The Elder Scrolls: The Official Cookbook

The Elder Scrolls: The Official Cookbook is a 192-page cookbook written by Chelsea Monroe-Cassel containing recipes based in the lore of . It was published by Insight Editions on March 26, 2019.
==Background==
The introductory section of the cookbook contains several pages discussing some background material surrounding the recipes present in the book. These include an author's introduction, the cultural backgrounds of the races whose recipes are provided, foods associated with particular celebrations in Tamriel, and a connection to homebuilding in .
Introduction
"I used to be an adventurer...
"Oh, you've heard that story already?
"It's remarkable how familiar tales can become something fresh with just a little tweaking. Recipes are much the same. They can be gathered as one travels then adapted to suit the season, location, or what's available in your home larder.
"When it comes to selecting your ingredients, it's important to be a little flexible. These recipes are reflective of the basic recipes found across Skyrim, Morrowind, and the whole of Tamriel, but should in no way be constrictive. If a recipe calls for chicken eggs, but all you have are a couple of thrush eggs, use those without fear. Similarly, a single kwama egg is roughly equivalent to about four good-sized chicken eggs. If you have been cursed with the inability to eat wheat by some malicious rogue mage, an all-purpose gluten-free flour substitute can be used in most of the recipes in this collection. For a more comprehensive list of dietary qualifications, see the list in the appendix.
"If certain herbs are unavailable where you are, simple substitutions can be easily made. Sage, for example, is a very good stand-in for elves eat, and cranberries provide much the same color and tart flavor as true snowberries. These substitutions will not provide you with the various physical and magical buffs as their original counterparts would, but they will nonetheless give you an approximation of the flavors of Tamriel.
"While mushrooms are plentiful throughout Tamriel, it's vital that you know which types are safe to eat. I once knew an intrepid Dunmer who set out the create recipes for all the mushrooms species that exist. He was unsuccessful. As a wise man once quipped, "All mushrooms are edible at least once..." I can't advise that you go taking bites out of mushrooms at random to see what's safe, though. In the meantime, a common button mushroom will serve until you become an expert on Tamriel's numerous mushroom varieties and their assorted side effects.
"When it comes to meats, there are a few ways to go: You can smoke it, salt it, cook it, preserve it with ice wraith teeth, or eat it raw. The Bosmer wood elves are particularly known for their meat-heavy diet, making a meal of just about anything that crosses their path—and I mean anything. For those with a more discerning palate, there are thankfully many delicious options roaming the wilds of Tamriel. Venison, mammoth, goat, rabbit, the elusive pheasant, and even the little domestic chicken—provided it doesn't belong to someone else—are all delectable. In a pinch, even cave bear can be roasted up over a campfire, but I hear it can be a little greasy. Similarly, the rivers and coastlines are teeming with edibles just waiting to be caught: salmon, Nordic barnacles, pearl oysters, clams, slaughterfish, and many more.
"Some say only a Nord can work the soil in Skyrim, but many other races have also made a home in the chilliest region of Tamriel. Using a combination of ingenuity and sheer stubbornness, they have adapted some of their favorite recipes from their homelands to suit the ingredients of Skyrim. None are more able to adapt than the Khajiit, who are a roving people by nature, and often carry with them a wild assortment of spices and seasonings. A meal by their campfires is an opportunity not to be missed.
"In short, the foods of Tamriel are what you make them. Hopefully this modest collection of recipes will give you a good starting point for your own edible experiments over the hearthfire.
"Watch the skies, traveler. I wish you good eating.
"—Chelsea Monroe-Cassel"
The Tastes of Tamriel	 	
"The cuisine of Tamriel is as varied as the races that inhabit its distinctive regions. Each dish reflects the culture, geography, and economic reality lies that have shaped the peoples who created it. Add to that a dash of history here, plus a pinch of ancestral pride there, and you'll find a rich and flavorful array of recipes to delight the senses."
{|class="wikitable sortable"	Race 	Description
Nords 	"Nord cuisine reflects the harsh climate and rugged landscape that has shaped their warrior culture. Where farming is difficult, wild game supplies a significant portion of the local diet. These meats can be preserved through smoking, drying, pickling, or salting. A good deal of fish also features, such as salmon caught in the quick-flowing White River. Among the most mouth-watering Nord foods, however, are those served at great feasts. Large roasts of mammoth, horker, and assorted game meats are cooked over a spit in the center of the hall, while rustic desserts made with juniper or snowberries are cooked in cob ovens. Those same northern ingredients make their way into Nord mead, which has developed a reputation for its strength in other parts of Tamriel." 	
