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Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes
Who but Roald Dahl could think up such mouthwatering and deliciously disgusting foods as Lickable Wallpaper, Stink Bugs Eggs, and Eatable Pillows? Now there,s a practical guide to making these and other delicacies featured in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Dahl's other books, with easy, step-by-step recipes that range from the delectable to the truly revolting. Quentin Blake's illustrations combine with full-color photographs of the luscious results to perfectly capture Roald Dahl's wicked sense of fun.
"Deliciously playful. Dahl, one suspects, would have been tickled." -- Publishers Weekly
The late Roald Dahl was one of the most beloved storytellers of all time. Quentin Blake has illustrated more than a dozen books by Roald Dahl.
"Deliciously playful. Dahl, one suspects, would have been tickled." -- Publishers Weekly
The late Roald Dahl was one of the most beloved storytellers of all time. Quentin Blake has illustrated more than a dozen books by Roald Dahl.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
20 people are currently reading
2379 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,475 books26.7k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 21, 2022
Great for a Halloween party! This is the type of book that would be great to use for that scary movie marathon when you know you are going to need munchies! I am a big Roald Dahl fan - so I have to admit I am kind of partial to this book. Check out the fun recipe ideas for your next creepy party - you will be glad you did!
April 9, 2019
For me this was an entertaining, though wildly impractical cookbook. There are some clever recipes, including Lickable Wallpaper, which appears to be concocted from some sort of homemade fruit leather, and The Enormous Crocodile, made of more ingredients than most Martha Stewart recipes.
Unless your children will eagerly gobble up artichokes, frozen spinach, and cucumbers stuffed with tuna, this will be a look-through only cookbook.
My kids, both members in good standing of The Picky Eaters Club, would never touch a thing in this book . . . except maybe Bruce Bogtrotter's Cake:
It looks kind of to-die-for. And, with 6 eggs in the mix . . . you just might keel over . . . with a smile on yer face!
Unless your children will eagerly gobble up artichokes, frozen spinach, and cucumbers stuffed with tuna, this will be a look-through only cookbook.
My kids, both members in good standing of The Picky Eaters Club, would never touch a thing in this book . . . except maybe Bruce Bogtrotter's Cake:
It looks kind of to-die-for. And, with 6 eggs in the mix . . . you just might keel over . . . with a smile on yer face!
December 27, 2020
Well, and as far as general entertainment value goes, the recipe names and many of the imaginative accompanying photographs presented in this literary cookbook, shown in Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes have certainly hit the spot for me so to speak (as I definitely have very much enjoyed reading over the recipes, looking at Quentin Blake’s artwork, smiling at how imaginative and full of whimsy many of the photographs tend to be and of course also searching for the recipes in the respective Roald Dahl novels).
However, with regard to Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes as an actual and bona fide cookbook (and indeed one geared towards children), with featured recipes to try to make (and to consume), I unfortunately have been for the most part rather disappointed. For one, while many of the recipe suggestions (and yes, all of them, as already alluded to above, do seem to have definitely been gleaned from Roald Dahl novels) actually and mostly do sound delicious, they also and equally are for the most part not really all that healthy in scope and nutritious looking, with often high fat, heavily meat based or laden with white sugar ingredients (fine perhaps for an occasional treat, but really, on the whole, Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes is kind of too much into celebrating unhealthy, lacking in nutrition food ingredients and this is especially problematic considering the target audience, considering children). And for two, since Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes is obviously supposed to be (at least in my opinion) geared towards younger readers (children), far far too many of the featured recipes seem to require difficult and sometimes even potentially dangerous for novice cooks instructions and equipment (for yes, and as an example, I would certainly be very leery letting any child attempt to make fudge and having to use a candy thermometer, for I know from trying to make candy as a novice adult cook that this is not only difficult but mishaps and the potential for burning oneself are indeed high).
Therefore, while Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes does have a certain amount of charm, I actually do not think it succeeds all that well as far as it being a cookbook (and I thus also very much doubt that I am also sufficiently interested trying the second book, Roald Dahl's Even More Revolting Recipes).
