Daina Beth SolomonCuteness is the mother of invention, and Totoro is the proof. The mythical creature with the lovable paunch and adorable expression from Hayao Miyazaki's anime film My Neighbor Totoro has inspired countless spinoffs. We mean the kind you can hold in your hand — backpacks to booties and pillows to pens. But our favorites are the edible varieties created by Anna the Red. Her bento boxes, pancakes, cream puffs and other foods made in the image of Totoro (and other characters) are detailed, whimsical, and mouth-watering.
It's the perfect time to pay homage to Totoro through rice, nori, chocolate and cookie dough. The beloved film will screen Jan. 29 and Feb. 12 as part of a retrospective of Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli features. The 14 works include Oscar winner Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, Howl's Moving Castle and Kiki's Delivery Service. American Cinematheque is hosting the retrospective at the Aero in Santa Monica and the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
Totoro cookies; Credit: Anna the Red
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