#Home made payasam

[kawikatechnologies]

Delivering Delight: Exploring the Convenience and Culinary Adventures of Carryiva

It’s clear that Our Carryiva App is more than simply an app as we work our way through its simple user interface and enjoy the convenience and variety it brings to our tables. It’s a partner in our the kitchen adventure, bringing delight with every order.

[sambhavami]

Ehi Murare - Kalindi (Part 4)

A cool stroke of wind awoke Kalindi from her meditation. She looked up at the sky. The sun's rays were askew, seemingly concentrated on a point a little while away. She sighed. The river was still flowing as usual. Unable to concentrate, she threw herself into the cool waters. Washing her matted locks, she looked up at the sun again. Why wasn't he smiling down at her today? She felt as though the sun was saying something, nudging her almost. Shrugging the thought away, she sat at the edge of the riverbed, washing away the dust of the sandy beach- a futile task.

Kalindi had resided in the small hut by the river for as long as she could remember. Her earliest memory was that of a sage feeding her payasam. To this day, she wasn't sure if the old man had cooked it for her himself or if he had begged for it in the city somewhere. She had been around ten years of age at that time. She had no memories of her life before that time. The kind, old sage had found her floating in the river Yamuna and brought her home. He was the one who had named her Kalindi, after the river itself. After his death Kalindi has continued living in the same hut, living a quiet life, but nothing ever had felt natural to her. She had always felt separate from the rest of the world around her, finding solace only in the dark, playful water of the river Yamuna.

The only thing she remembered very clearly before waking up in the sage's arms, was a promise. Someone had told her they loved her. She was supposed to wait for them. The sage had tried very hard to get her married. Every Sunday, he would line up suitors before her hut. Even though she was grateful for his efforts, Kalindi always found the idea of marriage repulsive and turned down all the expectant young men. Finally, the sage had given up when she had turned twenty. All her friends were now married, and mostly mothers. Any time they visited their homes, they would be sure to pay a visit to their crazy, spinster friend, and Kalindi always made sure to keep heaps of sweets for their children. They would always end up berating her for not marrying, and yet she was their refuge when they had to vent about their stressed married lives. Even women married into their village saw her as a confidante and often came to sleep off their tempers in her humble abode whenever they fought with their husbands. Kalindi found herself endlessly amused by the ironies that surrounded her, but still felt an acute emptiness within her heart.

---

Today, as she splashed the waters of the river absentmindedly, she felt a strange detachment from this ever-flowing stream. Something in her felt like it had snapped. As long as she could remember, Kalindi had been tied to this stream. The people of her village worshipped her as the river Goddess, but hardly anyone had spotted the sadness in its pitch-black waters. It wasn't as though she had stopped getting unwanted propositions from men even as her father had given up, on occasion she had had to physically fend off the especially stubborn suitors, some of them her friends' husbands! How much longer do I wait, she asked the midday sun again, which had always seemed like a second father to her. Kalindi had always been able to see directly into the sun without blinking or hurting her eyes. While she had mostly used it as a party trick through most of her childhood, as she had grown she had come to ponder upon this unusual talent of hers.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up. Two men stood on the bank of the river, laughing at some inside joke. She immediately recognized the taller of the two, and a warm glow of happiness rippled through her heart. It was as if a curtain of fog had just been torn apart. She stood dumbfounded, watching the men unload their royal-looking jewellery and dive happily into the water. How could she have forgotten that face? That beautiful dark face surrounded by those dark blue curls? Now that she had seen it, memories came flooding back to her. The day he was born, his father had carried him across the river; she had been there then. Then, she had been born. Oh, how she remembered now! She looked up once more at the sun, in her mind she saw her old room, in the house of Sun himself, as if in a previous life, her twin brother laughing. Twin? The God of Death! How he used to cry in her arms when their stepmother would mistreat them. She remembered how scared they both were of their father. She also remembered her other brother; Manu, the father of mankind! When he had died, she had sent him off, and her brother had received him! How could she have forgotten the aeons of laughter and tears?! And, the boy who played his intoxicating flute at this same riverbank! Oh, how often had she watched from a distance as he frolicked with his friends! To her, now, it seemed like a bare instant ago, when she had seen him dancing on the hoods of the multi-headed serpent!

She remembered how she had clutched his arm tightly and turned him to make him face her, "How much longer till we marry?" She had asked, "You've made me wait for ten years!"

"We are only ten years old! What will the people say? At least let's grow up first! Go meditate or something, gosh!" The boy had laughed merrily.

Kalindi had cried and cried, and ultimately thrown herself back into the river, in her anger choosing to forget her love, and then she had woken up in a small hut downstream.

It was the same river, just a different bank. The same man, in almost a separate life. The cowherd stood before her in a king's garb. She could barely control herself as she walked towards him almost in a daze. She stared as his expression upon seeing her changed from annoyance to confusion to recognition at last. "You?" He whispered as he swam back to the shore. Kalindi also walked towards him, until they both stood knee-deep in the pulsating water. Krishna spoke to her, his voice still barely a whisper, "Where were you so long? I looked for you everywhere! I called and called and you never answered."

"I-I forgot," was all she could muster. "Where do you live now?" She asked, noting his tanned skin streaked with old battle wounds.

"By the ocean." He answered shakily.

"Cool!" She smirked, "That's where I'm going."

They both broke into nervous laughter. Meanwhile, the other man had also swum out at this point and was staring at them. "A little privacy?" Krishna said to him cheekily. The man immediately turned beet-red and fled the scene at record speed. Kalindi, having recovered somewhat from the shock of remembering four yugas' worth of life in four seconds, laughed sarcastically, "That's Arjuna, right? He came to my ashram yesterday. Wanted to know my purpose on his land. I didn't know you consorted with the likes of him. Gosh, are you a royal guard now?!"

"Yamune," Krishna complained, "You know who and what I am. Don't mind Arjuna though, he has a good heart, only a bit slow on the uptake. I have to sing entire songs just to make him pay attention to anything important I say! Anyway, what is your purpose here?"

"Penance." Kalindi smiled, lowering her head.

Krishna smiled, "Penance? What for?" Kalindi blushed and looked down at her toes, gently ruffling the sand under her feet. "Well, you." She whispered.

"Me? What did I do?" Krishna looked at her with incredulity.

Kalindi's head shot up. She had always had a sharp tongue, "You complain about your friend, my Lord, but you aren't that fast either are you? Have you married? If so, I pity your wife! Or wives? Honestly, who the hell made you a God? Have you not practised your mind-reading even once since we last met-" Kalindi stopped abruptly. Krishna was already tying one of his pearl necklaces around her neck. Kalindi found herself blushing furiously, as she let herself lean somewhat on his broad shoulders. "Good one," she whispered under her breath. She smiled at him, "How did you know it was me?"

"I guessed, from how angry you made Arjuna." Krishna laughed, "Not an easy feat, I must say!"

"So you decided the best course of action was to come swim in front of my house. Nice trunks by the way!" Kalindi retorted.

"Please stop!" Krishna said embarrassedly, as he stumbled out of water to change, leaving Kalindi cackling. Seeing her, some of the gathered village women also began cheering and hooting, as Krishna tried to pick up all his stuff and move. "This is all your fault you know! You could've just made an appointment with me. No! You thought the best course of action was...whatever this is!" Kalindi laughed, thoroughly enjoying Krishna's embarrassment.

"Will you stop laughing and help me here? I said I'll marry you. We just got engaged, technically!" Krishna pleaded with her.

Kalindi continued laughing, "See, Mister, I still remember what you did to those gopis!" She turned to the crowd of women that had gathered, "He stole all of their clothes! While they were bathing! This is retribution, and you brought it on yourself!"

Krishna shook his head exasperatedly, "Are you trying to get me beat up, Yamune?"

Finally, Yamuna took pity on him, picked up the remaining of his jewellery and ran behind him, but Krishna had already started walking down the riverbank, feigning anger. "Hey," Kalindi called out after him, "Don't you dare ditch me, Krishna! I remember who I am now, I'll drown your friend's kingdom."

