the food out here

In a kitchen far far away

By HUNTER HILL

Posted 4/26/23

I try very hard not to burn anything when I’m cooking, unless it’s a rare circumstance where that is actually desired for some reason. But for the most part, I’m not one of those …

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the food out here

In a kitchen far far away

“Horrible pun artwork” drawn by Amanda Reed

“More cheese? As you wish.” - Boba Fettuccine, probably.

Posted Wednesday, April 26, 2023 2:42 am

Peanut butter Wookie cookies

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup crunchy peanut butter

1 cup white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Pre-made peanut butter icing (or search for a recipe you prefer)

Beat butter, peanut butter, white sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add eggs.

Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a separate bowl; stir into wet mixture until dough is evenly combined. Chill cookie dough for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each ball and use a small gingerbread-man cookie cutter to make a human-like shape.

Bake until edges are golden, about 10 minutes. Remove and cool on the baking sheets before removing to a wire rack.

Once cookies have cooled, you can add peanut butter icing for a fur-like Wookie texture or just eat them. A glass of milk never hurt with these.

By HUNTER HILL

I try very hard not to burn anything when I’m cooking, unless it’s a rare circumstance where that is actually desired for some reason. But for the most part, I’m not one of those odd ducks who fancies a finely charred slab of toast or blackened fish with little to no actual meat left on it.

I suppose you could say I avoid the dark side—of cooking.

Looking ahead to May the 4th, I can’t help but sense a disturbance…

It’s true, I’m a “Star Wars” fan, and while that’s not my main shtick, I do like to have a little fun with it when it comes to that other thing I like—food.

Now, I won’t blame you if you are gearing up for a Cinco De Mayo party and making all the best dishes known south of the border, but let’s not forget, it’s a big galaxy out there. I mean, what is May the 4th without a Wookie cookie, or a classier dish of Boba Fettucine?

For any of my typical readers who don’t know “Star Wars,” I invite you to binge the hundred or so hours of culture that would allow you to understand these references. If not, however, you are still perfectly welcome to enjoy the food.

And if you happen to lean more toward Mexican cuisine, just know that the wannabe Jedi at your soiree will be referring to the nachos and chips as trooper scoopers.

But hey, if you’re lazy you can always order a pizza and call it Jabba the pizza Hutt. More ambitious? Construct a seven-Leia dip; it’s good for the next day as well.

The great thing about “Star Wars” food is that it can be as complicated or not as you want it to be. Ordinary dishes like fettucine Alfredo can be renamed, and with enough time and artistic talent you can decorate a gingerbread-man-shaped cookie of any flavor or variety with icing, depicting the hair and accessories of a Wookie. For that matter, make a colored-chocolate dipping station and allow guests to make light sabers with pretzel rods. The beauty of the occasion is the creativity, even if it is just all in the names.

Not hosting a “Star Wars” party? Hunker down as I will with my wife, re-watch one of the classics, and eat some Millenium Falcorn.

I know, you can’t force the puns—see what I did there?

Anyway, if you’re looking for a recipe here are two quick ones for dinner and a dessert. The way out here we say with great and silly conviction, may the fourth be with you.