and utensils (if you borrow one then 'gift' it back with some of what you make), and my favorite, Pantry Notes - some of which include:
👩🍳 Allen's Coffee Brandy - Allan's is the most popular brandy in the state of Maine. at 30% ABV it's 1.5x as strong as Kahlua. You can use another brand if you can't find Allen's but, trust me. it won't be the same. https://www.allenscoffeebrandy.com/
👩🍳 Bakewell Cream - a levening agent 'invented' in Maine during WWII in response to a shortage of cream of tarter and baking powder. https://www.newenglandcupboard.com/ba...
👩🍳 Beans - Mainers prefer larger cooking beans compared to their southern New England neighbors.
https://www.eurekafarmsmaine.com/our-...
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2020/...
👩🍳 Bell's Seasoning - since 1867, you can use another poultry seasoning but it won't taste as good, https://www.famousfoods.com/bealse1oz...
Please note: the above links are my own additions and not part of the book being reviewed.
The author is a professional chef and also author of Outlander Kitchen: The Official Outlander Companion Cookbook, and Outlander Kitchen: To the New World and Back Again: The Second Official Outlander Companion Cookbook, both books available in English and German editions. You can read more about this chef-author here https://outlanderkitchen.com/about
This is a cookbook uniquely written by a Constant Reader-chef-author for for all of us unique Constant Readers -cooks-eaters. Highly Recommend 🧚♀️🙋🏼.
Calling all Stephen King fans, you know who you are.......your presence is requested in the kitchen! The Master of the Macabre awaits, and, in the book's forward proclaims, "I was born in Maine, grew up in Maine, and expect to be burried in Maine. Before that happens I'll continue to eat in Maine, and many of the things I've eaten are presented in this lovely little cookbook."
Indeed, this is a lovely cookbook, not too little at 10.25" x 8.25" x 0.75" thick, and containing, according to the author, "80 immersive recipes written from the perspective of Mrs. Garraty." Yes, that's Ray Garraty's mom from The Long Walk, of Richard Bachman fame!
There are recipies for Life-Sentence Oatmeal served to the inmates of Cellblock-5 in The Shawshank Redemption: Different Seasons, Apple-Cinnamon Rolls baked at the diner in Chester's Mill in Under the Dome, Ben's Really Big Salad served to Ben Hanscom by his mom in It, the Blue Plate Special served up for eighty cents at the Diner frequented by Jake Epping from Lisbon Falls Maine in 11/22/63, Garlic Fries courtesy of Castle Rock Variety in Bag of Bones sizzling next to Moose-Licket Fish & Chips at a Freeport fish shack in The Colorado Kid, all washed down with Mom's Iced Red Tea stored in Peter Riley's fridge in Hearts in Atlantis.
Received this book less than a week ago and thus far have cooked up Lois's Spicy Stir-Fry, originally stirred up by Ralph Roberts for his beloved Lois in Insomnia; Dog Days French Toast Casserole, dreamt about by Donna Trenton and her 4yo son Tad, held hostage in a Pinto by the rabid Cujo; and, this very easy blender confection: Strawberry Coconut Cream Soda whipped up at Spencer's in ’Salem’s Lot. All three recipes turned out better than expected for this impromtu chef. Many of the recipes, including the first two concocted by moi, can be intimidating due to the extensive ingredients list. However, once the ingredients are gathered, the directions are explicit, and IF FOLLOWED (I'm more of a deviater myself) yield sumptuous morsels, delectable and acroamatic.
Splendid and inspiring food photos accompany EVERY recipe and are credited to Jenny Bravo of Portland, Maine. Each recipe is garnished with a story excerpt that connects it to the book from which it is inspired.
Ancillary information includes cooking tips (actually read the recipe), comments pertaining to relevant cooking equipment and utensils (if you borrow one then 'gift' it back with some of what you make), and my favorite, Pantry Notes - some of which include:
👩🍳 Allen's Coffee Brandy - Allan's is the most popular brandy in the state of Maine. at 30% ABV it's 1.5x as strong as Kahlua. You can use another brand if you can't find Allen's but, trust me. it won't be the same. https://www.allenscoffeebrandy.com/
👩🍳 Bakewell Cream - a levening agent 'invented' in Maine during WWII in response to a shortage of cream of tarter and baking powder. https://www.newenglandcupboard.com/ba...
👩🍳 Beans - Mainers prefer larger cooking beans compared to their southern New England neighbors.
https://www.eurekafarmsmaine.com/our-...
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2020/...
👩🍳 Bell's Seasoning - since 1867, you can use another poultry seasoning but it won't taste as good, https://www.famousfoods.com/bealse1oz...
Please note: the above links are my own additions and not part of the book being reviewed.
The author is a professional chef and also author of Outlander Kitchen: The Official Outlander Companion Cookbook, and Outlander Kitchen: To the New World and Back Again: The Second Official Outlander Companion Cookbook, both books available in English and German editions. You can read more about this chef-author here https://outlanderkitchen.com/about
This is a cookbook uniquely written by a Constant Reader-chef-author for for all of us unique Constant Readers -cooks-eaters. Highly Recommend 🧚♀️🙋🏼.