"Good," Krishna called back, "Do it, he has a fiery wife who can dry it right up. You two hash it out!"

Yamuna laughed as she ran after him, throwing her arms around his neck. Krishna pulled her up on his back, piggybacking her. She tore one of her beaded necklaces and lovingly tied it around his neck, stealing a kiss as she did so. She did not even care about village wives who stared with such scandalous glares to see a woman, especially a noted ascetic such as her, be so openly romantic with a man. Only one woman whispered as she looked on longingly, "If you know, you know." She had married into the village from Vrindavan.

[orgalifeseo]

Orgalife Is Introducing A New Organic Product Coco Jaggery Powder

Coco Jaggery powder offers a natural and healthier alternative to refined sugar. With its unique flavor and numerous health benefits, it is no wonder that this sweetener has gained popularity among health-conscious individuals. Whether you use it in baking or traditional Indian recipes, or as a sweetener for beverages, incorporating coco jaggery powder into your diet is a step towards a healthier lifestyle.Health benefits of coco jaggery powder:

Helps in weight loss

Boosts immunity

Purifies blood

Controls blood pressure

Treats acne and pimples

Helps prevent anemia

Treatment of cold and cough

Boosts metabolism

Detoxifies liver

Anti-allergen

Improves your digestive system

Healthy source of carbohydrates

Purifies and cleanses the body

Rich in minerals

Rich in antioxidants

What is Coco Jaggery Powder?

Coco Jaggery powder is a natural sweetener derived from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It is made by boiling the juice until it thickens and solidifies into a powder. The absence of any chemicals or artificial additives ensures that coco jaggery powder retains its natural goodness.

Health Benefits of Jaggery Powder

Rich in Nutrients: Unlike refined sugar, jaggery powder is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of iron, potassium, and calcium, which are necessary for maintaining overall health. Digestive Aid: Jaggery powder acts as a digestive stimulant, helping in the digestion of food and preventing various digestive disorders. It aids in relieving constipation and improving bowel movements. Boosts Immunity: Jaggery powder is known to boost the body's immunity. It contains antioxidants that help fight against harmful free radicals, thus strengthening the immune system and protecting against infections. Energy Booster: The high concentration of carbohydrates in jaggery powder provides a quick burst of energy, making it an excellent choice for athletes or those needing an energy boost during the day. Blood Purifier: Jaggery powder is often used as a natural blood purifier. It helps in detoxifying the liver and promoting healthy blood circulation, which in turn leads to improved skin health and reduced acne and other skin problems.

How to Incorporate Jaggery Powder into Your Diet

Baking: Swap out refined sugar in your baking recipes with jaggery powder. It adds a delightful caramel flavor and enhances the taste of your baked goods. Sweetening Beverages: Jaggery powder can be used to sweeten hot drinks like tea and coffee or as a natural sweetener in smoothies and milkshakes. Traditional Indian Recipes: Jaggery powder is an integral part of many traditional Indian sweets and desserts like laddoos, halwa, and payasam. Add it to your favorite recipes to enjoy an authentic and healthier treat. Marinades and Sauces: Use jaggery powder to add a touch of sweetness to marinades, sauces, and dressings. It pairs well with both savory and tangy flavors. Home Remedies: Jaggery powder is often used in Ayurvedic remedies for its medicinal properties. It can be consumed with ginger and lemon to relieve cough and cold symptoms or mixed with water and consumed for relieving menstrual cramps.

[ananduvjayan]

food of kerala

The Exquisite Culinary Delights of Kerala

Kerala, a state in the southern part of India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and, of course, its delectable cuisine. The food of Kerala is a reflection of its diverse culture, history, and geography, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. From fragrant spices to fresh seafood, Kerala's culinary offerings are a feast for the senses.

Unique Flavors and Ingredients

Kerala's cuisine is characterized by the generous use of coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a myriad of spices that add depth and complexity to the dishes. The state's abundant coconut palms supply fresh coconut, which is used in various forms such as coconut milk, grated coconut, and coconut oil. The use of tangy tamarind and aromatic fenugreek further enhances the unique flavors of Kerala's cuisine.

The state's extensive network of backwaters and coastline ensures a steady supply of fresh seafood, which is a staple in many Kerala dishes. From succulent prawns to flavorful fish, the seafood in Kerala is prepared using a variety of cooking techniques, including steaming, frying, and grilling, resulting in a diverse range of seafood delicacies.

Appam with Ishtu

Appam, a lacy, fermented rice pancake, is a popular breakfast dish in Kerala. It is often served with Ishtu, a mild and creamy stew made with coconut milk, vegetables, and sometimes, meat.

Karimeen Pollichathu

This is a traditional Kerala fish delicacy where the fish is marinated in a blend of spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and then grilled to perfection, imparting a unique smoky flavor to the dish.

Kerala Sadya

A traditional feast served on a banana leaf, Kerala Sadya is a vegetarian extravaganza featuring an array of dishes such as avial, thoran, olan, and more, accompanied by rice and desserts like payasam.

Malabar Biryani

Influenced by the Mughlai cuisine, Malabar Biryani is a flavorful rice dish layered with marinated meat, fragrant spices, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs, creating a symphony of flavors.

Culinary Influences

Kerala's culinary landscape has been shaped by a confluence of influences, including indigenous traditions, Arab, Portuguese, and Dutch influences, as well as the heritage of the Syrian Christian and Mappila communities. These diverse influences have contributed to the evolution of a vibrant and multi-faceted cuisine that is distinctively Keralan.

Embracing Vegetarian Delights

While Kerala is known for its abundance of seafood, the state also offers a plethora of vegetarian dishes that are equally delightful. From the nutritious Thoran, a stir-fry made with vegetables and grated coconut, to the comforting taste of Parippu Curry, a lentil curry tempered with spices, Kerala's vegetarian fare is a celebration of local produce and flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the food of Kerala is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflects the rich tapestry of the state's culture and traditions. Whether you are savoring a traditional Onam Sady 

For More Details Visit Our Website, https://bhakshanangal.com/#/home

[motimahalbarbecues]

Visit One of the Best Barbecue Restaurants Near Me and Have Great Foods

There's something magical about the aroma of smoky barbecue wafting through the air, igniting the taste buds and inviting you to enjoy a great adventure. If you're a barbecue lover, visiting one of the best barbecue restaurants near me can give you the best dining experience. However, the finest barbecue restaurants promise not just a meal; but a journey into the heart of flavor.

The all-you-can-eat buffet restaurants near me offer the best food pleasure and the satisfaction of getting a lot of food for your money. It is a fact that not all buffet restaurants serve delicious food that balances course quality, flavour, and variety. But this place has won the hearts of foodies as the best North Indian buffet restaurant Chennai. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a touch of Southern charm that instantly makes you feel at home. The décor pays homage to the roots of barbecue culture, creating an immersive experience that sets the stage for a culinary journey ahead.

The menu options at this buffet are the main draw many people's attraction. When you visit the best place for birthday parties in OMR, you can get the chance to enjoy vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian ingredients like paneer, corn, potato, pineapple, and a variety of meats. You can also have seafood options like prawns, biryani, and tandoori. Being one of the best buffet restaurants in OMR, you can always have a perfect way to enjoy an excellent meal.

Because their buffets offer a wide range of dishes to satisfy your taste, this barbecue restaurant Chennai is ideal for people who enjoy trying new cuisines. They offer a full-price-worthy buffet, which includes appetizers and is served every day of the week. The meal is excellent and available for both lunch and dinner. The staff is also very friendly, the food is fresh, and the service is quick. Additionally, they offer a different soup and salad buffet for everyone else and a separate one for health-conscious guests.

No barbecue experience is complete without a selection of signature sauces. The restaurant offers a variety of house-made sauces, each crafted to complement the unique flavors of the meats. Different types of barbecue sauces areget added to the food, creating a smoky flavor, and suits every palate.

