Jon Snow's watch may have ended, but ours certainly hasn't. The final season of everyone's favorite show kicks off on April 14 and that means that it's time to gather your friends together for a Westeros-style viewing party. Honor your favorite characters (the old ones and the new) by making a few of these recipes.
What better dish to celebrate the final season of Game of Thrones than the animal who (allegedly) started it all? Start your watch party off right, fulfill Robert Baratheon's dying wish and feast on the flesh of the swine that did him in. If wild boar isn't in season where you are (or, more likely, if you just can't find it) feel free to substitute one of its more domestic relatives, the common pig.
- King Robert Baratheon
You know who deserves something nice? Sansa Stark. Our favorite oldest sister has been through the wringer over the last seven seasons and it's time to honor her with a re-creation of her favorite fancy dessert: lemon cakes. The internet being what it is there are dozens of recipes for you to choose from, so I picked four that looked promising.
As you take a bite into one of these sweet, tart confections, remember: when life gives you lemons, make lemon cakes.
I will never stop missing Lady Olenna Tyrell. Never. I have no doubt that, were she living, she could put the very Night King in his place and save the whole of Westeros with her razor-sharp wit. If you, like me, are still mourning the death of the Queen of Thorns, a cheese plate (served exactly when you want it) is the perfect homage.
Sandor Clegane is here to kick some butt and eat some chicken...and he's all out of chicken.
- Sandor 'The Hound' Clegane
When the Old Bear isn't drinking a refreshing morning beer, warm, spiced wine is in order. George R. R. Martin lays out a makeshift recipe of sorts in A Clash of Kings and the chefs of the internet have stepped in to give you actual measurements.
Note: though the Old Bear wouldn't approve, I've thrown in a delicious sangria recipe for anyone who wants to enjoy a spiced wine but lives south of the Wall.
- George R.R. Martin, A Clash of Kings
Carb up for the emotional journey ahead courtesy of Hot Pie, the former baking-apprenticed-turned-traveling-companion to Arya Stark. Once recruited to join the Night’s watch, Hot Pie found a home at the Inn of the Crossroads baking delicious dire wolf-shaped bread. Like Sansa's lemon cakes, there are about a million different recipes floating around for Hot Pie’s lupine pastry, but I've selected a few that sounded good (and one cooked by Arya Stark herself, Maisie Williams).
Did you know that the real Hot Pie, actor Ben Hawkeye, opened a bakery in London where he sells dire wolf-shaped bread? It's true! Hawkeye christened the business 'You Know Nothing, Jon Dough' and we all need to visit IMMEDIATELY.
Pay homage to your favorite Khaleesi with a Dothraki-inspired dish. Namely, a raw stallion's heart. According to actress Emilia Clark, even the prop version of this delicacy proved difficult to swallow, so we suggest going with a knock-off like strawberry, cherry or raspberry gelatin mold or even a red velvet cake. The only catch is that you must eat it in front of all your guests, standing on your coffee table.
Binging with Babish also offers up a Dothraki Blood Pie for those who are interested in reeeeally going for authenticity (tune in about 4:17 if you want to skip straight to the gory deliciousness).
How much wine do you have? It's not enough. If you're going to make it through whatever fresh, emotional hell this show will, undoubtedly, put us through, it's time to make like Cersei and open another bottle. You can choose a bottle of the official Game of Thrones vintage below or (like me) opt for a cheaper, reliable alternative.
Note: Though Cersei doesn't seem to be a big ale drinker, many of us common folk are. Therefore, I've slipped in a list of sustainably brewed beers in the suggestions above that you can drink with a clear conscience.
- Cersei Lannister, probably
His watch as ended and, honestly, he's pretty done with this whole "Game of Thrones" thing. Show your allegiance for Jon Snow as he tries to save Westeros from the evil ice zombies that threaten to consume it with any of these refreshing desserts.
There's a big half-giant-sized hole in all of our hearts that nothing can fill. Honor Hodor, the stable boy turned hero who saves Bran Stark from the Night King's minions, by making any one of these drinks to numb the pain in your soul.
These five things must be destroyed to end hunger and poverty. Recite them to yourself every night before you sleep and channel your rage for good.
