Do you want to channel your inner Mendoza or Red and test out your culinary skills? On October 14, the official Orange is the New Black cookbook was released, featuring 65 different recipes for dishes pulled directly from the television show or inspired by show characters. You can start the day off right with prison-inspired meals, including “SHU Moldy Mystery Meat” and “Breakfast Sandwich (without the tampon).” These are just some of the delicacies featured in the cookbook’s table of contents.
The book was completed in collaboration with the show’s producers, Jenji Kohen and Tara Herrmann along with show writer, Hartley Voss. These three contribute intriguing background information mixed in with each of the recipes. Uzo Aduba and Taylor Schilling, the actresses known for performing as Suzanne and Piper, have been promoting the cookbook since the launch. On October 17, these actresses appeared at the Barnes and Noble branch on Fifth Avenue in New York City to sign copies of the book.
The cookbook cover features the recognizable plastic trays used by the inmates in the Litchfield cafeteria. The same type of plastic tray that Suzanne scooped her dessert from, launching it at Alex Vause, and leading to the unforgettable line, “I threw my pie for you.” The cover art depicts a single, leaky slice of strawberry pie, and a mug of black coffee.
The cookbook is well rounded, providing fans with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert, and even drink options. And don’t worry, the beverage selection is just as mysterious and exciting as prison moonshine. Drinks like “Prison Punch Deviations,” “Luschek’s Hot Chocolate and Schnapps,” and “Poussey’s Hooch” are sure to be conversation starters at parties. About 60 stills and photographs of show characters and scenes are interspersed throughout the cookbook, reminding you of crucial food scenes from seasons one and two along the way.
The cookbook is available directly from the publisher at Abrams . Fans can also purchase digital copies on Amazon’s Kindle, the Barnes and Noble Nook, or through Apple’s iBook store.
The third season of Orange is the New Black will launch on Netflix in June 2015. It was nominated for 12 Primetime Emmy awards and winning three in 2014, a significant accomplishment for Netflix, which has been experimenting with several exclusive series. The show has also garnered positive critical acclaim, earning the 40th People’s Choice Awards for “Favorite Streaming Series.”