However, if you want to enjoy some value-for-money deals, Moti Mahal Barbecues Buffet is one of the most affordable and cheapest buffet restaurant in Chennai. For the price range that the buffet occupies, both the quantity and quality of the food are excellent. They offer a huge list of 150 buffets for breakfast and dinner. The dessert spread requires a special mention for having everything from ice-creams to Gulab jamun, Semiya Payasam, and Jalebi. That means it will be heavenly for dessert lovers.

However, if you are ready to enjoy the aroma of smoked meat, enjoy the extraordinary food before you select the buffet. It is also suggested that you call the restaurant and book a table so that you can enjoy a hassle-free experience and enjoy your food!

For more information, visit our website - motimahalbarbecues.com

[thefoodaffairs]

This Ganesh Chaturthi Revives

Every year, for 10 days in August and September, the streets of major Indian cities are filled with colourful idols of Lord Ganesha in various styles, forms, and sizes. As the festivities heat up, kitchens across homes dish out freshly made recipes to ring in Ganesh Chaturthi on a sweet note. While mouth melting modaks are usually the evergreen must-have delicacy, this season we bring you various options of sweets you’ve never had before styled in the most amazing way . Sarita Bazaz, the founder of The Food Affairs, shares her view on the fusion food craze. “With the choice of East or West, why not agree on both?” she asked. A satisfactory conclusion is the combination of wonderful things from both sides. By serving hybrid desserts, we are providing people with something familiar while still offering something new.”

1. 8-shaped jalebi served in a martini glass Crispy, round, and juicy Jalebis make you go crunch! often being served on a bay leaf or in wrapped packages. We alter the composition of it to an ‘8 shape and top it with Rabri and serve it in a martini glass. The slim shape allows the jalebi to remain intact in the glass. The modernity in design now being expanded to food discovery! Enjoy this fresh take on Indian cuisine.

2. Meetha Khaja with Chhena Payas in a mason jar The Khaja is a symbol of Jagannath culture and an essential part of the Holy Trinity’s ‘Mahaprasad.’ This wheat-based treat pays homage to the technique of layering the way you would make a croissant and then frying , through which it differentiates itself. We balance the hot sweet khaaja with a chilled, creamy nolen gur Chhena Payas on the side . To present the layers of delicate textures that flow over each other, the sweet is served in a mason jar

3. Rasgulla Soufflé The traditional Rasgulla,a Bengali delicacy, is an all-time favourite sweet topped with cream soufflé in different flavours of Pishori Pishta , Mamra badam and Kashmiri saffron. The humble rasgulla when served with cream whipped like a foam and infused with an exotic variety of almonds pistachio and saffron comes out finally as an amazing fusion dessert without messing up with it’s authentic recipe.

4. Blueberry Kheer Crème Brûlée Kheer or Payasam is the most common yet favourite sweet dish served on all auspicious occasions across India . A homemade blueberry jam is hidden in layers in the traditional kheer and then creme brûléed with a torch after sprinkling rustic palm sugar and finally forming a crunchy crispy layer like a brittle

The top 5 caterers in Delhi are known for providing luxury food services in India. Food Affairs stands out as one of the best catering services in Gurgaon, offering top-notch wedding veg catering. Whether you are looking for delicious food for a special event or a corporate gathering, Food Affairs delivers the perfect blend of taste, presentation, and quality that elevates any occasion. With their commitment to excellence and unparalleled catering services, they have set the standard for what it means to be one of the best in the industry

[themadbro]

Kerala: A Paradise for Tourists

Kerala: A Paradise for Tourists

Located on the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is a state known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. From the majestic Western Ghats to the beautiful beaches and backwaters, Kerala has something to offer for every type of traveler. Here are just a few reasons why you should add Kerala to your travel bucket list:

The Backwaters: One of the most iconic and unique features of Kerala is its network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes known as the backwaters. Visitors can take a houseboat ride through the backwaters and experience life in the countryside, passing through small villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves. The backwaters are also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and even elephants.

The Beaches: Kerala has some of the best beaches in India, with miles of golden sand and crystal-clear water. Popular beach destinations include Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari. These beaches offer a range of activities, from sunbathing and swimming to surfing and parasailing.

The Culture: Kerala is known for its vibrant culture, with a rich tradition of art, music, and dance. Visitors can experience this culture firsthand by attending a Kathakali dance performance, visiting a temple, or trying their hand at traditional crafts like coir making or bamboo weaving.

The Food: Kerala is a food lover's paradise, with a wide variety of delicious dishes to try. From spicy seafood to coconut-based curries, there is something for every palate. Don't miss the chance to try some of the local specialties, like appam (a type of pancake), dosa (a crepe made from rice and lentils), and payasam (a sweet dessert).

With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, you'll find it all in this beautiful and diverse state.

[snackative]

8 Mouth-Watering South Indian Sweets

It’s hard to imagine festivals without our traditional sweets. But, it’s not just those special occasions when we crave for them. South Indian sweets, with their exquisite taste and irresistible flavour, are treats that you want to enjoy anytime.

While some South Indian sweets such as Kesari and Mysore Pak have found wider recognition across the subcontinent, there are many hidden gems in the cuisine of South India. In this article, we’ll cover eight sweet delicacies — both, famous and relatively unknown — that will delight your taste buds.

1. Payasam

The word payasam comes from the word ‘peeyusham’, meaning divine nectar or ambrosia. This fine concoction of coconut milk and jaggery tastes delectably creamy and sweetened to perfection!

It is no surprise that payasam is a permanent component of the typical South Indian thali, and also finds its place during festivals and occasions. If you’re planning to make payasam at home, you can add a touch of creativity to this exquisite dish by adding carrots, or fruits such as mango or pineapple topped by chopped dry fruits and nuts.

2. Mysore Pak

One of the most popular South-Indian sweets Mysore Pak was invented by accident by a cook belonging to a royal family in Mysore. It is unanimously known as the king of South Indian sweets. This lip-smacking speciality is made from milk powder, pure ghee (clarified butter), and sugar. The irresistible taste of Mysore Pak will leave an everlasting mark on your palette.

Though if you’re watching your weight or concerned about health issues, our Karupatti Ghee Mysore Pak and Mysurpa made from Nattu Sakkarai, figs and dates are treats you can enjoy guilt-free!

3. Maladu

This is a South Indian delicacy rich in protein originated in Tirunelveli. Popularly known as Ma ladoo, this sweet, nutritious, and scrumptious treat is made from dal (lentils). If you want to make something delicious and healthy at home, maladu is the perfect option for you and it takes barely 15 minutes to prepare.

Our Karupatti halwa is another awesome sweet from Tirunelveli that you must try.

4. Adhirasam

This age-old popular sweet is generally served at festivals, weddings, and special occasions. Made from rice flour, cardamom, and jaggery, the roots of Adhirasam lie in Tamil Nadu. According to the ancient recipe, it takes one whole week to prepare and make it. Sadly, it’s difficult to find authentic adhirasam nowadays as most of the makers use modern methods and machines to cut short the preparation time. However, if you’re lucky you may find shops in Tamil Nadu selling traditional adhirasam.

5. Poli

A Pongal must-have, this easy-to-make nutritious treat is loved by one and all. Made with grated coconut, wheat flour, jaggery, pure ghee (clarified butter), turmeric powder, and cardamom this soft and sweet bread is a must if you have a sweet tooth.

6. Cashew Barfi or Kaju Katli

This diamond-shaped sweet has a rich taste of cashews and a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Often punctuated with flavours such as cardamom or rose, this specialty isn’t just made in South India but is a staple sweet all over the country. For a true-blue Southern twist, however, try our Karupatti Kaju Katli.

7. Badusha

Similar to its cousin, the balushahi, badusha, the irresistible donut-shaped delight is popularly known as a Diwali sweet. Another variant the smaller Chitti badushas are also served during festive occasions. These deep-fried and syrup-dipped treats are perfect when you wish to indulge your sweet tooth.