Redguard 	"Redguard residents hold to the belief that the estrangement between two of their deities causes difficulties for growing food, but it is just as likely that the Alik'r Desert is to blame. What arable land exists on the plains surrounding Hammerfell is used to grow drought-hardy crops and graze domesticated livestock such as goats. These foods are often dehydrated or salted for storage and trade, but everyday meals are usually cooked by methods designed to beat the heat: Flatbreads are baked in seconds on searing-hot stones rather than in ovens, and hearty stews are set over coals to cook over long periods of time. Fortunately, trade from the port cities brings much needed variety to Redguard larders, and the fiery peppers grown in Hammerfell are much prized by cooks in other regions."	
Bosmer 	"The wood elves of Tamriel, the Bosmer, made a pact long ago with Y'ffre, their forest deity. In this Green Pact, they swore to abstain from eating or harming any plant from their native Valenwood, which has resulted in a heavily meat-based diet. Their skilled hunters return from patrols with venison, rabbit, and other game meats, as well as foraged eggs from nests high in the treetops. Cooking is something of an afterthought, or reserved for meat served to guests. Some game meat is preserved by drying or salting, but in general the Bosmer hunt and forage as needed." 	
Khajiit 	"Known for their insatiable sweet tooth, the Khajiit enjoy a wide array of specialty dishes and desserts, many of which are cooked over the fires of the camps they set up during their travels. The famous black market substance known as moonsugar is a key ingredient in a majority of Khajiit cooking, and as a result they have developed a tolerance to amounts of the stuff that would lay other races low. This affection for moonsugar has limited the amount of trade that many merchants are willing to take on with the Khajiit, which in turn limits the variety of ingredients they are able to incorporate into their cooking (at least, legally obtained ingredients). They always have wares for those with the coin, including skooma and sweetrolls of questionable origin." 	
Imperials 	"Imperial cooks approach food the same way they face the rest of life: in a straightforward and proud manner. As shrewd diplomats and traders, they stock their larders with many of the best ingredients Tamriel has to offer. Cyrodiil's central location in Tamriel, paired with its wealth and power, assures that the Imperials eat well from a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices from across the continent." 	
Orsimer 	"The Orsimer are a strong and fiercely loyal race. Although many also live in their capital city Orsinium, most live in strongholds scattered across Tamriel. Each such stronghold must be self-sufficient, so the Orsimers' diet is predominantly made up of practical foods that can be easily grown, foraged, hunted, and stored. There is little room for frills, but they do appreciate a variety of spices and seasonings when trade brings them their way. Because they are such tight-knit communities, Orsimer often prepare large communal meals that are shared among all members of the stronghold, often using their forge fires to roast skewers of meat." 	
Altmer 	"Mostly isolated as they are on their Summerset Isles, the Altmer have had ample time to perfect their cuisine without the interference of outside races. However, with the relatively new opening of their shores to outsiders, they have begun to embrace the best culinary innovations of Tamriel's other residents. A race that values beauty and perfection, they harbor very strict rules regarding table manners and deportment. Nonetheless, they enjoy a wide array of haute cuisine, dining on the most daintily crafted sweets washed down with fine liqueurs and brandies." 	
Bretons 	"Bretons are known for their exceptional skill with spells, and in truth, their skills are in the kitchen are no less magical. They enjoy a prosperous trade up and down the Iliac Bay, and the soil of High Rock provides fertile ground for numerous crops. However, the rigid economic hierarchy of Breton culture is also reflected in their cuisine: Professional cooks prepare the most elaborate and expensive dishes for the aristocracy, while the impoverished peasantry must make do with what they can grow or forage themselves." 	
Dunmer 	"Dunmer, Tamriel's dark elves, inhabit a part of the land that is almost entirely unsuited to agriculture. Morrowind's dark volcanic terrain makes farming or hunting very difficult. Despite this hardship, the Dunmer have learned over the ages to live in harmony with the inhospitable landscape: They gather kwama eggs, cultivate crops of ash yams, and maintain herds of domesticated guar, from which they harvest meat and hides. A wide variety of drinks also feature in Dunmer cuisine, made from saltrice and native fruits." 	
Argonians 	"Argonian cuisine is perhaps the most impenetrable for outsiders. The Black Marsh is considered by most to be a dismal place, but the Argonians' superb swimming skills make them a perfect fit for the region. Composed largely of raw fish and swamp plants collected throughout the marshes, Argonian dishes are for only the bravest of other races. Often eaten raw, albeit seasoned with exotic spices and rich sauces, the fish and small creatures Argonians harvest in nets and traps sustain them in a way that is wholly unique in Tamriel." 	
