Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood {Book Review + Giveaway}

Cheese boards, charcuterie, or cheese plates – call it what you like, these snack boards are all the rage. You’ve nibbled on these snacks at weddings, parties and holiday gatherings. I’ve even bought them from a local purveyor, Honey Plate Co. – a female-owned LA-based business. However, there’s nothing like building your own snack board, especially when they are creatively themed like the ones featured in “Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood”!

For pop culture enthusiasts like me, you’ll appreciate this cookbook filled with delicious charcuterie platters, inventive cheese boards and movie-themed snack recipes. In fact, I know quite a few people who will fan girl over these yummy treats that are plated in a visually stunning fashion.

This one-of-a-kind cookbook offers 50 different snack board ideas, including:

• Willy Wonka and the Cheesecake Factory (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)
• May the Fromage Be with You (Star Wars)
• Once Upon a Rind (Disney Princesses)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Board Prince (Harry Potter film series)
• and many more!

I was inspired to make a charcuterie board of my own, using ingredients that I had in my refrigerator and cupboard.

I liked the mix of salty and sweet that is in the “Once Upon a Rind” recipe, but made some substitutions since I didn’t have all of the food items. That’s the beauty of it, you can make swaps or improvise as needed and it’s still yummy!

The book is written by Rachel Riederman, a fashion designer turned food stylist and photographer. Intrigued by the cookbook concept, I recently interviewed Rachel to get the details on what inspired her to create these recipes.

What inspired you to write this cookbook? Are you a big fan of movies?

Rachel: The publisher created the overarching idea of the book. Ulysses Press is known for its giftable & whimsical books and is great at creating books that capture a pop culture moment. Charcuterie boards & snack boards have become very popular over the past few years since they are so customizable, shareable, and Instagram-able. The publisher felt there was space in the market for a movie-themed cheese and snack board book. As a food stylist, recipe developer, and food photographer, that is where I come in. I was brought on board to bring the idea to life.

I’m not a cinephile, but I enjoy watching movies and the escape it provides, and being able to experience faraway places, other times, and views into people’s lives that are different from yours!

Did you watch or rewatch all 50 movies to get inspiration for the snack boards?

Rachel: I rewatched many of the movies in the book for inspiration, but not all. Going back and rewatching the movies was an important part of the process, as that is where I drew all my inspiration. I kept an eye out for any food scenes or food references in the films and the overall vibe, which I translated through the food on the board, styling, and any props. And for the movies that weren’t rewatched, I did online deep dives into the film’s plot, themes, and iconic imagery.

I love the puns for the titles of the snack boards. Was it hard to come up with some of the names?

Rachel: The puns are fun, right!? Actually, the publisher came up with the “cheesy puns” as the idea of each board having a cheese-related pun was tied into the initial concept of the book. Plus, they’re the literary folk, they’re the writers, and I’m the more visual, creative type.

I understand this is your first cookbook. What’s next? Any plans for a second one?

Rachel: Yes, “Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood” is my first book. I currently do not have any other books in the pipeline, although I’d love to create another in the future! I’m currently focusing on working with food brands on images for their marketing and posting meals I make for my family on @whatsinrachelskitchen.

“Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood” can be found wherever cookbooks are sold. If you’d like more information, check out the publisher’s website at www.ulyssespress.com/books/once-upon-a-rind-in-hollywood/.

To celebrate the release of this book, I am partnering with Ulysses Press on a giveaway contest. How would you like to win a copy of this cookbook?

One Real Mom of SFV reader will win this prize! Please enter below for a chance to win.

**Winner will be chosen on May 4, 2023.**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules: United States Residents ONLY. One prize per household. One winner will be randomly selected via RaffleCopter and notified via email. Winner must respond within 48 hours to claim the prize or a new winner will be chosen via RaffleCopter. The prize will be fulfilled directly by the sponsor. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to send me an email to realmomofsfv@gmail.com.

So tell me, why do you want to win this book?

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. I received a complimentary book which helped facilitate this review. All images are my own unless otherwise noted. The images shown in this post are used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.