8. Seenimittai

Traditionally from Tuticorin seenimittai is made from rice flour, urad dal, and cardamom for fragrance. Once deep-fried, they are dunked in sugar syrup which crystallizes and forms sweet and crispy yummy curls of sweetness.

Simultaneously, the best and the worst part about having these sweets is that you can never stop at one. If you’ve tasted them once, your taste buds will want to enjoy them again and again. But, no worries — you can place an order with us online and get your favourite South Indian sweets delivered anywhere in the world.

[spicecliq]

KERALA SWEETS

DELICIOUS KERALA SWEETS

Delicious Kerala sweets buy from spicecliq Evening time calls out for snacks and sweets. Why buy processed foods when you can relish wholesome goodness at the comfort of your home. Spicecliq brings a whole range of Kerala special sweets and snacks that are prepared with utmost hygiene, love, and care. You can choose from our extensive menu that includes banana chips, tea biscuit, karmur, sweet Seva, snowflakes mixture, rice balls, banana chili chips, jaggery halwa, jackfruit halwa, and many more to choose from. We use the finest quality ingredients to deliver you lip-smacking sweets and snacks. Now you can enjoy the authentic taste of Kerala snacks every day! -

Passion Fruit Juice

Rs.160.00 – Rs.260.00 Select options -

Karaseva

Rs.65.00 – Rs.250.00 Select options -

Karmur

Rs.125.00 – Rs.250.00 Select options -

SarkaraUpperi

Rs.80.00 – Rs.560.00 Select options -

Banana Chips-Coconut Oil Upperi

Stock OutRs.100.00 – Rs.400.00 Select options -

Tapioca Chips

Stock OutRs.75.00 – Rs.150.00 Select options -

Tapioca Chilli Chips

Stock OutRs.75.00 – Rs.150.00 Select options -

Banana Chilli Chips

Stock OutRs.100.00 – Rs.200.00 Select options -

Kuzhalappam

Rs.80.00 – Rs.160.00 Select options -

Rice Ball

Rs.80.00 – Rs.160.00 Select options -

Mixture

Rs.80.00 – Rs.300.00 Select options -

Snowflakes

Rs.75.00 – Rs.300.00 Select options -

Pakkavada

Rs.65.00 – Rs.260.00 Select options -

Sweet Seva

Rs.80.00 – Rs.160.00 Select options -

Tea Biscuit

Rs.82.00 – Rs.160.00 Select options

DELICIOUS KERALA SWEETS

Kerala, the famous land for natural beauty, is also known for its delicious sweets. The most famous is the traditional Kozhikode halwa, kinnathappam, a milk pudding made with sugar, milk, and ghee. Another popular dessert is the Payasam, a milk pudding prepared with cardamom and ginger. Sweets are a part of Indian culture. The state of Kerala has some of the best sweets in India. The favorite sweets from Kerala are kuzhalappam, kozhukkattai, and banana chips. Sweets from Kerala are a must-try for anyone visiting the state. The unique blend of traditional flavors such as cardamom, jeera, and cinnamon gives the sweets a distinct taste. Some of the most popular sweets from Kerala include rice balls, jackfruit chips, and neyyappam. If you want to try something more savory, try the Kerala mixture, which is also very popular in Kerala. Kerala is known for its abundance of sweets, from traditional to modern. Some of the most popular ones are cardamom-flavored cakes, rice flour-based muruk, fried jaggery-coated flour balls, and a sweet made from coconuts called coconut balls. Some of the best places to get these sweet treats are the small stores that line the streets in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, cochin, Kumily, and Munnar and are also available in online shops. kerala sweets available all over india We sell some of the most delicious and yummy sweets you'll ever taste, and we can't help but smile as we make them. We have all kinds of Kerala sweets for everyone—from our Kerala banana chips to our special fruit halwa, which is made from scratch in our kitchen! We also have jaggery uperi for those who just love candy. And if you're feeling like something savory, we have pakkavada, karaseva, and many varieties of mixtures for you!Our sweets are gorgeous, too—but they're not just pretty—they're so delicious. So come on down and try out one of our newest flavors. order online to home a few dozen of your favorites.Our delicious Kerala sweets are available online in all Indian states including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal. Hurry! buy delicious Kerala sweets online. Visit spicecliq.com Spicecliq.com committed to making sure you get the best possible experience from us every time you order Kerala sweets from us, so if there's ever anything that doesn't meet your expectations, please don't hesitate to let us know!

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[lastevia]

Buy Sugar Free Laddu Online To Feel Healthy

Today We discuss the benefits of choosing to buy sugar free laddu online at Lastevia.

After a baby is at least 6 months old, ragi porridge is a healthy first dish that should also be included in many adult meals. Many recipes have been included on the list for a healthy lifestyle, including ragi dosa, ragi malt, ragi idli, ragi roti, ragi ladoo, and others that will increase your consumption of foods made with ragi.

Ragi, also known as millet, is a grain that is thought to be very nutrient-dense. The raw ragi grains, which resemble small beads or mustard seeds, are often thoroughly cleaned, dried, roasted, and crushed into coarse flour. Fresh home-made ragi ladoo is inexpensive, simple to make, delicious, and very nourishing all at once.

And savour the ragi ladoo’s amazing flavour. Additionally, you can prepare a variety of desserts like ragi halwa, ragi pudding, and ragi payasam. Children might not enjoy the colour of ragi because it turns a dark brown when cooked; thus, add dry fruits, fresh fruits, or any other modification to make it look appealing and appealing to kids.

Ragi is regarded as a food and medicine for both purposes. Ragi is a fantastic cereal that is full of vitamins, minerals, and protein and high in calcium. Ragi or millet is a great grain substitute for those who are gluten-sensitive because it does not contain gluten.

Lastevia is one of the places to buy quality buy sugar free laddu online to lose weight. It is also healthy and tasty.

You may get sugar free almond butter online and stevia sweetener from a different range of packets online at affordable cost and visit the website : www.steviala.com and contact : +91 96004 9118.

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[mobobfoods]

15 Best South Indian Food You Can Eat For Your Next Meal

North-Indian food is delicious, but have you tried South-Indian cuisine yet?

The five southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh make up the south of India, a vegan's paradise. Rice, lentils, chilies, and coconut are staples of South Indian food, which is quite diverse. Curry leaves, tamarind, and Sambar powder are frequently used in Indian cuisine. A southern meal would not be complete without espresso, of course.

South Indian food is undoubtedly a treat to the senses thanks to its intense aroma, sputtering mustard seeds, piping-hot sambar made with fresh tamarind, and feather-light, soft idlis.Food Delivery services in bidar

Here are 15 must try South-Indian dishes you can order from the MOBOB App,

1. Masala Dosa

These are made from fermented rice and black gram batter and are found in many varieties. The thin and crispy dosas are accompanied by Sambar, a spicy soup that can be dipped, and chutneys (sauces), including coconut, tomato, and mints. Traditionally, masala dosas are filled with fried onion and potato.

2. Uttapam

The same type of batter is used for dosa and idli, but onion, tomato, and cilantro (coriander) are added. They tend to be thicker than dosas and resemble savory pancakes.

3. Idli

Steamed black lentils and rice are used to make idlis. In some cases, semolina is used in place of rice and lentils. Coconut chutney and sambar are usually served with it.

4. Vada

A savory donut from India. It is available in a variety of flavors, both sweet and savory. Ground legumes are mixed with cumin, onion, curry leaves, and chilies or spices to make vada, a dish made from soaked lentils. The mixture is given the shape of a donut and deep-fried, leaving them crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

5. Upma

This thick porridge is made with roasted semolina or coarse rice flour and served as breakfast and dinner. Many variations are made by adding vegetables, spices, curry leaves, and ground nuts.

6. Appam

In Kerala, these pancakes are made from fermented rice batter and are bowl-shaped. Coconut milk or korma (curry), a vegetarian and yogurt dish, is served with this dish.