However, with regard to Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes as an actual and bona fide cookbook (and indeed one geared towards children), with featured recipes to try to make (and to consume), I unfortunately have been for the most part rather disappointed. For one, while many of the recipe suggestions (and yes, all of them, as already alluded to above, do seem to have definitely been gleaned from Roald Dahl novels) actually and mostly do sound delicious, they also and equally are for the most part not really all that healthy in scope and nutritious looking, with often high fat, heavily meat based or laden with white sugar ingredients (fine perhaps for an occasional treat, but really, on the whole, Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes is kind of too much into celebrating unhealthy, lacking in nutrition food ingredients and this is especially problematic considering the target audience, considering children). And for two, since Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes is obviously supposed to be (at least in my opinion) geared towards younger readers (children), far far too many of the featured recipes seem to require difficult and sometimes even potentially dangerous for novice cooks instructions and equipment (for yes, and as an example, I would certainly be very leery letting any child attempt to make fudge and having to use a candy thermometer, for I know from trying to make candy as a novice adult cook that this is not only difficult but mishaps and the potential for burning oneself are indeed high).
Therefore, while Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes does have a certain amount of charm, I actually do not think it succeeds all that well as far as it being a cookbook (and I thus also very much doubt that I am also sufficiently interested trying the second book, Roald Dahl's Even More Revolting Recipes).
August 19, 2020
Amazing book!! I've wanted this for ages and not been able to find it so am very pleased to own it now. I'm a huge Roald Dahl fan and will be proud to put this with my cookbooks!!
April 9, 2013
Review for: Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes
Recipes compiled by: Josie Fison and Felicity Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Photographer: Jan Baldwin
First Published: 1994
Introduction from Felicity Dahl, 1994. Roald and Felicity Dahl came up with the idea of "a book for children, based on the many wonderful and varied foods that appear in his books.", shortly before Dahl died. Roald Dahl encouraged (challenged) his second wife to find a way to produce this cookbook. And she did.
Baldwin's photos and Blake's images merge to humorously illustrate the recipes, with Blake incorporating some of Dahl's iconic characters. But it's just the recipes. No funny anecdotes. No book excerpts. Just the recipes.
This edition is a paperback of around 60 pages. As such, it is a book that will struggle to last the test of time, if frequently used, and will struggle to be used, flat, in a working kitchen with children. The recipes range in skill from a novice Peach Juice and Stink Bugs' Eggs to working with hot sugar in marshmallow or toffee, and deep frying doughnuts and onion rings. As such, this isn't a cookbook you would hand to a child and say "Go for it!". Many, if not most, recipes will require some adult supervision.
Note oven temperatures are in Farenheit, measurements/quantities are in ounces, inches, sticks, and include Rich Tea biscuits, Rice Krispies, semisweet chocolate, confectioners' sugar. New chefs may find the conversions and language difficult, and require extra forethought and support.
Recipes are listed in six categories:
Starters
Green Pea Soup - The Witches
George's Marvellous Medicine Chicken Soup - George's Marvelous Medicine
Stink Bugs' Eggs - James and the Giant Peach
Scrambled Dregs - James and the Giant Peach
Snacks
Snozzcumbers - The BFG
Onion Rings
Mosquitoes' Toes and Wampish Roes Most Deliciously Fried - James and the Giant Peach
The Enormous Crocodile (birthday cake centrepiece)
Crispy Wasp Stings on a Piece of Buttered Toast - James and the Giant Peach
Main Courses
Wormy Spaghetti - The Twits
Fresh Mudburgers - James and the Giant Peach
Bird Pie - The Twits
Mr Twit's Beard Food - The Twits
Hansel and Gretel Spare Ribs - Rhyme Stew
Boggis's Chicken - Fantastic Mr. Fox
Cakes and Desserts
Bunce's Doughnuts - Fantastic Mr. Fox
Krokan Ice Cream - Boy: Tales of Childhood
Hot Frogs - James and the Giant Peach
Lickable Wallpaper - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Bruce Bogtrotter's Cake - Matilda
Hot Ice Cream for Cold Days - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Drinks
Butterscotch - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Peach Juice - James and the Giant Peach
Frobscottle - The BFG
Confectionary
Strawberry-Flavoured Chocolate-Coated Fudge - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Toffee-Apple Trees - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Candy-Coated Pencils for Sucking in Class - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Eatable Marshmallow Pillows - James and the Giant Peach
Stickjaw for Talkative Parents - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka's Nutty Crunch Surprise - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Hair Toffee to Make Hair Grow on Bald Men - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Age
Cook Together: 4+ (selected recipes while working with an adult)
Cook Yourself: 10+ (again, selected recipes according to skill level, confidence, and safety)
(ISBN 9780140378207)
Recipes compiled by: Josie Fison and Felicity Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Photographer: Jan Baldwin
First Published: 1994
Introduction from Felicity Dahl, 1994. Roald and Felicity Dahl came up with the idea of "a book for children, based on the many wonderful and varied foods that appear in his books.", shortly before Dahl died. Roald Dahl encouraged (challenged) his second wife to find a way to produce this cookbook. And she did.
