diff --git a/evennia/contrib/puzzles.py b/evennia/contrib/puzzles.py
index 4922c9191a..9db9fa356a 100644
--- a/evennia/contrib/puzzles.py
+++ b/evennia/contrib/puzzles.py
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ class PuzzleRecipe(DefaultScript):
     """
 
     def save_recipe(self, puzzle_name, parts, results):
-        self.db.puzzle_name = puzzle_name
+        self.db.puzzle_name = str(puzzle_name)
         self.db.parts = tuple(parts)
         self.db.results = tuple(results)
         self.tags.add(_PUZZLES_TAG_RECIPE, category=_PUZZLES_TAG_CATEGORY)
diff --git a/evennia/contrib/tests.py b/evennia/contrib/tests.py
index e1b808df4b..bdf06aa05c 100644
--- a/evennia/contrib/tests.py
+++ b/evennia/contrib/tests.py
@@ -1922,7 +1922,7 @@ class TestPuzzles(CommandTest):
         self._use('stone flint', 'There is no stone flint around.')
         self._use('stone, flint', 'You have no idea how these can be used')
 
-        recipe_dbref = self._good_recipe('makefire', ['stone', 'flint'], ['fire'] , and_destroy_it=False)
+        recipe_dbref = self._good_recipe(unicode('makefire'), ['stone', 'flint'], ['fire'] , and_destroy_it=False)
         recipe2_dbref = self._good_recipe('makefire2', ['stone', 'flint'], ['fire'] , and_destroy_it=False,
                 expected_count=2)