7. Rasam

This light spicy soup contains vegetables and spices, including tomatoes, tamarind, and black pepper, and is a common home remedy for sore throats and colds.

8. Sambar

It is usually made from lentils, tamarind, vegetables, often okra, radish, or eggplant, in a lentil, tamarind, and vegetable broth. With dosas, idlis, and rice, this is served as a condiment.

9. Payasam

It is a south Indian dessert made on various festivals and special occasions like Onam, a creamy rice and milk pudding with cashews and raisins. Featuring nuts and milk, it is a simple and delicious recipe.

10. Chicken Chettinad

A fiery chicken dish with onions, tomatoes, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, garlic, cumin, fennel, peppercorns, cumin and cumin marinated in ginger, garlic, cumin, fennel, and fennel seeds. Cooked rice or chapati can be served with this dish. Tamil Nadu's Chettinad region is famous for this dish.

11. Curd rice

South Indian curd rice is served with a thali or meal as part of a South Indian meal. When curd is mixed with cooked rice, herbs, curry leaves and mustard seeds, it is tempered with yogurt and salt before being served.

12. Chicken Curry

An Andhra curry made with ginger, garlic, curry leaves, cinnamon, chicken masala, and cashew and poppy seed paste. Chicken is stewed with pepper powder, coconut paste, cloves, and lemon to create a fragrant, flavorful dish.

13. Kerala Prawn Curry

Curry made from juicy prawns and coconut milk. There's no doubt that this Malabar curry will knock your senses out! You will know what we mean when you combine this delicious curry with steaming hot rice.

14. Pulihora

It is a delicious combination of rice, tomatoes, onions, red chilly, lemon juice, and curry leaf if you are looking for a light lunch at lunch time. A most distinguished taste can be achieved by infusing turmeric with lemon into rice and serving it with chutney.

15. South Indian Filter Coffee

Sugar and hot, boiled milk are added to South Indian style coffee after it's made using a coffee filter. Froth forms at the top of the stainless steel tumbler and bowl after mixing coffee with milk and sugar.

Is your mouth watering already then why wait - download the MOBOB app and order any of the above with great discounts and benefits.Order food in gulbarga

Mobob invite all residents of Bidar and Gulbarga to try the app now - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobob.food

[masalavegan]

Happy Navratri to all those celebrating 🙏🏼 These 9 days (and nights) are traditionally spent, Fasting through the day, Feasting on Sattvic food (no onion or garlic), Meditating and praying 🙏🏼 Here’s my no Oil Sattvic Thali/ plate with, Quinoa Pulao 🌾 Brown Rice Flakes Kheer (pudding) Jeera Aloo (Boiled potato chunks flavoured with Cumin seeds, Turmeric, Rock Salt and dried Coriander leaves) 🥔 Fresh Cucumber sticks 🥒 Green Chutney made with fresh Coriander, home grown fresh Mint & Curry Leaves, Green Chilli, Ginger, Lime Juice & salt blend together 🌿 Fresh Mango pickle, made with freshly diced Mango pieces in a mix of roasted & powdered Red Chillies, Asafoetida, Fenugreek, Coriander Seeds, Mustard & Cumin Seeds 🥭 #masalavegan #whatveganscook #navratri #indianfestival #durgapuja #vratkakhana #sattvicvegan #nooil #noonionnogarlic #wholefoodplantbased #jeeraaloo #northindianfood #gharkakhana #whatveganseat #quinoapulao #quinoa #quinoakhichdi #greenchutney #mint #freshlime #dhaniapudinachutney #healthy #freshmangopickle #ginger #payasam #pohe #kheer #vegandessert (at Sydney, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjBl99mBccF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ananduvjayan]

traditional food in kerala

Exploring the Authentic Flavors of Kerala: Traditional Food and Cuisine

Kerala, also known as "God's Own Country," is not only famous for its serene backwaters and lush greenery but also for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. The traditional food of Kerala is a delightful blend of flavors, spices, and aromas that leave a lasting impression on anyone who savors it.

A Culinary Journey Through Kerala

Sadya

Sadya is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf during festivals and special occasions. It typically includes an array of dishes such as avial, olan, thoran, pachadi, and payasam, all served with rice. The unique blend of coconut, curry leaves, and spices makes Sadya a true gastronomic delight.

Karimeen Pollichathu

Karimeen, or pearl spot fish, is marinated in a blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaf, and then grilled to perfection. This dish is a quintessential part of Kerala's seafood cuisine and is a must-try for any seafood lover.

Appam with Stew

Appam, a lacy pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, is often paired with a creamy and mildly spiced stew, usually made with chicken, vegetables, or lamb. The combination is a testament to the perfect marriage of flavors and textures.

Puttu and Kadala Curry

Puttu, cylindrical steamed rice cakes, is a staple breakfast item in Kerala and is often served with Kadala Curry, a delectable dish made from black chickpeas in a spiced coconut gravy.

Preserving Tradition in Every Bite

Kerala's traditional food not only reflects the state's vibrant culture and culinary expertise but also offers a sensory experience like no other. The use of local and indigenous ingredients, coupled with age-old cooking techniques, ensures that every dish tells a story of tradition, flavor, and unparalleled taste.

So, if you're a culinary enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the art of traditional cooking, a journey through the culinary landscape of Kerala is sure to leave you craving for more.

For More Details Visit Our Website, https://bhakshanangal.com/#/home

[bhuvanavishwanath]

Semiya Payasam

Semiya Payasam or vermicelli payasam is one of the easiest sweets that can be made for any festive occasion....

Mommy made Payasam is always special so here we go with the recipe ☺️

Prep time - 5mins

Cook time -15mins

Total time - 20mins

Ingredients : (1 cup = 250ml)

1.5 tablespoons ghee

12 to 15 cashews (kaju)

2 tablespoon raisins (kishmish)

1 cup semiya (seviyan or vermicelli)

3.5 cups full fat milk

4 tablespoon sugar or add as required

½ teaspoon cardamom powder OR 5 to 6 green cardamoms, crushed

Preparation for semiya payasam

In a heavy kadai, add 2 tablespoons ghee first. let it melt.

Once it melts, then add 12 to 15 cashews. on a low flame fry the cashews till they become golden.

Remove the golden fried cashews with a slotted spoon and then add 1 tablespoon raisins.

Fry the raisins on a low flame. the raisins will soon start to swell up. stir often while frying.

Once the raisins swell, then remove them with a slotted spoon.

Keep the raisins also aside with the fried cashews.

Roasting semiya for semiya payasam

In the same kadai add 1 cup broken semiya (seviyan or vermicelli).

Mix well. keep the flame to a low and begin to roast the semiya stirring often.

Roast till the semiya becomes golden. stir often while roasting semiya for even browning.

Making semiya payasam

Once the semiya becomes golden, then add 3.5 cups milk. milk can be chilled, warm, hot or at room temperature. for a thin payasam you can add 4 cups milk. do note that on cooling the payasam thickens. so add milk accordingly.

Mix very well.

Keep the flame to a low or medium-low and simmer the mixture till the semiya softens and is cooked well. do stir at intervals so that the milk or seviya does not stick or get burnt at the bottom of the kadai.

Simmer till the semiya is cooked.

Then add 4 tablespoon sugar or add as required.

Sprinkle ½ teaspoon cardamom powder.

Mix very well and simmer semiya payasam on a low flame to medium-low flame for 2 to 3 minutes more.

Switch off the flame and then add the fried cashews and raisins. you can even keep a few of the fried raisins and cashews for garnishing the vermicelli payasam.

Serve semiya payasam hot or warm. once the payasam comes to a room temperature, then you can refrigerate and serve later as a chilled sweet.