Baldwin's photos and Blake's images merge to humorously illustrate the recipes, with Blake incorporating some of Dahl's iconic characters. But it's just the recipes. No funny anecdotes. No book excerpts. Just the recipes.
This edition is a paperback of around 60 pages. As such, it is a book that will struggle to last the test of time, if frequently used, and will struggle to be used, flat, in a working kitchen with children. The recipes range in skill from a novice Peach Juice and Stink Bugs' Eggs to working with hot sugar in marshmallow or toffee, and deep frying doughnuts and onion rings. As such, this isn't a cookbook you would hand to a child and say "Go for it!". Many, if not most, recipes will require some adult supervision.
Note oven temperatures are in Farenheit, measurements/quantities are in ounces, inches, sticks, and include Rich Tea biscuits, Rice Krispies, semisweet chocolate, confectioners' sugar. New chefs may find the conversions and language difficult, and require extra forethought and support.
Recipes are listed in six categories:
Starters
Green Pea Soup - The Witches
George's Marvellous Medicine Chicken Soup - George's Marvelous Medicine
Stink Bugs' Eggs - James and the Giant Peach
Scrambled Dregs - James and the Giant Peach
Snacks
Snozzcumbers - The BFG
Onion Rings
Mosquitoes' Toes and Wampish Roes Most Deliciously Fried - James and the Giant Peach
The Enormous Crocodile (birthday cake centrepiece)
Crispy Wasp Stings on a Piece of Buttered Toast - James and the Giant Peach
Main Courses
Wormy Spaghetti - The Twits
Fresh Mudburgers - James and the Giant Peach
Bird Pie - The Twits
Mr Twit's Beard Food - The Twits
Hansel and Gretel Spare Ribs - Rhyme Stew
Boggis's Chicken - Fantastic Mr. Fox
Cakes and Desserts
Bunce's Doughnuts - Fantastic Mr. Fox
Krokan Ice Cream - Boy: Tales of Childhood
Hot Frogs - James and the Giant Peach
Lickable Wallpaper - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Bruce Bogtrotter's Cake - Matilda
Hot Ice Cream for Cold Days - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Drinks
Butterscotch - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Peach Juice - James and the Giant Peach
Frobscottle - The BFG
Confectionary
Strawberry-Flavoured Chocolate-Coated Fudge - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Toffee-Apple Trees - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Candy-Coated Pencils for Sucking in Class - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Eatable Marshmallow Pillows - James and the Giant Peach
Stickjaw for Talkative Parents - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka's Nutty Crunch Surprise - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Hair Toffee to Make Hair Grow on Bald Men - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Age
Cook Together: 4+ (selected recipes while working with an adult)
Cook Yourself: 10+ (again, selected recipes according to skill level, confidence, and safety)
(ISBN 9780140378207)
June 14, 2009
I found the majority of these recipes to be overly complicated and unappetizing! There are 31 in the book and I would consider trying three or four of them at best. It was fun to look at though and certainly doesnt take long to read....
December 30, 2023
They are actual recipes?! (that takes the 1 star off, but it's Dahl can't rate him lower than a 4, it's a good book but its... its...REAL!!) Is this the universe nudging me to finally learn to cook? Oh well.
Quetin Blake's illustrations are wonderful as ever; they take me right back to the best of my childhood, giggling the days away with a Roald Dahl book.
Note to self:
Reread BFG and Twits. I don't remember bits and that's a SHAME.
Quetin Blake's illustrations are wonderful as ever; they take me right back to the best of my childhood, giggling the days away with a Roald Dahl book.
Note to self:
Reread BFG and Twits. I don't remember bits and that's a SHAME.
September 29, 2011
I received this book as a present when I was about 9 or 10 and probably drove my parents crazy asking them to help me make all the recipes in it (and buy the ingredients of course!)
