Katharina wrote: "In terms of food, Pan’s Labyrinth is rich with inspiration. Food is a massive source of symbolism throughout the film, and I hope you all can enjoy your viewing and come away wanting to cook something amazing."
On the Screen...
This was the first time I have watched Pan's Labyrinth, a dark fantasy film by Guillermo del Toro. Set in 1944 Spain, Ofelia has arrived at a remote military outpost in an old mill overseen by her sadistic new stepfather. Her mother is far-along in her pregnancy and mostly bedridden.
This was the first time I have watched Pan's Labyrinth, a dark fantasy film by Guillermo del Toro. Set in 1944 Spain, Ofelia has arrived at a remote military outpost in an old mill overseen by her sadistic new stepfather. Her mother is far-along in her pregnancy and mostly bedridden.
Fantasy and reality blur when Ofelia discovers a labyrinth and meets a faun who challenges her to save herself and her mother. Conflicts abound. Ofelia versus her stepfather. The rebels versus the army. Good versus evil. I won't say too much more about the plot. The film is visually arresting albeit on the dark side.
While there were several things that I almost made - rabbit stew, something with pomegranates and currants - I found myself inspired by the mandrake root the faun gives to Ofelia to hide under her mother's bed
and feed with two drops of blood everyday. The mandrake root looks like a creepy baby. I dug through a bin of fresh turmeric until I found the one I wanted. People at the market probably thought I was off my rocker!
In My Mug...
The paste will keep for two weeks. To make the milk, whisk equal parks golden root paste and a sweetener into warm milk.
Ingredients
- 1/3 C turmeric powder
- 5 T organic coconut oil
- 1" knob fresh ginger, peeled and freshly grated
- 1/2" knob fresh turmeric, peeled and freshly grated
- 3/4 C water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 C milk (feel free to substitute with nut milk if you are dairy-free)
- 1 t turmeric paste
- 1 t honey (I used a turmeric honey)
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Procedure
Golden Root Paste
Place all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Heat until the coconut oil is melted. Whisk until smooth.
Remove from heat and take out the cinnamon stick. Transfer to a glass jar with a lid and store in the
refrigerator.
Golden Root Milk
Gently warm milk in a saucepan. Whisk in turmeric paste and honey until well-combined. Pour into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
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Oh man, the mandrake root scene is one of my favorites, I was hoping somebody would use it as inspiration. Love that you took the root route (LOL!) with your golden root milk - plus, it's super healing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather. Yes, I knew I wanted to do something with that "mandrake."
DeleteI watched this movie for the first time as well. The mandrake root was very intriguing and I love how you segued into the turmeric and ginger root from that. Very creative.
ReplyDeleteYou found a creepy bug-like root! This could also represent the warm milk that Mercedes brings to Ofelia. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra. I didn't make that connection! Nice.
DeleteI love how this combines the mandrake root with the hot honeyed milk Mercedes offers. It's also visually stunning! It sounds so earthy and comforting.
ReplyDeleteThat root scene freaks me out! I can't wait to try this. I may use stevia as the sweetner, since I am trying to go sugar free.
ReplyDeleteYay anothe rone inspired by the mandrake! And funny enough I did a Golden Root Paste and Milk post too about amonth ago, great stuff.
ReplyDeleteOoohh! What a creative recipe! I've only just started seeing recipes for turmeric milk, but have yet to try it!
ReplyDelete