Celebrations
"No matter their race or region, the residents of Tamriel love their festivals. Some celebrations, like the Redguard Koomu Alezer'i in Sentinel have been held for thousands of years, while some are more recent additions to the calendar. Generally, however, they all have in common a joyful atmosphere and plenty of food and drink.
"Both the Old Life and the New Life Festivals are fêtes that span all of Tamriel. At their core, these joyous events celebrate life and the rebirth of the sun after the darkest day of the year. The holidays are recognized in different ways by the various races, often with games or various physical challenges and a good deal of food and drink.
"Many Nords, for example, choose to jump into frozen lakes before warming themselves by a fire with a flagon of mead, while the Khajiit set themselves a variety of larcenous objectives with a toast of Skooma (page 173) as a reward. San's Spiced Wine (page 171) and homemade Sweet Nog (page 179) are popular gifts, best enjoyed alongside sweets such as Spiced Root Cake (page 155) or Birch Cookies (page 137).
"Heart's Day is a popular holiday amongst Tamriel's lovers, and a day on which rooms are free in taverns and inns across the continent. Couples can share a steaming pot of Elsweyr Fondue (page 117) in a darkened tavern corner. Khajiit like to show their affection with a stolen Sweetroll (page 157), and even the normally taciturn Mer have been known to share a slender bottle of Snowberry Cordial (page 175) with a loved one.
"Celebrations for First Planting and the beginning of spring include recipes utilizing the flowers of the field and the honey from the bees newly woken from their winter slumber. Old grudges are abandoned over slices of aromatic Lavender and Honey Bread (page 87), which pairs beautifully with fresh butter and a flagon of Honningbrew Brittle (page 139) and smooth Honey Pudding (page 143).
"Fishing Day is a Breton holiday that has been gaining popularity across Skyrim as well as other parts of Tamriel where fishing has been not only a livelihood but a way of life for many generations. Nets and hooks are laid aside in favor of bowls of Coastal Clam Chowder (page 93) and savory Rye Crisps (page 85). Seared Nordic Barnacles (page 107) are enjoyed with a reserve bottle of spiced Nord Mead (page 165). Larger families also enjoy a Horker Loaf (page 131) with all the trimmings.
"Harvest's End is a time of celebrating the bounty of the year's harvest and a well-deserved reward for a season of hard work in field and orchard. Goatherd's Pie (page 121) is commonly found on feast tables piled high with fruits, vegetables, and roast meats, while over large fires bubbling cauldrons of Vegetable Soup (page 101) simmer away. The taverns offer free drinks throughout eh day, including measures of the local recipe for Water of Life (page 185)."
A Cook's Guide to Homesteading
When it comes to successful cooking, one often need look no further than high-quality, fresh ingredients. And if you are lucky enough to own your own homestead, the ingredients are the freshest available, grown in your very own garden. Whether you are a renowned upstanding citizen or a quietly disreputable thief, there's a house in Tamriel that is perfect for your needs. If not, you can always build your own! The satisfaction of living in a home that you've labored over isn't too different from the extra flavor in a dish you've cooked yourself. And a perk of finding that perfect plot of land is that you can customize it to your own needs and desires.
"A fully stocked kitchen is every cook's dream, complete with oven, butter churn, roasting spit, cool cellar storage, and plenty of storage and workspace. But the customization doesn't stop there: If you are a brewer or an avid fan of mead, why not install an apiary outside your home to house bees and produce honey? Let's be honest, nobody knows for sure what "secret ingredients" go into the vats in the Black-Briar Meadery, but with your own honey source at home, there's no longer a need to roll the dice on unknown bottles of questionable origin."
"If you love to cook, then a greenhouse is a clear choice for one of the wings of your home, especially in colder regions like Skyrim where a hothouse can make all the difference in lengthening the growing season. It will enable you to have a steady source of leeks, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, gourds, and a wide variety of herbs for both cooking and alchemy.
"Be sure to read the Beginner's Guide to Homesteading for additional tips and tricks on how to create a manor house that is perfect for you."
==Recipes==
The following section records the in-universe description of each recipe listed in the book. The actual contents of the recipes are not documented here.
Basics 	 	
{|class="wikitable sortable" 	Recipe 	Description
Spices, Seasonings, & Condiments	"A salt pile is one of the most important ingredients for cooking any recipe in Tamriel. In fact, many chefs swear that you cannot even contemplate cooking something without a few piles of salt in your pantry. Other seasonings are scarcely less important. They are so integral to the making of a flavorful finished dish that some handed-down recipes don't even include them, with the assumption you simply know how to tweak to taste. Spices and seasonings often have a history all their own, and the farther they travel the more costly and difficult they are to obtain. Even the smallest jar of spice is a prized procession in the larders of small villages. Although every village, and indeed often every family, has its own special blend of seasoning, these are three of the most common mixes found in Tamriel."	
