For many years movies and TV-shows has been a heavy form of escapism to me. An elopement to a world where I belong. A world where fantasy and infinite possibilities lives freely and without any sense of judgement.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of many that has stole my heart. The amount of times I have seen all the episodes front to back is also for another reason other than comfort. Observing the details of the fantasy worlds, what they distinguish from other artworks, the way the characters express themselves through spoken words or costumes. The amazing soundtracks where I can bury myself in that absolutely set my soul on fire during a walk around the park. This form of meditation connects me to the character even more and becoming one to create recipes and the set design.

Thrift shopping is a hobby of mine since the inception of Magical Food Department. I travel to different thrift shops all over The Netherlands to find the perfect props for each and every creation I put out in the world. The essence of the character is always embedded in my work and that sense of belonging returns.

Quite often the most misunderstood characters grab my attention. The way their childhood affects their adolescent and adult life. Their devolepment in the storylines are always the most interesting. That is why Azula is my favorite character of the whole series. Her disconnect from love, her intuition and most important of all the severence that occurs within herself.

From the moment she appeared on the screen I knew I was in for the wildest ride imaginable. A sharp feeling in the chest, full of intimidation, ready to be ignited. Inspired by her power that was all consuming. Just like the element of fire.

And when I am inspired I put myself in this so set universe and play. What I do is not exactly copy to create a cosplay but I take elements of the essence of the character and make it my own.

I started to think and fantasize about what Azula would eat after a day of putting people in their place, practicing fire bending and the images of a scorching hot work appeared.

Fermented chili hot sauce with flaming peppers, black garlic and chili crisp
Three different hot noodles (blue rice noodles, wheat noodles and udon noodles) The blue noodles represented her abillity to conjure lightning.
Pickled ginger with chillies
Crispy vegan fried eggs – want to learn how to make this yourself? My cookbook: The Unoffical Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook holds amazing vegan egg recipes.
Zesty fire corn crackers
Marinated mustard carrots with lemongrass oil

A dish that literally burn down your taste buds. A dish to celebrate becoming an only child, like Azula always said.

To the eternal flame,

Princess Azula