The book consists of recipes from many of Roald Dahl's most famous children's novels. Including "snozzcumbers" from The BFG, "Lickable Wallpaper" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "Mr Twit's bird pie" from The Twits and many, many more! The book is beautifully illustrated with Quentin Blake's signature illustrations and each recipe has easy to follow, step-by-step instructions. Not to mention the fact that the recipes I have tried have been delicious!
I think that this book could be used in some lovely follow-on activities. After reading one of the Roald Dahl stories with a class you could then go on to make one of the recipes in a food tech session, a brilliant way of linking food tech and literacy (The only drawback I can think of with this is that not all of the recipes are particularly healthy!)
While it is not a book that can be read to children as part of a story telling session I think it does have a place in every primary classroom! Even if not used for its original purpose, it will be regularly picked up from a book corner as children really enjoy looking at the pictures and flicking through the fascinating, magical and (more often than not) truly revolting recipes!
The book consists of recipes from many of Roald Dahl's most famous children's novels. Including "snozzcumbers" from The BFG, "Lickable Wallpaper" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "Mr Twit's bird pie" from The Twits and many, many more! The book is beautifully illustrated with Quentin Blake's signature illustrations and each recipe has easy to follow, step-by-step instructions. Not to mention the fact that the recipes I have tried have been delicious!
I think that this book could be used in some lovely follow-on activities. After reading one of the Roald Dahl stories with a class you could then go on to make one of the recipes in a food tech session, a brilliant way of linking food tech and literacy (The only drawback I can think of with this is that not all of the recipes are particularly healthy!)
While it is not a book that can be read to children as part of a story telling session I think it does have a place in every primary classroom! Even if not used for its original purpose, it will be regularly picked up from a book corner as children really enjoy looking at the pictures and flicking through the fascinating, magical and (more often than not) truly revolting recipes!
April 9, 2013
Roald Dahl had a habit of having pink milk for breakfast." p123
Recipes compiled by: Josie Fison and Felicity Dahl, and Lori-Ann Newman
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Photographer: Jan Baldwin
Recipes were first published in Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes, 1994, and Roald Dahl's Even More Revolting Recipes, 2001. (Not every recipe is included).
First Published in this combined edition: 2009
Introduction from Felicity Dahl.
Baldwin's photos and Blake's images merge to humorously illustrate the recipes, with Blake incorporating some of Dahl's iconic characters. Surrounding the recipes are excerpts and quotes from Dahl's books. A much nicer blending of the books with the the recipes for fans of Dahl.
"Cook's notes: These recipes are for the family to enjoy making together. Some could be dangerous without the help of an adult. Children, please have an adult with you when you are using knives, handling anything hot or using a food processor." p.3
This edition is ring-bound with a hardcover and 128 pages. It's nice to use in a kitchen, lies flat. And is lovely and colourful. A much nicer to use cookbook than Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes.
The recipes range in skill from novice Peach Juice and Stink Bugs' Eggs to working with hot sugar in marshmallow or toffee, and deep frying doughnuts and onion rings. As such, this isn't a cookbook you would hand to a child and say "Go for it!". Many, if not most, recipes will require some adult supervision. However, it is a cookbook designed for a child's palette. The flavourings are simple, the ingredients readily available and approachable. But the actual success of the recipes is somewhat varied.
This would make a great cookbook to base a birthday party around, but be prepared to play with the recipes a little - test them first!