November 12, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Great cover!
I have yet to meet a themed cookbook I didn't love, and this one was no different! 😂🤷🏻♀️ With a forward by the master himself this book makes a perfect gift for any Stephen King fan. The recipes were well laid out and easy to follow. Most accompanied by a quote from one of King's books. The illustrations are beautiful (I wish there had been a few more). I have only had time to try a couple of the recipes, but both the "Killer Mac and Cheese" and "Rotisserie Chicken Pie" were delish! This is definitely worth a buy if you love themed cookbooks as much as me!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I have yet to meet a themed cookbook I didn't love, and this one was no different! 😂🤷🏻♀️ With a forward by the master himself this book makes a perfect gift for any Stephen King fan. The recipes were well laid out and easy to follow. Most accompanied by a quote from one of King's books. The illustrations are beautiful (I wish there had been a few more). I have only had time to try a couple of the recipes, but both the "Killer Mac and Cheese" and "Rotisserie Chicken Pie" were delish! This is definitely worth a buy if you love themed cookbooks as much as me!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
October 1, 2022
Full disclosure - I've only read one Stephen King novel in my life, and this is my first "fiction-inspired" cookbook, but I couldn't resist. The description of Theresa Carle-Sanders' Castle Rock Kitchen as
thoroughly piqued my interest!
Ms. Carle-Sanders has provided some delicious recipes, fully imbued with the flavors of Maine. Alongside cleverly worded personal commentary, there are snippets of Stephen King's novels to explain how each recipe gained its spot in the cookbook. The writing is lighthearted and thoroughly enjoyable.
Castle Rock Kitchen also includes a helpful index, cross references to other recipes, and loads of tips and techniques. I'm especially interested in trying some of the cocktails!
thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, via NetGalley, for providing an arc of Castle Rock Kitchen for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
"...an immersive culinary experience from the mouthwatering to the macabre, with gorgeous, moody photographs to transport Stephen King fans to kitchen tables, diners, and picnic blankets across Maine."
thoroughly piqued my interest!
Ms. Carle-Sanders has provided some delicious recipes, fully imbued with the flavors of Maine. Alongside cleverly worded personal commentary, there are snippets of Stephen King's novels to explain how each recipe gained its spot in the cookbook. The writing is lighthearted and thoroughly enjoyable.
Castle Rock Kitchen also includes a helpful index, cross references to other recipes, and loads of tips and techniques. I'm especially interested in trying some of the cocktails!
thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, via NetGalley, for providing an arc of Castle Rock Kitchen for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
June 17, 2022
Castle Rock Kitchen is a collection of recipes renamed and tied to the works of and characters created by Stephen King. He writes the foreword which is a good one! And you know he has to throw in some type of joke at the end of it. The recipes are all straightforward to me - a lot of them I am familiar with they just have a name change or something along those lines quite minimal. The ingredients are pretty standard and the recipes themselves are easy to follow and understand. There are excerpts before recipes that connect them with the entire experience. This is just a fun time for Stephen King fans.
Don't take it TOO seriously - it's literally a cookbook. You should have fun with this as any other option just means you are the worst person at any social gathering or online forum. I repeat: this is a cookbook with nods to Stephen King. JUST HAVE FUN - or get out of the kitchen!
Don't take it TOO seriously - it's literally a cookbook. You should have fun with this as any other option just means you are the worst person at any social gathering or online forum. I repeat: this is a cookbook with nods to Stephen King. JUST HAVE FUN - or get out of the kitchen!
December 21, 2022
This is a fun cookbook, with excerpts and tie ins to fan favorite Stephen King stories. It's one fault is the moodiness of the photos of the dishes and drinks, but that can be forgiven due to Castle Rock's dark and ghoulish aura. The theme is well maintained, and the recipes seem workable for a kitchen savvy chef. The list of novels and short stories of King's included is almost as long as the book itself, with 80 recipes to cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.
October 23, 2022
As I always do when reading a cookbook I work my way through the whole book and pick a few recipes to try out to see how easy or difficult they will be to make. The first recipe I chose was the Potato and Collard Soup recipe. Being from the south collards are a must have ingredient especially for get togethers and holidays. I figured this soup would make a great addition to add to my repertoire. With cooler weather making its way here I start makng soups more, this one was definitely tasty and I know I'll make it again. The second recipe I picked was the Life Sentence Oatmeal, the addition of coconut in a couple of ways excited me. Coconut is a favored ingredient and I enjoy making oatmeal during cooler months. It was delicious and has now been added to my must save recipes. I must say I love Stephen King and his writing so I was truly excited for this cookbook and it didn't disappoint. I look forward to going back and trying more recipes and reading about the different books included inside.
August 26, 2022
A Stephen King cookbook based around the wonderful world Castle Rock!! Yes Please!! Thank you NetGalley!