Nord Spices 	"This warming blend of spices brings to life any cold-weather recipe that includes it. The warmth of the cardamom and cinnamon is balanced by the bite of mace, clove, and grains, making it a solid addition to desserts, baking, and hot drinks." 	
Stormcloak Seasoning 	"This is one of the most popular seasoning mixes across the breadth of Skyrim, where nearly every garden boasts a little corner dedicated to growing most of these ingredients. The grains of paradise are imported, and if the cost is too dear, ordinary black pepper can be substituted. It makes for a mixture that goes well with vegetables, fish, meat, and savory baking." 	
Imperial Seasoning 	"Brought by Imperial troops and their regiment cooks, this mix has put down roots and is gaining in popularity in Skyrim, even if the Imperials themselves are not. It's a unique combination of savory flavors and a bright citrus profile lent by the the coriander, and it is delicious on vegetables and fish." 	
Custard Sauce 	"A good custard sauce should be thick and creamy, and is equally delicious poured over desserts as it is eaten straight off the spoon. The shaggy cows of Skyrim give especially good milk for custard, as it is rich with the flavors of their mountainside grazing." 	
Snowberry Sauce 	"A lot of cooking in Tamriel makes use of what ingredients are available, and the snowberry is one of the most common edible plants in the more northern parts of Skyrim. With rich spices and a dash of warming port, this tart sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of meats as well as desserts." 	
Spiced Butter 	"Ordinary butter is readily available across Tamriel and can be purchased from innkeepers, vendors, and merchants for use in many recipes. However, some special occasions or unusual dishes benefit from something a little extra. This richly flavored butter melds beautifully with roasted vegetables, but is also a wonderful way to start off breakfast." 	
Rustic Mustard 	"Brightly flavored with a characteristic mustard bite, this spread can be commonly found in small jars tucked up on cellar shelves amid other preserved goods. Its sharp flavor helps brighten meals during the long days of winter." 	
Imperial Mushroom Sauce 	"This rustic sauce has its origins in the outlying regions from which the auxiliary soldiers are drawn. What was simple country food has become a favorite staple on the tables of even generals in the Imperial army." 	
Sweet Crostata Dough 	N/A 	
Rye Pie Dough 	N/A 	
Sides, Starters, & Snacks 	 	
{|class="wikitable sortable" 	Recipe 	Description
Baby Carrots in Moonsugar Glaze	"This dish can often be found cooking over the fires of Khajiit traders in their camps. Like many Khajiit dishes it uses moonsugar, but this particular recipe approximates the flavors of the sugar without any of its addictive side effects—and it's far more legal." 	
Baked Ash Yams 	"Ash yams are one of the few vegetables that thrives in Morrowind's climate, especially after the volcanic explosion of the Red Mountain. Some of the Dunmer fleeing that devastation thoughtfully packed yams and introduced them to Skyrim, where some Nords have added their own distinct flavors to this recipe." 	
Grilled Leeks 	"Although leeks can be a little finicky to grow, it's no wonder they thrive around all the riverlands in Skyrim. This rugged vegetable is popular in stews and savory pies, but it is also delicious in its own right and can often be spied gracing the tables of the rich and poor alike." 	
Bosmer Bites 	"Because of their adherence to the Green Pact, the Bosmer are severely limited in their diet. Forbidden to harm plants in their native Valenwood forest, they rely on deadfall and peat to fuel their sparse fires and eat mostly meat that is either cured or quickly cooked. Fruits are only allowed if they have already fallen from the tree, and the seeds must be replanted, lest they face the wrath of an irate forest. This basic recipe works very well with a variety of tree fruits and assorted meats. The Bosmer use whatever freshly cured meat they have on hand, no matter the dubious origin."	
Mushroom and Vegetable Risotto 	"Versions of this dish can be found all across Tamriel, but using four types of Balmoran mushrooms can give this dish a special regional flavor. This dish is also popular in Skyrim, where its stick-to-the-rib quality makes it a common dish from farmer's cottage to Jarl's hall. After all, in a land of perpetual winter, everybody needs a bowl of warm comfort food from time to time." 	
Double-Baked Potatoes 	"The humble potato is one of Skyrim's staple ingredients, found growing on every farm. Like many fruits and vegetables, potatoes store surprisingly well in barrels. While considered more practical than valuable and not good for much more than eating, this recipe makes them taste like they're worth their weight in Septims." 	