Recipes are, however, rated by ability:
1 hat = easy peasy
2 hats = you might need some help
3 hats = tricky but tasty
Recipes and matching books:
The Giraffe And The Pelly And Me
Spitsizzlers
Tummyticklers
Glumptious Globgobblers
Nishnobblers
Butter Gumballs
Sherbet Slurpers
Plushnuggets
Pishlets
Devil's Drenchers
Blue Bubblers
James and the Giant Peach
Crispy Wasp Stings on a Piece of Buttered Toast
Stink Bugs' Eggs
Mosquitoes' Toes and Wampish Roes Most Deliciously Fried
Scrambled Dregs
Fresh Mudburgers and Onion Rings
Boiled Slobbages
Hornets Stewed in Tar
The Magic Green Crystal
A Plate of Soil with Engine Oil
Hot Frogs
Peach Juice
The BFG
The Royal Breakfast for growing giants
Grobswitchy Cakes
Frobscottle
The Roald Dahl Cookbook
Hot-house Eggs
Boy: Tales of Childhood
The Hotel Breakfast
Krokan Ice Cream
Strawberry Bonbons
The Twits
Wormy Spaghetti
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Boggis's Chicken
Bunce's Doughnuts
Bean's Cider
Danny the Champion of the World
Doc Spencer's Pie
The Witches
Green Pea Soup
Rhyme Stew
Hansel and Gretel Spare Ribs
George's Marvelous Medicine
George's Marvellous Medicine Chicken Soup
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Hair Toffee to Make Hair Grow on Bald Men (for mums to make only)
Toffee Apples
Willy Wonka's Crunch Surprise
Candy-Coated Pencils for Sucking in Class
Hot Ice Cream for Cold Days
Strawberry-Flavoured Chocolate-Coated Fudge
Stickjaw for Talkative Parents
Wonka's Whipple-scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight
Luminous Lollies for Eating in Bed at Night
Liquid Chocolate Mixed by Waterfall
Fizzy Lifting Drinks
Butterscotch
Matilda
Bruce Bogtrotter's Cake
Age
Cook Together: 4+ (selected recipes while working with an adult)
Cook Yourself: 10+ (again, selected recipes according to skill level, confidence, and safety)
(ISBN 9780224085359)
Recipes compiled by: Josie Fison and Felicity Dahl, and Lori-Ann Newman
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Photographer: Jan Baldwin
Recipes were first published in Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes, 1994, and Roald Dahl's Even More Revolting Recipes, 2001. (Not every recipe is included).
First Published in this combined edition: 2009
Introduction from Felicity Dahl.
Baldwin's photos and Blake's images merge to humorously illustrate the recipes, with Blake incorporating some of Dahl's iconic characters. Surrounding the recipes are excerpts and quotes from Dahl's books. A much nicer blending of the books with the the recipes for fans of Dahl.
"Cook's notes: These recipes are for the family to enjoy making together. Some could be dangerous without the help of an adult. Children, please have an adult with you when you are using knives, handling anything hot or using a food processor." p.3
This edition is ring-bound with a hardcover and 128 pages. It's nice to use in a kitchen, lies flat. And is lovely and colourful. A much nicer to use cookbook than Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes.
The recipes range in skill from novice Peach Juice and Stink Bugs' Eggs to working with hot sugar in marshmallow or toffee, and deep frying doughnuts and onion rings. As such, this isn't a cookbook you would hand to a child and say "Go for it!". Many, if not most, recipes will require some adult supervision. However, it is a cookbook designed for a child's palette. The flavourings are simple, the ingredients readily available and approachable. But the actual success of the recipes is somewhat varied.
This would make a great cookbook to base a birthday party around, but be prepared to play with the recipes a little - test them first!
Recipes are, however, rated by ability:
1 hat = easy peasy
2 hats = you might need some help
3 hats = tricky but tasty
Recipes and matching books:
The Giraffe And The Pelly And Me
Spitsizzlers
Tummyticklers
Glumptious Globgobblers
Nishnobblers
Butter Gumballs
Sherbet Slurpers
Plushnuggets
Pishlets
Devil's Drenchers
Blue Bubblers
James and the Giant Peach
Crispy Wasp Stings on a Piece of Buttered Toast
Stink Bugs' Eggs
Mosquitoes' Toes and Wampish Roes Most Deliciously Fried
Scrambled Dregs
Fresh Mudburgers and Onion Rings
Boiled Slobbages
Hornets Stewed in Tar
The Magic Green Crystal
A Plate of Soil with Engine Oil
Hot Frogs
Peach Juice
The BFG
The Royal Breakfast for growing giants
Grobswitchy Cakes
Frobscottle
The Roald Dahl Cookbook
Hot-house Eggs
Boy: Tales of Childhood
The Hotel Breakfast
Krokan Ice Cream
Strawberry Bonbons
The Twits
Wormy Spaghetti
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Boggis's Chicken
Bunce's Doughnuts
Bean's Cider
Danny the Champion of the World
Doc Spencer's Pie
The Witches
Green Pea Soup
Rhyme Stew
Hansel and Gretel Spare Ribs
George's Marvelous Medicine
George's Marvellous Medicine Chicken Soup
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Hair Toffee to Make Hair Grow on Bald Men (for mums to make only)
Toffee Apples
Willy Wonka's Crunch Surprise
Candy-Coated Pencils for Sucking in Class
Hot Ice Cream for Cold Days