This is the best damn cookbook out there. If you are a fan of King and his Castle Rock world then you need this in your life immediately. Aside from all the fiction-inspired recipes in the book the best parts for me were all the snit-its from his books. Just makes me want to go back and revisit all those stories I have read throughout my life. There are several photos throughout the book that are absolutely beautiful. This is the first cookbook that I have read from cover to cover.
It's not Lobster, It's Lobstah.....
Happy Reading and Splatter On.....
This is the best damn cookbook out there. If you are a fan of King and his Castle Rock world then you need this in your life immediately. Aside from all the fiction-inspired recipes in the book the best parts for me were all the snit-its from his books. Just makes me want to go back and revisit all those stories I have read throughout my life. There are several photos throughout the book that are absolutely beautiful. This is the first cookbook that I have read from cover to cover.
It's not Lobster, It's Lobstah.....
Happy Reading and Splatter On.....
Read
November 6, 2022Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Castle Rock Kitchen is a collection of Stephen King themed and named recipes developed and curated by Theresa Carle-Sanders. Released 4th Oct 2022 by Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, spiral bound, and ebook format.
The recipes here are for unfettered, basic, down-to-earth food (don'cha know). The book's introduction is capably handled by the King of Horror himself. I am a pretty big King fan and I learned a number of things about him of which I was previously completely unaware. I won't say the intro alone is worth the price of admission, but it was unquestionably cool and recommended.
Prior to the recipe chapters, the author has provided a generous and well written introduction to the particular local ingredients which will be difficult (or impossible) to source outside of New England; but which thankfully can be obtained via online retailers or the generosity of a local friend and the USPS. The dishes are arranged thematically into chapters: breakfast, dinner, supper, fish & shellfish, vegetarian, side dishes, baking & sweets, drinks & cocktails, and basics.
Recipe ingredients are provided in a bullet list. Measurements are given in imperial (American) units only, no metric measures, followed by step-by-step instructions. One of the things I really liked was the snippets of King books in the headings for each recipe (they're annotated, so readers can find the relevant novels). The dishes are photographed well and clearly. Additionally there's a home-y "manual typewriter" retro vibe about the chapter heading photos, typesetting, and layout.
Four and a half stars. Some readers will likely think the whole vibe is a bit over the top (with the manual typewriter typeface (only in some places) and retro photography) but it's thematically cool and adds substantively to the overall vibe of the book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Castle Rock Kitchen is a collection of Stephen King themed and named recipes developed and curated by Theresa Carle-Sanders. Released 4th Oct 2022 by Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, spiral bound, and ebook format.
The recipes here are for unfettered, basic, down-to-earth food (don'cha know). The book's introduction is capably handled by the King of Horror himself. I am a pretty big King fan and I learned a number of things about him of which I was previously completely unaware. I won't say the intro alone is worth the price of admission, but it was unquestionably cool and recommended.
Prior to the recipe chapters, the author has provided a generous and well written introduction to the particular local ingredients which will be difficult (or impossible) to source outside of New England; but which thankfully can be obtained via online retailers or the generosity of a local friend and the USPS. The dishes are arranged thematically into chapters: breakfast, dinner, supper, fish & shellfish, vegetarian, side dishes, baking & sweets, drinks & cocktails, and basics.
Recipe ingredients are provided in a bullet list. Measurements are given in imperial (American) units only, no metric measures, followed by step-by-step instructions. One of the things I really liked was the snippets of King books in the headings for each recipe (they're annotated, so readers can find the relevant novels). The dishes are photographed well and clearly. Additionally there's a home-y "manual typewriter" retro vibe about the chapter heading photos, typesetting, and layout.
Four and a half stars. Some readers will likely think the whole vibe is a bit over the top (with the manual typewriter typeface (only in some places) and retro photography) but it's thematically cool and adds substantively to the overall vibe of the book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 18, 2022
I have loved Stephen King since I first read The Shining on the beach in Hawaii when I was eighteen and could see the goosebumps on my arms despite the sun. Currently I am reading his latest Fairytale, so I could not resist the opportunity to read this cookbook! Whether you love to cook or hate it, this is a must for every Stephen King fan to add to their collection. He himself wrote an insightful forward which has us all sitting at a table with him. One might ask- are the recipes one you would actually want to make? The answer is yes and I am baking the Blueberry Lemon Curd Muffins today! No goosebumps required.
October 26, 2022
Castle Rock Kitchen deep dives in the world of Stephen King with this delicious cookbook. The foreward by King has it all: King's witty sense of humor, tasty descriptions of native food from Maine, and reference to his work. Each recipe is tied to a story in the King universe and includes inscriptions on how the dish relates. The photographs included are beautiful as well. They contribute to an all over atmospheric and enjoyable cookbook for all the Constant Reader chefs out there.
I'm grateful to NetGalley for the ARC copy of Castle Rock Kitchen.
I'm grateful to NetGalley for the ARC copy of Castle Rock Kitchen.