Redguard Rice 	"Redolent with rich spices, this dish is prepared in a single pot, making it a great candidate for cooking on the road. It is, at its heart, a very traditional Redguard recipe, although it can be easily tweaked and improved based on locally available ingredients." 	
Argonian Swamp Shrimp Boil 	"While not much from the Argonian kitchen is palatable to other races, a few dishes have proven wildly popular even with the Altmer, although you'd be hard pressed to get them to admit as much. The Argonians prefer to make this recipe using swamp shrimp from the Black Marshes, but in a pinch, the northern varieties of prawn caught off the coast of Skyrim will do." 	
Hot Mudcrab Dip 	"Let's face it—we've all been chased around by these pesky oversized crabs. Now you can take your revenge on those self-important crustaceans by mixing them into this tasty dip. They bring friends, so why shouldn't you feed them to yours?" 	
Leek and Cheese Crostata 	"Combining two of Skyrim's more common ingredients, the result is a hearty tart that is great for picnics and afternoon snacks, but can also easily be served as a side dish next to a main course. It is popularly made with either eidar cheese or goat cheese, but a good cheddar also works well." 	
Stewed Apples and Eidar Cheese 	"Try this recipe alongside a hearty slice of meat after a long and arduous quest—you won't be disappointed. Most apples work well in this recipe, but be sure to avoid any poisoned ones by eschewing any apples you find sitting alone on a table with no other food present. As a bonus, this versatile side dish can also do a double duty as a dessert. If you're not a fan of eidar cheese's distinct ripeness, try a milder goat cheese crumble or leave it off altogether for a sweeter version." 	
Saltrice Porridge 	"The bustling export business of saltrice out of Morrowind has made this traditional Dunmer dish a popular staple. In some regions, it has outstripped other breakfast standbys such as oatmeal, as those grains cannot be cultivated in the short growing seasons of the northern holds." 	
Sunlight Soufflé 	"The Gourmet is known for the finicky instructions he provides in Uncommon Taste, but this Breton dish is actually simple enough to make, even if you don't have a hickory wood spoon. The result is a light, fluffy meal of egg and cheese with an exquisite flavor that can easily be tweaked and embellished to your own tastes." 	
Baked Goods 	 	
{|class="wikitable sortable"	Recipe 	Description
Braided Bread 	"Some recipes in Skyrim, like this one, are reserved for special occasions. This beautiful bread is made in the heart of midwinter, when stores are running low and better weather seems a long way off. It makes use of some preciously guarded ingredients with the inclusion of dried fruit, nuts, and spices. All in all, it makes a special loaf that promises better days to come, while celebrating the harvest of the previous year." 	
Meadow Rye Bread 	"This easy bread makes a flavorful accompaniment to any soup but is especially good with creamy varieties. These loaves can commonly be found in tavern kitchens, where their quick baking time means more satisfied customers." 	
Cheese Scones 	"While scones are often considered a breakfast item, their versatility makes them prime candidates for meals later in the day, especially when given a slightly more savory touch. Feel free to try this recipe with different types of cheese. Eidar and mammoth cheeses are popular in Skyrim, while more adventurous folk can experiment with scuttle from Morrowind made from the flesh of local beetles but similar to cheese. These flaky treats are delicious still warm from the oven and dripping with fresh butter."	
Garlic Bread 	"Nothing pairs with a nice hearty soup quite like a slice or two of thick bread topped with butter and garlic. This easy and quick recipe makes enough for surprise guests or a whole family, and as an added bonus, garlic is good for your health, stamina, and magicka." 	
Cabbage Biscuits 	"Although Balmora has since been destroyed, many Dunmer remember the good eating that could be enjoyed when visiting House Hlaalu's stronghold. These delicious biscuits make the best of Morrowind ingredients such as scrib cabbage. Heavily textured, but lightly flavored, they are a great base for a variety of toppings or as an accompaniment to a hearty soup." 	
S'jirra's Famous Potato Bread	"The strange Khajiit S'jirra is the only one that sells her Famous Potato Bread to those who encounter her at the Faregyl Inn. But because wheat is in such high demand in Skyrim, many Nords have adopted this recipe that adds potato to stretch out the supply of flour. This results in a light flatbread that is delicious fresh from the oven and slathered with butter." 	
Nut and Seed Loaf 	"Packed with protein and nutrition, a little slice of this loaf goes a long way. It's an ideal addition to the rations of any adventurers keen to make a name for themselves in the wilds of Tamriel, where an assortment of foraged ingredients can be added, such as ironwood nuts and seeds from an assortment of wildflowers." 	