Strawberry-Flavoured Chocolate-Coated Fudge
Stickjaw for Talkative Parents
Wonka's Whipple-scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight
Luminous Lollies for Eating in Bed at Night
Liquid Chocolate Mixed by Waterfall
Fizzy Lifting Drinks
Butterscotch
Matilda
Bruce Bogtrotter's Cake
Age
Cook Together: 4+ (selected recipes while working with an adult)
Cook Yourself: 10+ (again, selected recipes according to skill level, confidence, and safety)
(ISBN 9780224085359)
March 6, 2009
This is actually what it says it is...a recipe book. The fact that it includes the drawings typically found in Roald Dahl's other tales is icing on the cake (pun intended). Some of the recipe titles are gross enough that I'm not sure I'd make these dishes, but they'd be just the ticket to interest a picky child who likes the "gross" factor. Dahl's wife worked out actual recipes with titles of some of the food mentioned in his stories. Here are a couple of samples: "Mosquitoes' Toes and Wampfish Roes Most Delicately Fried" (from 'James & the Giant Peach'), or maybe "Lickable Wallpaper" (from 'Charlie & the Chocolate Factory'). Some of the dishes' actual ingredients are good enough I'd consider making the dish. One I'd make just for looks but not for eating is the "The Enormous Crocodile" (baguette with almonds for teeth, covered with frozen chopped spinach, and hard eggs for eyeballs with olives for pupils). Very fun stuff!!
December 4, 2020
This is a real cookbook, not a joke. But still it is hard for me to rate. The recipes are real, and most look delicious. They can be made to look revolting, or of course they can be made more simply. They can be made with the (occasional) special ingredients, or they can be made with some substitutions.
However they are mostly either fried, sweet, or rich in meats (or all three). They often require a food processor, sometimes a candy thermometer, and skilled dangerous work that I wouldn't let a child under 12 do without plenty of help (not just supervision).
The illustrations are a hoot, with photographs that do help. There is an index. And several recipes are ones that I would try if I still was cooking for a family of active ppl, instead of ppl who are being more careful of what they eat.
However they are mostly either fried, sweet, or rich in meats (or all three). They often require a food processor, sometimes a candy thermometer, and skilled dangerous work that I wouldn't let a child under 12 do without plenty of help (not just supervision).
The illustrations are a hoot, with photographs that do help. There is an index. And several recipes are ones that I would try if I still was cooking for a family of active ppl, instead of ppl who are being more careful of what they eat.
June 13, 2011
Bruce Bogtrotter cake was always my favorite from this book. My mom helped me make it when I was in 3rd grade and we were reading Matilda. Delicious!
January 1, 2023
I received this book as a Christmas gift this year. What a fun book! I am excited to share these recipes with my granddaughter this coming summer! And one of his books...Maybe I will start with my favorite...The Fantastic Mr. Fox! "Boggis' Chicken" recipe is basically Chicken and Dumplings! And Bunce's Doughnuts sounds like something she would eat! It's a fun book and now I understand why the kids at my school library enjoyed reading this book! I just wish there would have been a bit of a summary about each of Dahl's books that were mentioned. The kids could then go and sign out the corresponding book to the recipe they are interested in trying. That would have been a great way to promote these wonderful stories!
July 28, 2017
As a child this was one of my favourite recipe books--not that I was a fan of Ronald Dahl by any means--although I always enjoyed reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory--but just for the crazy and fascinating recipe ideas themselves! Also, a lot of the foods and sweets mentioned in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory were included in this book, everything from the sugar-coated pencils for licking in class to the hot ice cream for cold days, and I loved trying them out!
December 5, 2013
This is an odd and entertaining recipe book that reflects some of the unusual cuisine in Roald Dahl's books. The recipes actually look quite good, despite titles like Stink Bugs' Eggs, Fresh Mudburgers, Lickable Wallpaper, Frobscottle, and Hair Toffee to Make Hair Grow on Bald Men. All of the different courses are covered, from Starters to Main Courses to Confectionery. I didn't get to make any of the recipes, but I thought it was a fun cookbook.
December 2013 update: Our girls read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for their local kids' book club and so we borrowed this book as well as Roald Dahl's Even More Revolting Recipes to look at the different recipes and find one to share with the other children in the club. We chose to make Strawberry-Flavored Chocolate-Coated Fudge (the first recipe from this book, on pages 8-9) and it came out great.