February 23, 2023
This love letter to Stephen King and the cuisine of Maine is a delight. The writing is lovely and the dishes warm and comforting despite the spooky stories in which they are mentioned. The recipes are accompanied by beautiful photos by Jenny Bravo, and King's preface to the book is witty and sharp. A must for any King fans!
January 4, 2025
Received as a gift during my Stephen King book club’s gift exchange. I didn’t expect to actually read it cover to cover, but it was so much fun. Each recipe has an excerpt from one of King’s books that mentions the specific food you’re cooking and the author adopted the persona of a King character to narrate the entire book. I recommend to anyone who likes King and cooking.
May 20, 2022
Theresa Carle-Sanders does it again with a creative but down to earth cookbook that is comprehensive and unique. There are several sections in this cookbook including breakfast, dinner, vegetables, desserts and cocktails. She also provides many basic recipes and the vibrant and beautiful photos provides a depth to this cookbook you won't find with others. Whether it is a gift for yourself or someone else this one will definitely provide a wealth of knowledge and wonderful meals.
May 22, 2024
Pretty fun! Loved the stories and quotes!
February 13, 2023
Love this cookbook! I don't cook much, but I plan to make a few things.
November 17, 2022
If you're looking for the perfect gift for a Stephen King fan who spends time in the kitchen, this is it! The foreword promises to "transport you to Stephen King's Castle Rock multiverse" - which the book does, through recipes written from the perspective of Mrs. Garraty, first introduced in King's title, The Long Walk. Each recipe is introduced with an excerpt from one of the books, and the ambiance of Maine is infused in every description. Do you remember Woops from Under the Dome? You'll find that recipe for Whoopie Pies on p. 193. Whopper Spareribs from The Tommyknockers? Right there on p. 75. With a foreword by King, and backmatter that includes a bibliography, it's the complete package for an aficionado of all things Castle Rock.
May 23, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Castle Rock Kitchen.
I was super excited my request was approved because I've been a fan of Stephen King since I was far too young to be reading his books!
I've read The Outlander Kitchen and also enjoyed it so I had high hopes for Castle Rock Kitchen.
First, the author approached the storytelling aspect of the cookbook from an unique angle.
With the author's blessing, the author takes on the fictional role of a character from Mr. King's first book, The Long Walk Home, which is a great idea.
Using this method, she fully brings us (the reader) into Stephen King's Maine, which includes Derry and Castle Rock.
Of course, when I think Stephen King and Castle Rock, food doesn't immediately pop into my head!
Things like vampires and killer clowns do.
But, the author discovers hearty and comforting dishes from Mr. King's best known works, including excerpts from each novel, which serves as an intro to the recipe.
I didn't realize food was often mentioned in his books, until I read Castle Rock Kitchen.
The photos were came through well on my Kindle; the dishes are photographed against rustic and homey backdrops, which give it a authentic feel.
Naturally, the seafood and dessert sections caught my eye, because I love seafood, but not as much as I love dessert!
I also appreciated the section on drinks and condiments, which I didn't expect, but enjoyed.
I always love it when the author goes the extra mile and she definitely does here.
b>Castle Rock Kitchen isn't just a cookbook I'd recommend for a cook, but also for Stephen King fans, like me!
I was super excited my request was approved because I've been a fan of Stephen King since I was far too young to be reading his books!
I've read The Outlander Kitchen and also enjoyed it so I had high hopes for Castle Rock Kitchen.
First, the author approached the storytelling aspect of the cookbook from an unique angle.
With the author's blessing, the author takes on the fictional role of a character from Mr. King's first book, The Long Walk Home, which is a great idea.
Using this method, she fully brings us (the reader) into Stephen King's Maine, which includes Derry and Castle Rock.
Of course, when I think Stephen King and Castle Rock, food doesn't immediately pop into my head!
Things like vampires and killer clowns do.
But, the author discovers hearty and comforting dishes from Mr. King's best known works, including excerpts from each novel, which serves as an intro to the recipe.
I didn't realize food was often mentioned in his books, until I read Castle Rock Kitchen.
The photos were came through well on my Kindle; the dishes are photographed against rustic and homey backdrops, which give it a authentic feel.
Naturally, the seafood and dessert sections caught my eye, because I love seafood, but not as much as I love dessert!
I also appreciated the section on drinks and condiments, which I didn't expect, but enjoyed.
I always love it when the author goes the extra mile and she definitely does here.
b>Castle Rock Kitchen isn't just a cookbook I'd recommend for a cook, but also for Stephen King fans, like me!
July 5, 2022
A meticulously researched cookbook, both in terms of Maine specific cuisine as well as the curation in tying the selected recipes to Stephen King's works. Considering the sheer volume of King's novellas, short stories, and novels available, it's impressive just how finely tuned and tied each single recipe is to the horror master's world. A loving introduction by King and easy to follow recipes makes this a fun read for any King fan. Would've loved more pictures of the recipes; there's too few for my liking. The layout took some adjusting to, too.