Pictorial Representation :

Hope u all liked my recipe.... Do try this recipe for any festive season and let me know how it turns 😊😊😊

With LOL, Stay Tuned

Bhuvana Vishwanath

[anarchistbitch]

So I recently learned that falooda is a thing and it baffled me (did I slip into a parallel universe where faloodeh is a drink???? And one letter different???) -turns out it is inspired by faloodeh (it would have been way too much of a coincidence) and anyway I love falooda now whats ur recipe 👀👀👀

(Faloodeh is just frozen vermicelli with rose water and syrup but falooda has so much stuff????)

oohoho man you have got to try falooda!!! its like one of the best deserts ever[i thought it was icky at first cause of the vermicelli noodles, but im a vermicelli fiend now😎]

i love that a lot of south asian foods are related cause *waves hands around* history and how foods have changed so much through time and travel and yet have changed so little

one of the best ways to have falooda is it in a tall glass cup with the vermicelli at the bottom along with the syrup;the nuts,raisins and sabja seeds(kinda like chia seeds) in the middle , ice cream with a cherry on top with rose milk poured through<3[kesar is great but rose is just *chefs kiss*].also!! one of the reasons most restaurants layer it this way is cause mixing it is its own fun!

falooda having a lot of ingredients is one of its main appeal actually💗.

i dont really have a recipe cause i use a store bought falooda mix[but i have tons of tips on account of regularly fucking up!!! for example: do not let the milk boil for too long after adding the mix because it will turn a lot like payasam!! & stir a lot!!] if you do want to follow a recipe i think hebbars kitchen is a good place to start- the video & heres the recipe on the website

had to google pics of faloodeh and it sounds great, i think i would love one with rose syrup [but if i made it at home. might just put rooh afza😝]

[steph-anand]

@mellora-atoll and Steph have their first official date at the museum. Mel sets the place up, Steph brings the food, and then a bunch of cuteness comes about

Mellora had "pinterested" what a romantic date looked like. She'd made a whole "board" of picnic layouts with soft blankets and woven baskets and scenic views interspersed with a lot of candles set up on floors and wine glasses. Unable to decide between the "aesthetics," she'd gone with both.

Part of the museum jutted out over the rocky shore of the beach, the bay window standing wide and tall at the end. At all hours of the day, the glass was filled with the expansive view of the ocean. Now, as night grew darker, the ocean and sky both filled with inky darkness and twinkling light as the moon's reflection danced on the waves and the stars woke up, Mel was finally satisfied.

On the floor beneath the window she had layered blankets and pillows pilfered from around the museum and her house and around the corners of the room and on the window sills had placed a rainbow assortment of candles: tall white ones, thick green ones, pale pink, windy ones, and lit them all. Between the low flood lights, the sky, and the candles, the room glowed in gold and silver. It reminded her of the night of the lantern festival, the moon also illuminating them and the port lights warming them.

She'd dallied too long admiring her handiwork, though, and the grandfather clock tolled the hour. On socked feet she skid to the front entrance of the museum and opened it to reveal Steph. With a bright grin, and an over-exuberant shove to the door to keep it open for her, she greeted, "Hi, babe! I, the–I put some stuff in the window room. And got wine from home, if you want." She looked at what the other woman was carrying and added, "Do you need help carrying anything?"

｡･:*:･ﾟ⎈ ｡･:*:･ﾟ

Steph was excited and maybe she spent most of the day preparing for tonight's date to make sure it was all as good as it got and that she could bring the kind of food Mel would have liked and enjoyed. In the end she showed up with a huge basket of food and a big thermos tucked under her arm. And almost as if Mellora knew when she arrived, the door opened to the museum and Steph's face lit up at the sight of the other woman.

"Melly, hey!" she greeted, her fingers and toes tingling, excited for the night. "It's okay, I can carry it, just lead the way." She slipped out of her shoes and followed Mel in, chatting along, "I brought some tacos, a couple of different kinds and I made those and then I bought a bunch of sweets for us to consume. Payasam should still be warm so we should start with that, and then gulab jamun and sopapillas and along with the wine we can decide to drink malasa chai too, if you're--"

She stopped dead in her tracks, though, when they reached the window room and Steph took in all the candles and the lights, the view, the blankets and pillows, and her expression softened. "Mel, this looks gorgeous! Did you do-- you did so much, everything looks so great!"

｡･:*:･ﾟ⎈ ｡･:*:･ﾟ

She secured the door behind them before ushering Steph in. With the blankets on the floor, she figured being shoe-less would be more comfortable and was pleased that Steph so readily went along with it even without prompting.

Mellora was nodding to the long list of goodies Steph had made or acquired for them, the words for foods and sweets going over her head for the most part, and froze a step ahead of her when she did. Her heart flipped thinking she had done something incorrectly, or perhaps had done too much (had "pinterest" betrayed her?), but all the tension flooded out of her at the praise.

"Oh, I'm just so glad you–that it looks good to you." Mel darted ahead of her to smooth out an already flat corner of the blankets and gestured for her to set the food down wherever she pleased. She sat, plopped more like, with her legs tucked beneath her. "I didn't want it to be creepy, y'know, after dark. And, y'know, I wanted it to be... romantic, so I added candles." Sheepish now, she smiled up at Steph. "I'm sure the food is excellent and I can't wait to try it... how was your day?”

Wow, she thought, so smooth. Suave, in fact.

｡･:*:･ﾟ⎈ ｡･:*:･ﾟ

Seeing Mel being nervous about everything didn't erase Steph's, but it was nice, to see how much Mel wanted this night to go well, how both of them were equally excited with a bit of nerves along with it.

Steph couldn't stop smiling, grinning. She set the basket and the thermos down and then settled down next to Mel, leaned over and pressed a quick kiss on her lips. It still felt so exciting that she could just do it. "Hi," she whisperred this time, staying close for a moment before properly settling down onto the blanket. "Definitely nothing creepy. You didn't make a horror movie scene, it's really romantic," she reassured Mel as she looked around again. She couldn't get enough of the entire setting - and then her eyes landed on Mel, and okay, she could, if that meant looking at her instead. The way the candlelights flickered on her face, the way her curls were a mix of gold and silver, giving her a glow.

"It was slow and fast at the same time," she admitted. "I couldn't wait for tonight, but wanted to make everything good. And for full disclosure, some of it is from the café, I am not the best baker and didn't want to experiment on you. But the tacos are mine and the chai, and payasam which I'm not sure if you know what it is, but basically just pudding, and it still should be warm." Which she probably already said, but still. She was also packing everything out from the basket while she talked, put it on the other side of the blanket - just close enough for the two of them to reach, but not too close to be at risk of spilling. "What about you? Did you have a good day?"

｡･:*:･ﾟ⎈ ｡･:*:･ﾟ

Satisfied that Steph liked the interior (and that it did not seem like a house out of a horror movie where the young couple that moved in should have run away screaming the first night (Mel would never understand the logic of human's horror stories)) Mel let herself relax too and all but melted into the quick kiss.

Mel followed Steph's hands as she set up their picnic, nodding at the names of food she already recognized and trying to place the ones she didn't. Human foods were a delightful adventure each time for her as textures, spices, and culturally identifying dishes slotted into place. Really, it stopped being just Human Food in her mind and became Steph's Food (and by extension Renzie's) and all the other food. "I'm sure it's all amazing, of course it is!" Not to lessen her skills in the kitchen at all, but Steph would learn that she was very easy to impress.

"It was good, easy, kind of slow. Not a lot of people come in now that tourists are out, school is in, and the pendant is gone, but... it was nice. And I had the after school group visit again." Mel smiled a little and looked at her fingers where stray bits of acrylic paint still stuck to her fingers. "We painted little pumpkins and glued bits of streamers to them to make pumpkin jellyfish." She pointed to one of the windows where her own example jellyfish hung, painted rosy pink with pale streamer-tentacles hanging down. "The kids named it Arnold, for some reason."

｡･:*:･ﾟ⎈ ｡･:*:･ﾟ

Steph knew just how wild and crazy it could get at the museum, one of the first times she saw Mellora was in the mids of summer, Mellora doing probably one of her very first tours at the museum. She was impressive from the get-go, as she showed around a bus full of people, answering the questions of kids. ANd now she was making little pumpkin jellyfish with them. Could all of this get any cuter?