Rye Crisps 	"Many Nords make their living as fishermen, exporting their catch to taverns and larger estates all over Skyrim. But fishing is long, hard work, so they need nourishing foodstuffs that last. These crisps are thin and flavorful, perfect with a little cream cheese and smoked fish." 	
Lavender and Honey Bread 	"This is a popular bread in Whiterun, where lavender grows wild and countless beehives are kept to provide the Honningbrew Meadery with enough honey for their mead production. The honey and lavender are such a natural pairing that they are combined not only for the mead but also in this flavorful loaf." 	
Soups & Stews 	 	
{|class="wikitable sortable"	Recipe 	Description
Apple Cabbage Stew 	"The Imperials prefer a version of this dish that uses red cabbage, which they say is sweeter, but true Nords are unwavering in their affection for this traditional recipe. It produces a richly flavored broth that is both nutritious and delicious, despite the limited ingredient list." 	
Coastal Clam Chowder 	"Nordic barnacles, clams, oysters, mudcrabs, and a variety of fish are often included in this chowder, depending on the catch of the day. Unsurprisingly, it's a popular staple in coastal cities such as Solitude and Winterhold, where every inn and tavern has a steaming cauldron of chowder going in the kitchen." 	
Braised Rib Stew with Farro	"This is one of Skyrim's most rustic soups, made in the far-flung small villages and hunting camps that lie a long way from cities, where only the most adventurous might wander and every bit of food is considered precious, with nothing wasted. The rib bones knocking about at the bottom of the pot might seem a little dubious, but they give the broth extra nutrients that are essential for surviving long spells of frigid temperatures. This dish is especially helpful during recovery if one has taken a farro in the knee."	
Potato Cheddar Soup 	"This dish is a staple at every farmstead and crofter's village across Skyrim. Simple but hearty, it gives a bone-deep warmth that better prepares anyone for the day's labors ahead, be they adventuring, tending a shop, or working the fields." 	
Pea Soup 	"Nothing wards off the winter's chill like a nice, hearty soup. This is a popular option in the depths of winter, when fresh greens are the hardest to come by, but it still incorporates some of Skyrim's most popular ingredients as it uses dried peas and cured bacon, along with carefully stored leeks and carrots. The result is a simple but filling staple that sticks to the ribs." 	
Vegetable Soup 	"Some might claim that an ordinary vegetable soup has no business being so powerfully healthy, but there's no arguing with results. While it might not cure everything that ails you (try a shrine for that), it comes pretty close. Every spoonful is loaded with native vegetables and packed with flavor." 	
Potage le Magnifique 	"This Breton dish is one of many made famous in the recipe collection Uncommon Taste, written by the ever-mysterious Gourmet. Its popularity is no mystery, however, as its rich texture and deceptive simplicity showcase a hearty soup that pairs perfectly with toasted bread and cheese. The only danger is that it may make you weep with joy..." 	
Main Courses 	 	
{|class="wikitable sortable"	Recipe 	Description
Seared Nordic Barnacles 	"Most Nords, from Solitude to Windhelm, have at some point or another gone out to scour the coast for barnacles and oysters. Those hard shells hide delicious treasures, if you know how to prepare them, and their relative rarity makes them a highly sought-after ingredient." 	
Baked White River Salmon	"Salmon can be seen leaping up the current of the White River in great numbers, making them a popular ingredient for cooking. There are myriad ways to catch them—arrows and bolts work well, but a skillfully deployed destruction spell can yield a number of fish quickly. Simply baking the fish with some herbs will result in a delicious meal, but nobles often prefer it baked into a pastry case." 	
Chicken Dumplings 	"These dumplings are a specialty of many an inn across Skyrim, where travelers can enjoy them hot after a long day's journey, but they're also a popular pick in one's own homestead kitchen. In either case, the creamy filling has restorative properties, especially washed down with a flagon of the local specialty." 	
Companions Meatball Bake	"This deceptively simple dish is a favorite among Whiterun's Companions, where it is always served in a round shape to symbolize their equality with one another. They fight together, drink together, and perhaps most importantly, feast together in the hall of Jorrvaskr. As the Companions are proficient hunters, these meatballs might be made of whatever has been freshly caught, be it bear, venison, boar, mammoth, or what have you."	
Elsweyr Fondue 	"Although the Khajiit are known for their sweet tooth, this is one of their more savory recipes. Rich and creamy, this pot of melted cheese is a treat no Khajiit can resist, even without the inclusion of illegal moonsugar." 	