December 2013 update: Our girls read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for their local kids' book club and so we borrowed this book as well as Roald Dahl's Even More Revolting Recipes to look at the different recipes and find one to share with the other children in the club. We chose to make Strawberry-Flavored Chocolate-Coated Fudge (the first recipe from this book, on pages 8-9) and it came out great.
October 13, 2023
Looks gory but actually works.
I tried a few of the recipes compiled by Josei Fison and the book has all you need to make my day.
Excellent photography and graphic illustrations.
A must for any kitchen and a great coffee table book. You can also add this to your Roald Dahl library collection.
I tried a few of the recipes compiled by Josei Fison and the book has all you need to make my day.
Excellent photography and graphic illustrations.
A must for any kitchen and a great coffee table book. You can also add this to your Roald Dahl library collection.
June 16, 2011
In school I made Frobscottle and Snozcumbers. In The BFG, Fobscottle was delicious and Snozcumbers were disgusting. When you make them out of real food, it's the other way around. True story.
June 14, 2017
Not a story - recipes of food Roald uses in all his story's. Some of them are good too.
January 2, 2021
I received this for Christmas! What a fun cookbook! OMG! Roald Dahl found a way to make any recipe good fun! One can imagine him whippin' up some pancakes for his family... I'll guarantee you that it would be pure fun to be a mouse in the corner watching as Roald found various ingredients and thought... "Why not!" lol. Of course, it's wonderfully illustrated! I wanted this for my cookbook collection. It just wouldn't be complete without "Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes"! lol.
May 16, 2017
These are HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean who would think of such a revolting twist to the normal Cinderella story.
And i mean these rhymes are also brilliant for plays. Just incredibly funny! I loved them!
I mean who would think of such a revolting twist to the normal Cinderella story.
And i mean these rhymes are also brilliant for plays. Just incredibly funny! I loved them!
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April 30, 20191. Awards the book has received (if any):None
2. Appropriate grade level(s)-1st-2nd
3. Original summary- An interesting cookbook filled with recipes from Roald Dahl's most famous stories. Illustrations are typical for a Roald Dahl story and show what ingredients are used, and what the outcome should look like.
4. Original review- A fun spin on teaching children how to follow a recipe.
5. 1-2 possible in-class uses
-Cooking/baking activity
-Create your own cookbook
2. Appropriate grade level(s)-1st-2nd
3. Original summary- An interesting cookbook filled with recipes from Roald Dahl's most famous stories. Illustrations are typical for a Roald Dahl story and show what ingredients are used, and what the outcome should look like.
4. Original review- A fun spin on teaching children how to follow a recipe.
5. 1-2 possible in-class uses
-Cooking/baking activity
-Create your own cookbook
June 15, 2019
This is a must for Dahl fans young and old. I read so many of his books when I was a kid and have had the pleasure of watching my children become fans also. Now we can share our mural love for his stories over recipes from them. I can’t wait to try the snozzcumbers and frobscottle.
May 13, 2021
I can’t wait to go through these with my kids when we read through Roald Dahl’s books. These recipes are disgusting and totally perfect for kids. I can’t imagine a better way to make memories as we read some of the stories that go along with the recipes.
June 21, 2021
This book is a great addition to grandchild book group. It is fun having activities to match each Dahl book we read.
We used this cookbook when my daughter was small and she loved it. I am happy the grandchildren love it too!
We used this cookbook when my daughter was small and she loved it. I am happy the grandchildren love it too!
October 27, 2021
It really is a recipe book–not much to read through–but I did enjoy the foreword about the book's inception and I love Quentin Blake's work. A fun option for Ronald Dahl lovers with unconstrained appetites.
July 16, 2022
There is a serious thing to be noted if you have vomiting issues do not read this book as Ronald Dahl’s this book will surely create an image of this utterly disgusting food items, this is the way Dahl brings out humour to us in by many disgusting things.
November 11, 2022
This book contains very interesting recipes! At first glance, they might sound gross, but they are actually good and they look legit. I mean, I've read several cook books with questionable recipes. This book is truly a gem.
October 19, 2017
brilliant book!
June 6, 2018
Utterly delightful (and actually tasty)
July 8, 2018
I love this book. It is amazing. It has been a favorite of mine since I was little.
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