June 7, 2022
Castle Rock Kitchen by Theresa Carle-Sanders is bound to be a sought after cookbook for fans of Stephen King. She has tied in many of his novels and short stories to Maine-centric recipes gathered from family, women’s associations and clipped from The Portland Telegram.
Stephen King wrote the forward with memories of his favorite (and unfavored) dishes served up in his childhood home. He ate “poor-food” like lobster stew, whoopee pies, creamed cod over mashed potatoes – a dish his toothless gramps liked. There was baked haddock in milk, his brother’s favorite.
This book uses the delicious Maine staples: lobster, clams, turkey, corn, squash, cranberries, blueberries and maple syrup and shows you how to turn them into baked beans, brown bread, lobster stew, clam rolls and winter squash donuts. Always with the twist of a Stephen King reference.
For example, in the breakfast section the author makes “Life Sentence Oatmeal” cooked in maple syrup and blueberries as homage to Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.
In this book the mid-day meal is called Dinner There’s a stick to your ribs recipe for Potato and Collard Soup. The reference is The Long Walk – “side meat only when your daddy could afford the ammunition”.
Supper or Suppah features the Tommyknockers Big Last Weekend Bar and Grill Whopper Spareribs.
There’s also Fish and Shellfish, Vegetarian, Side Dishes, Baking and Sweets, Drinks and Cocktails, and finally Basics.
The recipes are well curated and presented. The fact that they’re geared toward Stephen King fans does not detract from the overall basics of recipe writing. I also must mention that the photographs by Jenny Bravo are mouth-watering and enticing. Overall – this is a book you’ll want for your own collection of cookbooks and Stephen King collectables.
Stephen King wrote the forward with memories of his favorite (and unfavored) dishes served up in his childhood home. He ate “poor-food” like lobster stew, whoopee pies, creamed cod over mashed potatoes – a dish his toothless gramps liked. There was baked haddock in milk, his brother’s favorite.
This book uses the delicious Maine staples: lobster, clams, turkey, corn, squash, cranberries, blueberries and maple syrup and shows you how to turn them into baked beans, brown bread, lobster stew, clam rolls and winter squash donuts. Always with the twist of a Stephen King reference.
For example, in the breakfast section the author makes “Life Sentence Oatmeal” cooked in maple syrup and blueberries as homage to Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.
In this book the mid-day meal is called Dinner There’s a stick to your ribs recipe for Potato and Collard Soup. The reference is The Long Walk – “side meat only when your daddy could afford the ammunition”.
Supper or Suppah features the Tommyknockers Big Last Weekend Bar and Grill Whopper Spareribs.
There’s also Fish and Shellfish, Vegetarian, Side Dishes, Baking and Sweets, Drinks and Cocktails, and finally Basics.
The recipes are well curated and presented. The fact that they’re geared toward Stephen King fans does not detract from the overall basics of recipe writing. I also must mention that the photographs by Jenny Bravo are mouth-watering and enticing. Overall – this is a book you’ll want for your own collection of cookbooks and Stephen King collectables.
May 7, 2022
In a world with many cookbook gimmicks- i love the idea of tying the written word of Stephen Kings books- to the culinary traditions of Maine. This book features hearty food, including “stick to your ribs” recipes like Apple Cinnamon Rolls or a Dutch Baby with a Banana-Pecan Compote. Cozy yet upscale food you would expect to see at a lovely Maine Bed and Breakfast. If you’ve ever read a book and have gotten hungry at the descriptions of the meals-you’ll like this book. I can’t say a Stephen King book has made me hungry, but it has made me scared, and eating does have a wonderfully soothing response on the nervous system. My own personal theory of course.
The headnotes, my favorite parts of cookbooks (besides the whimsy and the eating), are sparser here than in other cookbooks- the top of the page will show an excerpt from a book that leads to a related recipe. And of course, the excepts and the eerie pictures create such a good tone that you feel a sense of dread and also hunger at the same time. It also just goes to show you how good of a writer Stephen King is that even a paragraph of his work inspires a shiver. Having never been to Maine, I had no idea about the breadth of the type of cooking that had been long-simmered there- often a recipe felt very Midwestern even in scope, which was a pleasant and unexpected surprise. The recipes also felt like they could have indeed come from some 1950’s grandma’s cookbook with a modern twist- I’m sure an intentional process by the author. Perfect for fans of Stephen King, and also fans of eerie cookbooks.
Thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/ Ten Speed for my ARC (and honest review)!
The headnotes, my favorite parts of cookbooks (besides the whimsy and the eating), are sparser here than in other cookbooks- the top of the page will show an excerpt from a book that leads to a related recipe. And of course, the excepts and the eerie pictures create such a good tone that you feel a sense of dread and also hunger at the same time. It also just goes to show you how good of a writer Stephen King is that even a paragraph of his work inspires a shiver. Having never been to Maine, I had no idea about the breadth of the type of cooking that had been long-simmered there- often a recipe felt very Midwestern even in scope, which was a pleasant and unexpected surprise. The recipes also felt like they could have indeed come from some 1950’s grandma’s cookbook with a modern twist- I’m sure an intentional process by the author. Perfect for fans of Stephen King, and also fans of eerie cookbooks.
Thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/ Ten Speed for my ARC (and honest review)!
July 27, 2022
Castle Rock Kitchen: Wicked Good Recipes from the World of Stephen King is an interesting cookbook with the forward by the famous writer himself. There is a great introduction with tips and hints for success. The cookbook has photographs of Maine scattered throughout, along with some pictures of the finished dishes. The recipes are inspired by Stephen King's books, with liberties taken as the finished dishes are not always directly taken from the novels.
The recipe sections are listed below, along with some of the standout dishes.
Breakfast: Life-Sentence Oatmeal; Dog Days French Toast Casserole
Dinner: Killer Mac and Cheese; Sunday Boiled Dinner
Supper: Delicately Braised Wings; Blue Plate Special; Sausage Pizza from Gambino's
Fish and Shellfish: Haddock Chowdah for Old Men; Pan-Broiled Sole with Lime
Vegetarian: Vegan Chili at Jon's; Nettie's Rolled Lasagna; Lois's Spicy Stir-Fry
Side Dishes: Garlic Fries; Potato Stuffing; Deli Potato Salad
Baking and Sweets: Blueberry-Lemon Curd Muffins; Woops; Maple Walnut Ice Cream
Drinks and Cocktails: Tubby's Super-Charged Chocolate Frappe
Basics: Smoky Cocktail Sauce; Ginger Bug
As a fan of Stephen King, I enjoyed reading this cookbook to see the references to the novels I have read. Castle Rock Kitchen would make a great gift for those who are familiar with Stephen King.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of Castle Rock Kitchen by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to read and review this cookbook was entirely my own.
The recipe sections are listed below, along with some of the standout dishes.
Breakfast: Life-Sentence Oatmeal; Dog Days French Toast Casserole
Dinner: Killer Mac and Cheese; Sunday Boiled Dinner
Supper: Delicately Braised Wings; Blue Plate Special; Sausage Pizza from Gambino's
Fish and Shellfish: Haddock Chowdah for Old Men; Pan-Broiled Sole with Lime
Vegetarian: Vegan Chili at Jon's; Nettie's Rolled Lasagna; Lois's Spicy Stir-Fry
Side Dishes: Garlic Fries; Potato Stuffing; Deli Potato Salad
Baking and Sweets: Blueberry-Lemon Curd Muffins; Woops; Maple Walnut Ice Cream
Drinks and Cocktails: Tubby's Super-Charged Chocolate Frappe
Basics: Smoky Cocktail Sauce; Ginger Bug
As a fan of Stephen King, I enjoyed reading this cookbook to see the references to the novels I have read. Castle Rock Kitchen would make a great gift for those who are familiar with Stephen King.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of Castle Rock Kitchen by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to read and review this cookbook was entirely my own.
Read
December 1, 2025The Castle Rock Kitchen is a collection of recipes whose names happened to be mentioned in Stephen King novels. If a character takes half a sentence to think about food in one of his books, it could be a candidate for this collection.
What this collection of recipes is not is a book where the foods are themed to Stephen King stories. A while back, I was hosting a bookclub for the Dark Tower series and I wanted to find a recipe that is connected to the settings and plot of the books - the Castle Rock Collection would not have been the book for me to source such an endeavour.
(Also, what is up with none of the recipes coming from The Dark Tower, Theresa? King gives you Gunslinger Burritos in Book 2 - you could not find a pocket-food inspired recipe in your repetoire?)
Anyways, all of the recipes I tried (below) were well received, so while this is not the ultimate themed SK Cookbook, it still remains a collection of good recipes.
Savouries
Matt Burke's Bolognese (Salem's Lot)
Dolores' Oven Risotto (Dolores Claiborne)
Hermits for the Road (The Long Walk)
Blue Cheese Broccoli (The Sun Dog)
Nouveau French Dressing
Sweets
Woops (Under The Dome)
Homemade Fig Bars (IT)
Drinks
Tubby's Super-Charged Chocolate Frappe
Mom's Iced Red Tea (Heart's In Atlantis)
What this collection of recipes is not is a book where the foods are themed to Stephen King stories. A while back, I was hosting a bookclub for the Dark Tower series and I wanted to find a recipe that is connected to the settings and plot of the books - the Castle Rock Collection would not have been the book for me to source such an endeavour.
(Also, what is up with none of the recipes coming from The Dark Tower, Theresa? King gives you Gunslinger Burritos in Book 2 - you could not find a pocket-food inspired recipe in your repetoire?)
Anyways, all of the recipes I tried (below) were well received, so while this is not the ultimate themed SK Cookbook, it still remains a collection of good recipes.