"Arnold, that's really cute. Your jellyfish looks like an Arnold for sure," she nodded, pretending to be all-knowing as if she actually knew anything. "Wouldn't have thought to make one out of a pumpkin, either, I usually just carve some horror mouth into it this year around. It was a whole family thing for a while for us." And then it sort of fell to the wayside and they haven't done it in a while, but she did have a lot of fond memories of it.

"Was decorating pumpkins a big thing for you and your family around Halloween?" she asked, really hoping for some cute baby Mellora stories as she offered up a spoon for the payasam. She just realized she didn't really know that much about the other woman's childhood. "Or had any kind of fun traditions - not even for Halloween, just in general, too."

｡･:*:･ﾟ⎈ ｡･:*:･ﾟ

Mel smiled, indulgently proud of her jellyfish pumpkin. "You should have seen the babies' pumpkins, they were very cute all lined up in a row." The babies in question, of course, being the kids who were not actually infants. "I can show you how to make them. I haven't carved a pumpkin before. My family didn't really celebrate Halloween."

This was always dangerous ground, her past, so shrouded in a lot of water. She found it best to tell the truths, and pad them so they were believable. Besides, she wanted to be known by Steph. As much as they could be, anyway. She gratefully took the spoon and tried a bite of the payasam, cooing in delight at the taste. Words lost, she reached out to squeeze Steph's arm to communicate how good it was.

"We, uh. My moms would take us to the shore to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks." She remembered her sister flinching at the booms high in the air and she had taken her little hand in hers. She couldn't recall if she'd mentioned her sister before, the wayward girl, lost to Mel for now. "And we would celebrate my grandmothers birthdays like holidays, too. Food and getting together, but otherwise we didn't do a lot."

She didn't want it to sound melancholy, because her family had hundreds of traditions, simply none she could share. "What else do your family do? Do you bake with the pumpkins you carve as well?"

｡･:*:･ﾟ⎈ ｡･:*:･ﾟ

"I'm sure they were. Did you take any pictures by any chance?" she asked. "Oh, I would love that, yes, I would love to learn how to make them. And I can show you how to carve pumpkins in return? And then both of us can end up with some fun new decorations for our places."

It sounded so strange, that Halloween was not celebrated in Mel's family, but then again, Steph lived in a town where holidays and celebrations were huge, not everyone celebrated it at college either. But it sounded like she and her family had their own traditions, and Steph just smiled fondly as she listened, squeezing Mel's hand back, feeling victorious when she expressed how she loved the payasam.

"Us to shore?" Steph asked back. "You and your grandmothers? Or do you have siblings as well?" Maybe some sisters. It sounded like one big family of woman so far, something that must have been fun to grow up in. "Food and getting together is really the best way to celebrate, that's usually how it goes for us too. Anyway, you guys went to the shores - you said you lived up north, right? Did you live close to the ocean or just close enough to take trips?"

She shook her head. "Not with the carved ones, no, but generally with pumpkin, yeah. We have something called calabaza en tacha, which is basically candied pumpkin. We usually do it for Día de Muertos. And we usually sell it in the cafe around Halloween time, too." She loved Halloween, of course she did, but for her it was always mixed tradition - Halloween and Days of the Dead. "Food was always a big thing for my parents. They said it was part of how they fell in love. Abu taught mama his recipes and mama taught him, and the magic happened in between."

｡･:*:･ﾟ⎈ ｡･:*:･ﾟ

"Oh! Yes," Mellora fished around in her pocket for her phone and whipped it out. Clumsy in her haste, she managed to find the photo she took of the whole school group holding the little pumpkin jellyfish up by their strings, their arms extended. Kids ages five to ten all stood in a grinning row. She turned the phone to Steph so she could see. "I'd love that." She winked. "It's another date."

Mel blinked, catching up slowly to what she asked. "Sorry, yes, no–I mean, I sometimes travelled with my grandmothers too. I also have a little sister. And cousins, too, but we didn't see them as often." She laughed and brushed hair out of her eyes. recalling how much trouble they both caused when they were just wee mers. Steph was asking more specific questions, though, so Mel focused. "Well, we lived in a few different places in the north, but always on the ocean." Not technically a lie. "And sometimes we were near towns or cities that would set off fire works. It really depended."

She cooed a bit at the mention of candied pumpkin, trying to imagine the smell alongside the smell of sugar. That was her best guess for it. "Aww, I love that," she said in response to the romance story. She tried her best not to look at the food prepared for her in front of her, tried not to think of the L word right now at all. It was too tantalizing and too guilt-giving. She reached for the wine she had prepared instead and poured two glasses, taking a sip of hers and offering the other to Steph before setting her cup aside. "What were your parents foods of love then? It sounds like they might have a whole list of them."

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Steph was eager to see the photo and the cuteness overload didn't disappoint, all the kids were bright smiles and glowing, so excited to show off their different jellyfish. "Aww, they all look so cute and sweet, I love them." She leaned forward and gave Mel a kiss, "You did such a good job with them. And I can't wait for that other date already." It was exciting, to know there was more ahead.

It sounded like Mel had such a huge family who travelled a lot and Steph just smiled as she listened, enjoying getting some peeks into how Mel lived before she got to Port Vale. "That sounds fun. Did you enjoy growing up with moving around relatively often?" To her, moving several time while growing up was often. She grew up in one single time and the only move she did was to college and then right back.

And then another thought crossed her mind and she tilted her head, "Do you miss them?" It sounded like they were all close, and now Mel was here, all alone, without her family. That could have possibly been really hard for her.

"Thank you," she took a small sip of the wine before setting it aside too, reaching for a sopapilla. "Yeah, they have a whole list. Honestly? A lot of the stuff we sell at the cafe comes from the two of them putting their heads together and sorting out their favorites. And obviously things changed around based on demand, but a lot of it stuck for them. But if I'd have to say one thing, it's mama's pozole which is a really delicious stew, and abu's naan, which is a kind of flatbred. They say it's the two of them together on a plate, they get really mushy over it on their anniversary."

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Mel had to smile through the kiss because she couldn’t fight it down. Note to self, she thought, educating kids was apparently a new key to Steph’s heart and more kissing. Good thing she really loved kids.

For her, moving fairly often meant once a decade, perhaps two, but she couldn’t exactly share such numbers. Sometimes she had to wonder what Steph, or her family, would think of her dating someone who was older than all her living relatives. Likely not positively, but at least she wasn’t old for a mermaid. “I didn’t think too much about it, honestly. I enjoyed my life, though. Where I was didn’t matter.”

With a sopapilla half in her mouth, Mel froze. Missing her family remained a cold, achy core behind her sternum. Managing to tear off a bite and chew through it, pausing long enough to compliment that too, she nodded. Opened her mouth. Closed it. And opened it again. “Of course I do. I hear from my mum and my mama.” She could feel the absence of her sister, even the sheer mention of her, like a missing limb and twisted her mouth.

Listening to her parents love language was easier, and it warmed the ache in her chest. “Aw, that’s lovely!” she said and pressed a hand over her heart. “I like that, and that they still talk about it so much. It sounds like that’s such a part of you, too.” Mel looked down at the display of food. “If you were a food, what would you be?”

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"That's nice, just enjoying wherever you were. What was the favorite place you ever lived in?" Steph asked, it not really sinking in for her that Mel was trying to give her vague anwers while she was asking for specific things. She just wanted to know more, learn about Mel's life before Port Vale. It felt like such a mystery that she loved unwrapping.

Steph almost winced at Mel's reaction to her question, but she held herself back. "Sorry, stupid question, of course you miss them, they're your family. I couldn't-- I moved away for a couple of years about a decade ago for college. Never regretted it," well, she did towards the end, when she wasn't here when it counted, but that wasn't about it anymore, "I loved it, but I missed them so much. Even if I also loved the distance."