Festival Hand Pies 	"These savory little hand pies are easily transported and easily eaten on the go, making them a common snack at festivals and other social gatherings throughout Skyrim. They are especially popular at the Fire Festival at the bard's college in Solitude. With a flaky crust and rich filling, it's a challenge to eat just one. Wash it down with a little of San's Spiced Wine, another local favorite." 	
Goatherd's Pie 	"Although cows are the predominant herd animal kept in Skyrim, goats are better suited to finding forage on the rockier slopes and colder parts of the region. Their sure-footedness gives them the ability to escape sabre cats and cave bears, while their docile nature makes them ideal for the farmstead. That, and their cheese and meat are delicious." 	
Kwama Egg Quiche 	"Originally only known in Vvardenfell, this recipe traveled with Dunmer fleeing Morrowind after the Red Mountain's eruption and has been well received throughout much of Tamriel, albeit with various regional tweaks to the ingredient list. The lightly seasoned filling and crisp crust can satisfy even the pickiest palate." 	
Orsimer Venison 	"Because of their tight-knit tribal communities, the Orsimer cook many communal meals where a large central dish is shared among many individuals. This recipe is a prime example of such a meal, especially as venison is one of their staple ingredients, being plentiful around their scattered strongholds." 	
Juniper Lamb Chops 	"Juniper grows best in the southwest of Skyrim, but its sharp flavor is enjoyed across the entire region. Sheep are commonly found in herds in Tamriel, so procuring lamb chops shouldn't be difficult. Just be sure to always carry a few apples with you in order to lure them in your direction." 	
Horker Loaf 	"While horker meat might not be everyone's first pick, it sustains many a coastal family. It's considered lucky to eat the roasted garlic "tusks" at the top of the loaf, and children will often compete with one another to get them." 	
Desserts 	 	
{|class="wikitable sortable"	Recipe 	Description
Honey Nut Treat 	"Honey nut treats are one of the most loved treats in all of Skyrim. Made with a variety of delicious ingredients from different parts of Tamriel, they're actually quite easy and quick to make at your own hearth." 	
Birch Cookies 	"Birch trees are some of the hardy varieties that still thrive in the cold Skyrim climate. These cookies honor those stalwart trees and their enterprising spirit with miniature versions of the birch logs that burn in many a hearthfire, keeping residents warm and snug." 	
Honeycomb Brittle 	"Honeycomb fresh from the hive is a rare treat for children and adults alike, and gives its name to this delicious confection. Light and crispy, with toasted honey flavors, this is sure to be a popular conclusion to any meal." 	
Long Taffy Treat 	"Until recently, the recipe for this confection was so closely guarded that it was impossible to make at home and could only be obtained by nefarious means. Thankfully, a careless Whiterun guard let slip the secret after one too many ales, so now it can be enjoyed much more widely." 	
Honey Pudding 	"Originally a Khajiit dish, this pudding has evolved without the moonsugar, letting the natural sweet flavors of the honey shine through. Different varieties of honey will each give a slightly different flavor, depending on the flowers it was made from." 	
Oatmeal Raisin Shortbread 	"Sometimes the simplest recipes can be the most rewarding. While variations can be found across Skyrim, this particular recipe comes from a little fishing cottage outside of Winterhold. Sweet and buttery, these little iced shortbreads are a perfect pick-me-up in the morning or in the afternoon with a cup of tea. These shortbreads can be cut into any shape you desire from simple circles, squares, and triangles to more adventurous concepts. If you're feeling creative, try your hand at creating shapes such as a snow bear, or even Alduin the World Eater."	
Sheogorath's Strawberry Tarts	"Wine in a fruit tart? That's madness! Or genius. Or perhaps a bit of both, because the line between the two is very narrow. The line of neighbors waiting for your summery dessert, however, will probably grow longer with time." 	
Apple Cobbler 	"That the gnarled and twisted trees in Skyrim's orchards still produce such bounty of fruits is nothing short of a marvel. Their round green and red apples are sold and stored all across the region, making their way into various desserts and drinks or eaten raw as a quick, healthy snack." 	
Snowberry Crostata 	"This rustic berry tart is most commonly made over the hearthfires of home kitchens, but can occasionally be found for sale in a few taverns and inns as well. The recipe makes a dessert that's just this side of tart, and perfect to share with your traveling companions." 	
Boiled Creme Treat 	"Nearly as iconic as sweetrolls but not as often stolen, these boiled creme treats are quite popular in Skyrim and can be purchased from most vendors worth their salt. The fluffy sweet dough around a creamy custard filling makes for a substantial little dessert that's so delicious, you'll think you've died and gone to Sovngarde." 	
