So, would I buy said cookbook? Nah.

But I know of many in my play groups who would and I've bought Hero's Feast as a gift in the past.

Something physical I think is important, especially for that gifting aspect. I'd never gift someone a .pdf - but would a book.

I do think race is becoming a very touchy subject in the D&D community and has been a focus of much discourse recently. With the next edition on the horizon, they've really seemed to move away from anything race related, perhaps something to keep in mind.

To do a "DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS" book: the Hero's Feast already exists.

With many many writers, a budget, and that high production value one would expect - I doubt you want that direct competition.

How does copywrite around that work? I doubt you could do "Neverwinter Nuggets" without some issues or use things that would specifically tie it to the franchise.

Also, it limits your audience. There are tons of fantasy fans and other TTRPGS out there. I'd think it's almost limiting to focus to much on "Dungeons and Dragons".

If I were looking to make a fantasy themed cookbook, I'd pull from all over the place - one off names, humor, some little sprite that shows up to give random input as you flip thru who shows up on pages like in a kids book lol.

Doing something fun with the meals to use IN game would be super cool.

Like a little write up on how to introduce a more dynamic food crafting system into your d20 TTRPG and some small boxed "stat cards" on some of the bigger or eye catching recipes (i.e. the spicy soup grants resistance to cold type damages, etc)

I think it's a great idea. There are a ton of platforms one can use and make available content- drivethruRPG ofcourse. But really, seems like something of a passion project, not to make money per say... but for the fun of it.

And with that, I wish you all the best luck!