Savouries
Matt Burke's Bolognese (Salem's Lot)
Dolores' Oven Risotto (Dolores Claiborne)
Hermits for the Road (The Long Walk)
Blue Cheese Broccoli (The Sun Dog)
Nouveau French Dressing
Sweets
Woops (Under The Dome)
Homemade Fig Bars (IT)
Drinks
Tubby's Super-Charged Chocolate Frappe
Mom's Iced Red Tea (Heart's In Atlantis)
April 25, 2022
Recipe books themed off of movies/tv shows have become all the rage lately, so it was only a matter of time before one popped up based on Stephen King's connected universe in Maine. Castle Rock Kitchen features an evocative foreword by the King himself reminiscing on some amazingly odd sounding local Maine dishes he remembers eating growing up and then delves into a traditionally laid out cookbook (breakfast, dinner, supper, dessert, drinks). The gimmick is that each of the dishes is ostensibly inspired by some part of the King universe, and here is where my rating takes a bit of a hit. The connections between the dishes and King's books are a stretch at best, as any Constant Reader may be hard pressed to think of many detailed descriptions of recipes or food from his books. At the very least, we should have gotten a drink named after Jack Torrance! Missed opportunity. Despite this, it's a good and varied cookbook, especially if you're a seafood or meat lover. The atmospheric nature shots of Maine add to the overall aesthetic as well. Good gift for a King maniac in the family.
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Ten Speed Press and Netgalley**
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Ten Speed Press and Netgalley**
May 7, 2022
This cookbook is for every Stephen King fan out there. It has wonderful pictures of not just the recipes, but outdoor and indoor scenes. Before each recipe, there is a quote from one of King’s books that mentions the recipe. And Stephen King, himself, did the forward for the book. Plus, the author included a page on King’s works and his websites.
There are sections on tips, common phrases, pantry notes, and equipment. The recipe collection is broken down into Breakfasts, Dinners, Suppers, Fish and Shell Fish, Vegetarian, Side Dishes, Baking and Sweets, Drinks and Cocktails, and Basics. Some of the recipes included are Sausage on Cheese Biscuits to Go, Sunday Boiled Dinner, Fried Clam Rolls, Dick Hallorann’s Baked Beans, Garlic Fries, Farmhouse Egg Bread, Deadly Moonquake, and New England Fry Mix.
For this review, I opted to test Mother Morton’s Pork Chops which are mentioned in the book Revival. The recipe instructions were easy to follow, the gravy was simple, but had a nice flavor, and the pork chops were quite tender which was achieved by frying the fat caps first.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
There are sections on tips, common phrases, pantry notes, and equipment. The recipe collection is broken down into Breakfasts, Dinners, Suppers, Fish and Shell Fish, Vegetarian, Side Dishes, Baking and Sweets, Drinks and Cocktails, and Basics. Some of the recipes included are Sausage on Cheese Biscuits to Go, Sunday Boiled Dinner, Fried Clam Rolls, Dick Hallorann’s Baked Beans, Garlic Fries, Farmhouse Egg Bread, Deadly Moonquake, and New England Fry Mix.
For this review, I opted to test Mother Morton’s Pork Chops which are mentioned in the book Revival. The recipe instructions were easy to follow, the gravy was simple, but had a nice flavor, and the pork chops were quite tender which was achieved by frying the fat caps first.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
May 22, 2022
I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
I chose to make the fish and chips, garlic sauce (for the fries), tarter sauce, baked beans, fig bars, and red tea for a delicious dinner to review this book. The tarter sauce was the best I've ever had hands down. I will make that every time we (spouse, teen, me) have fried fish. I only deep fry about once a year but the fish and chips were worth it., just know that the chips take quite some time so be sure to do those first. I also used the fish coating to fry chicken strips for my teen who doesn't eat cooked fish and it was amazing on that too.
I liked the red tea but teen didn't and spouse found it just ok. Spouse loved the baked beans but I found them rather tasteless, and in need of more of everything. I shared the fig bars with my coffee group and everyone loved them. Certainly a healthier take on the ones commercially available.
So if everything was a hit why am I rating this 3 stars? These were the only recipes in the cookbook that I wanted to try. I would never make anything else from it. Therefore, I feel like this cookbook is really meant for hardcore fans of Stephen King, and that isn't me.
I chose to make the fish and chips, garlic sauce (for the fries), tarter sauce, baked beans, fig bars, and red tea for a delicious dinner to review this book. The tarter sauce was the best I've ever had hands down. I will make that every time we (spouse, teen, me) have fried fish. I only deep fry about once a year but the fish and chips were worth it., just know that the chips take quite some time so be sure to do those first. I also used the fish coating to fry chicken strips for my teen who doesn't eat cooked fish and it was amazing on that too.
I liked the red tea but teen didn't and spouse found it just ok. Spouse loved the baked beans but I found them rather tasteless, and in need of more of everything. I shared the fig bars with my coffee group and everyone loved them. Certainly a healthier take on the ones commercially available.
So if everything was a hit why am I rating this 3 stars? These were the only recipes in the cookbook that I wanted to try. I would never make anything else from it. Therefore, I feel like this cookbook is really meant for hardcore fans of Stephen King, and that isn't me.