Spiced Root Cake 	"Sometimes the humblest vegetables can shine in unexpected ways, and there's no better example of that than a slice of delicious cake. Since many of Tamriel's roots are best left to skilled alchemists, forgo the mandrake, corkbulb, and trama root in favor of the more familiar and safer carrots and parsnips." 	
Sweetrolls 	"Don't let anyone steal your sweetroll ever again. Instead of guarding your hard-won baked goods against bandits and that pesky Thieves Guild, now you can bake them in the quiet safety of your own home with no one the wiser." 	
Drinks 	 	
{|class="wikitable sortable"	Recipe 	Description
Quick Meads 	"It's said that many a Nord's first nourishment is a nip of mead, even before tasting their mother's milk. Mead is in their blood as much as in their drinking horns, and everyone has his or her favorite variety. So grab your favorite drinking buddy; you'll be a lot happier and a lot warmer with some mead in your belly!" 	
Honningbrew Mead 	"Known throughout Skyrim as the finest mead outside of Sovngarde, Honningbrew's reputation is well deserved. Pulling ingredients from their own hives and the surrounding meadows, Sabjorn has crafted a perfectly balanced brew that pleases revelers far and wider. Except near Riften, of course..." 	
Black-Briar Mead 	"Although the recipe has been closely guarded, everything has a price. The honey comes from the Goldenglow Estate, and when combined with other ingredients makes a fruity mead that's a little dark and moody, just like the entire Black-Briar family." 	
Juniper Berry Mead: 	"Though Vilod has joined his ancestors, his mead lives on in Helgen and beyond. Using the native juniper berry and red mountain flowers, he created a mead that truly embodies the spirit of Skyrim." 	
Nord Mead 	"Like all meads made at home rather than at the commercial meaderies, this recipe varies from clan to clan, village to town. But all Nords agree that it has to have certain characteristics: warming, heavy on the spices, and refreshing." 	
Imperial Mulled Wine 	"Many Imperials have found Skyrim's climate difficult to bear, so when one enterprising garrison cook whipped up this hot drink to help ward off the northern chill, it quickly gained popularity across the region and beyond. It makes use of a few Imperial ingredients that must be imported, but its warming qualities are well worth the extra expense." 	
Hot Spiced Cider 	"Both the red and green apples of Skyrim are used widely in cooking, both for their juice and for the fruit itself. This drink is popular among children and those who had just a little too much of the strong stuff the night before." 	
San's Spiced Wine 	"Although the exact recipe for San's Spiced Wine remains a closely guarded secret, a more unscrupulous adventurer can find the list of spices in the logs of the East Empire Trading Company. And if you happen to be out on a chilly evening to see the burning of King Olaf in Solitude, it'll put a little fire in your veins." 	
Skooma 	"Because skooma is so highly sought-after, yet so illegal, some enterprising innkeepers across Tamriel have cooked up their own version of a cordial that mimics that addictively sweet drink so loved by the Khajiit." 	
Snowberry Cordial 	"This easy-to-make cordial has become a staple of hospitality among Nords, as it is commonly offered to guests and family in small glasses as a welcoming warming nip and in bottles as a gift." 	
Spiced Warm Milk with Honey	"Most Khajiit have taken to making this recipe with moonsugar in place of the honey, and some even add a splash of skooma; while it's not recommended for non-Khajiit races, it certainly works wonders as a nightcap for them. For everyone else, it's still a warming drink first thing in the morning or right before bed. Go on, nobody needs to know you're a milk drinker."	
Sweet Nog 	"This thick, boozy, protein-filled beverage is just the thing to welcome you in from the cold after a day of hard labor: it's a popular warming drink, especially at homesteads where flocks of chickens provide a constant source of eggs. A more enterprising adventurer might use pine thrush eggs, but they're harder to find." 	
Canis Root Tea 	"A favorite drink of eccentric mages across Tamriel, this tea turns the gnarled canis root into a richly flavored beverage that wakes up both body and mind. If you can't find a good steward, this recipe will help you make a perfect cup of tea yourself, assuming you aren't above such menial tasks." 	
Red Mountain Flower Tea 	"Gathered along roadsides throughout Skyrim, these flowers are valued by alchemists for their magicka properties. But the common folk also frequently collect some for a refreshing tea while on their way to and from town. True Nords drink it unsweetened, enjoying the tartness the flowers lend the tea." 	
Water of Life 	"Considered something of a cure-all by many Nords, this potent beverage is reputed to bring the ill back up to full health. Everyone seems to have their own family recipe, but I managed to wheedle this one out of a farmer in Falkreath." 	
==External links==
*The Elder Scrolls: The Official Cookbook on Amazon
Category:Books (real-world)
Category:Books about Food