BURNT “TREE RAT” FOR THE TIMID
SERVES 4
The tributes were thrilled when Katniss caught and killed a “tree rat,” which Peeta cooked by skewering it and pointing it into the force field.
This recipe is easy and doesn’t require “tree rats.” The teriyaki sauce will give it a dark, almost burnt appearance for some added authenticity. Kids will especially love serving this to their friends.
8 BONELESS, SKINLESS CHICKEN THIGHS
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE
1 TEASPOON OLIVE OIL
1 CLOVE GARLIC, CRUSHED
½ CUP TERIYAKI SAUCE
¼ CUP BROWN SUGAR
½ TEASPOON DIJON MUSTARD
6 BAMBOO SKEWERS, SOAKED FOR 30 MINUTES IN WATER
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the garlic for 2 minutes until slightly brown.
Add the teriyaki, brown sugar and mustard and cook until sugar is melted.
Cool to room temperature and pour marinade into a baking pan.
Lay the thighs into the pan in a single layer and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, turning occasionally.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Skewer 2 thighs onto each bamboo skewer
Reserve the leftover marinade for basting.
Place chicken skewers in 1 layer onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, basting often with the remaining marinade.
Serve with roasted vegetables.
RECIPES INSPIRED BY CATCHING FIRE
“I open my eyes and find someone I cannot block out looking down at me. Gale.”
KATNISS, CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS, CHAPTER 27
CATCHING FIRE NOT ONLY REVISITED many of the foods that were introduced in The Hunger Games, but also introduced new foods to both the readers and the characters. Between the new foods and an abundance of symbolism, there’s plenty of inspiration for food in this second volume of the trilogy.