October 14, 2022
I'm a big fan of Stephen King novels and film adaptations, so I was super excited to see there would be a cookbook inspired by his work. And bonus - he wrote the foreword! There's even a map of Stephen King's Maine. Organized into sections like Breakfast, Dinner, Supper (we are in Maine now, folks), and Side Dishes, I was especially delighted to see full chapters devoted to 'Fish and Shellfish' and 'Vegetarian.' Each recipe is introduced by an excerpt from a King novel or short story, and many are titled in homage as well. Highlights for me are the crab cake recipe in Gramma's Crab Cake Brunch, Killer Mac & Cheese, Shrimp Tetrazzini, Game Day Fondue, Wild Mushroom Hand Pies, and the Tarragon Tartar and Cocktail Sauces. The food photography is delectable, and the outdoor shots of Maine give this collection an even stronger sense of place. A must-have for King fans and would-be Down Easters! Published just in time for Halloween.
I received a digital galley of this book in exchange for an honest review, and loved this one so much that I purchased a hardcover for my permanent collection.
I received a digital galley of this book in exchange for an honest review, and loved this one so much that I purchased a hardcover for my permanent collection.
April 23, 2022
One of the many strengths of Stephen King’s suspenseful horror novels is his attention to the ordinary. Small towns are perfectly described from the parking spaces to the shops that front the sidewalk. There’s a patterned carpet runner in the halls of an old hotel. And there’s food…yes food. Castle Rock Kitchen imaginatively combines excerpts from King’s novels with true to Maine locations mouthwatering recipes.
The Institute provides a literal inspiration for Sausage and Cheese Biscuits to Go. Under the Dome gives us One-Handed Frittata. Gramma provides the recipe for Killer Mac and Cheese, ‘Salems Lot Delicately Braised Wings. All recipes include “found in Maine” ingredients but Pantry Notes explains where they can be found and gives substitutes.
This unique cookbook is a must have for Stephen King Fans. The atmospheric photographs of Maine as well as the gorgeous pictures of the food are excellent! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and Theresa Carle-Sanders for this ARC.
The Institute provides a literal inspiration for Sausage and Cheese Biscuits to Go. Under the Dome gives us One-Handed Frittata. Gramma provides the recipe for Killer Mac and Cheese, ‘Salems Lot Delicately Braised Wings. All recipes include “found in Maine” ingredients but Pantry Notes explains where they can be found and gives substitutes.
This unique cookbook is a must have for Stephen King Fans. The atmospheric photographs of Maine as well as the gorgeous pictures of the food are excellent! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and Theresa Carle-Sanders for this ARC.
June 4, 2022
I'm not one who usually reads cookbooks. I buy them, and I try the recipes but I do not sit down and read them unless I have a good reason to do so. The link between Castle Rock and Stephen King was a good enough reason to read this and that connection is what will sell.
There are 80 plus classic and modern takes on recipes that are more familiar to someone from New England and the Maine areas than someone from Philadelphia.
But even though the names of the dishes were odd, many were familiar to me. If you want to know how to make a good crab cake there is an awesome recipe for that here, though I would skip the fried egg. As a northerner that just sounds weird.
I did enjoy the way Ms.Carle-Sanders linked the food with quotes from Stephen King novels, but for me, the string that connected these recipes to Castle Rock was a little thin. But kudos for one hell of a good hook.
Thanks to @netgalley, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, and Theresa Carle-Sanders for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
There are 80 plus classic and modern takes on recipes that are more familiar to someone from New England and the Maine areas than someone from Philadelphia.
But even though the names of the dishes were odd, many were familiar to me. If you want to know how to make a good crab cake there is an awesome recipe for that here, though I would skip the fried egg. As a northerner that just sounds weird.
I did enjoy the way Ms.Carle-Sanders linked the food with quotes from Stephen King novels, but for me, the string that connected these recipes to Castle Rock was a little thin. But kudos for one hell of a good hook.
Thanks to @netgalley, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, and Theresa Carle-Sanders for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 6, 2022
This is a great cookbook for fans of Stephen King.
I'm impressed with the research that went into this cookbook. If there's food mentioned in a Stephen King novel, it's probably recreated in here. Complete with full quotation about said food from the novel.
The recipes aren't too difficult, but they aren't quick either, so this book isn't something to go to when you want something in a hurry, but will taste really good and homemade. Many of the recipes are a bit old fashioned, but it just means they're tried and true. The author describes them as down home Maine favorites.
You really get a feel for what Mainers like to eat, encompassed in the novels of Stephen King and I loved all the photos of Maine throughout the book.
Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm impressed with the research that went into this cookbook. If there's food mentioned in a Stephen King novel, it's probably recreated in here. Complete with full quotation about said food from the novel.
The recipes aren't too difficult, but they aren't quick either, so this book isn't something to go to when you want something in a hurry, but will taste really good and homemade. Many of the recipes are a bit old fashioned, but it just means they're tried and true. The author describes them as down home Maine favorites.
You really get a feel for what Mainers like to eat, encompassed in the novels of Stephen King and I loved all the photos of Maine throughout the book.
Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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