She smiled, looking over all the food she brought herself. "I guess I inherited some of it myself, I never really thought of it like that. I didn't start actively cooking and trying to learn until just recently, before that it was just takeout mostly, but I really enjoy it." And more importantly, she enjoyed seeing Mel slowly try the different options she brought and enjoy them, even if she was in the middle of a not that pleasant question.

She let out a small chuckle at the question, but somebody her brain immediately knew the answer, "Churros. Don't ask me why, I don't know, but first thing that popped into my head and I am okay with that. You?"

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Hm, fuck, thought Mel. She couldn't damn well say she adored the kelp field she'd camped out in once or the sweeping North Atlantic palace she resided in for over a century, off and on as duty willed it. As much as she really, really wanted to. She knew Steph would find the tales entrancing, perhaps too much, or so much so that it became an analysis and not about knowing Mel, but the thought didn't stop her yearning for it.

"Well," she hedged, leaning forward to hover closer. "Port Vale is getting high on the list." Teasingly, she kissed Steph, once, twice, and plopped back where she sat with a smile. Surely, that would distract and satisfy her.

"That makes sense... I think it's probably good to get a bit of distance. Even if it's just to, y'know, figure out whether or not you want or need distance." She was just musing aloud, but it felt true enough. "Are you happy you're back in Port Vale?"

As she proceeded to slowly try and savor each bite of the food Steph brought, giving each morsel the time she felt it and Steph deserved to truly taste and decipher it, she listened intently to what she said. The woman was so effortlessly easy to savor, regardless of what she was doing.

"A churro?" she asked curiously. It sounded familiar enough that she must have heard the name previously, but couldn't place it. "Oi, I really, really am not a good cook. Or baker. Uhh..." she fished (ha!) around for any human dish she had made successfully. "I sure can make... a toasted bagel with almond butter. Chocolate almond butter on a good day."

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It wasn't the kind of reply Steph really expected, but she couldn't help the smile and then Mel was kissing her, and the only answer to that was melting into it. Mel's strategy worked just as she wanted it, Steph forgot everything they talked about before and when the other woman pulled away, she followed her, a small, unhappy voice coming out from the back of her throat.

And at Mellora's question, she kept close,a couple of small nods as she bit into her lips. "Yeah, definitely glad I'm back here," she said and leaned in again to kiss Mel. Maybe she was a touch bit too distracted by Mellora.

At some point she did pull away though and they got back to eating and not getting too distracted by kissing (really, it was a problem, that was all Steph wanted to do while also she just wanted to keep talking to Mel, too), and she she smiled at Mel talking about what she can cook. "That sounds lovely, you should make it for me one of these mornings." Steph certainly wasn't picky.

"Oh, oh, by the way, I wanted to ask - are you dressing up for the festival?" she asked as she reached for the glass of wine on the side, taking a couple of sips. "I'm definitely entering the contest, it sounds awesome and I remember being sad that there wasn't one by the time it would have been my turn in high school, though I guess my costume now will be ten times better than what I could have made back in high school. Either way, though, whether you dress up or not, we should check it out. Play some games, have some fun."

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With the returned kiss, Mel relaxed again.

She hummed, tilting her head teasingly. "I guess you'll just have to stay over more to unlock bagel in bed privileges." Maybe she should attempt to learn actual dishes to share since it seemed so sewn into who Steph was and how her family loved, but she had no idea where to begin. Her attempts thus far had either been disastrous or so simple there was next to no way to mess them up.

Also sipping wine, she nearly choked on both the wine and her own chuckle. "Ohoh, I've heard of this festival, lots happening around it! The kids keep chatting about it and the games. I'd love to go with you." It could be fun to go to a festival with Steph rather than running into her after the fun had ended. Of course, they'd made their own fun. She bit her lip recalling it and had to dig her mind out of the gutter.

"I haven't thought about dressing up..." she narrowed her eyes at Steph. "What are you going as? Do I have to guess?"

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"I wouldn't mind that one bit," Steph said, leaning in to give a long kiss to Mel. Bagel in bed privileges sounded awesome, but mostly because it meant waking up curled up with Mellora.

"Sounds like a plan!" Steph grinned excitedly. "And yeah, with all the extra events, this will be one of the biggest Halloweens the town has seen in a long while." There certainly haven't been weddings on the festival until now, and the costume contest wasn't around for way too long, either. "We're also aiming for a festival reopen for the café, so hopefully with all the buzz, it'll be a big deal."

She covered her face in her palm. "I am so easy to read, really. But it's a mermaid costume contest! It's not my fault that is a requirement!" As if she wouldn't have dressed as one either way. She just wouldn't have gone all out for it, probably. "It was a thing years ago, when Victoria was in high school, I'm not sure why they stopped running it, but it's it's cute, how she is bringing it back. Nostalgic and all."

Steph tilted her head, trying to gauge Mel's reaction. "You're not sick of all the mermaid sticks of the town yet, right?" Or mine, she wanted to ask, but she didn't want to ask that outright.

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"I have to help set up the museum for the high school fundraiser, they're using it for a haunted house because the school is, and I quote, 'just, like, gross and also too big, Ms. Atoll', but after that I'm all yours." She would have to wait and see how this would go with the new woman in town and Victoria preoccupied with the costumes. She and Elistra had witnessed Soibhan near the water and since then her suspicions had been on high alert. "I'll send my volunteers over to the café after, too. You can be pleasantly swamped by teens hunting for lattes."

Mel chuckled and shook her head. "I thought Halloween was supposed to be spooky! Are they undead mermaids?" In her opinion, not much in the ocean was especially spooky besides the unknown darkness. Even the deep sea creatures that creeped humans out were somewhat commonplace to her, in the grand scheme of things.

Although, seeing her friends and neighbors dressed as unrealistic versions of her species might be creepy.

Steph's wavering insecurity reappeared and it hurt Mel's heart that, as unshakeable as her belief in mermaids was, that the repercussions of that belief, the rejection from people because of it, could make her so uncertain. Mel set her wine glass aside and took one of her hands in both of her own, pressing butterfly kisses to her knuckles and pinning her with an intent look. "Baby, that depends entirely on whether or not you're gluing shells to your boobs for this."

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"To be fair, the high school is gross, at least parts of it. Wouldn't hold a fancy fundraiser there for sure. And you clearly do such awesome work with the museum," Steph said, gesturing all around them. The view and the vibe was still so perfect, so romantic. "If you need help setting up for that, or need any food for it, I can help arrange that, and we will happily take all those volunteers. And then once you're done, we can meet up by the harbor? I will probably drag Renzie down there for a bit, he needs encouragement to join the festivities."

She gave a small shrug, "Not sure if they will be undead mermaids, but some people might do that as an extreme costume to stand out. I'm gonna try to go the realistic vibes. Some undead mermaids would be cool, though. Are you gonna dress up? Not necessarily as a mermaid, just as anything?"

Steph felt so unsure - Mel believed her, she believed in mermaids, but her experience in the past was that most people who weren't used to Port Vale got used to all the mermaid events, and even if Mel believed, that didn't mean she wouldn't get tired of it. Or her. But Mel took her hands and kissed her knuckles and Steph melted as she kept her eyes locked on Mellora's.

"Oh, no, no shell boobs for me. And definitely no gluing anything onto my boobs. Or anywhere else," she chuckled and covered Mel's hands with her free one, squeezing her hands and dropped her head onto the woman's shoulder for a moment. "I like it when you call me baby," she muttered, pressing a kiss onto her neck and then up her cheek and her lips.

"If I'm ever too much-- you can tell me, Melly," she mutteres as she pressed her forehead against Mellora's. "I don't want that to be-- Just tell me, please."

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"Thank you! I think it's fine. The kids have plans and supplies already, I'm just supervising and lending a hand." Mellora shrugged. "Of course you're welcome to swing by because it'd be fun to see you, but meeting up on the harbor works. And definitely drag Renzie, he should take a break."

She wondered if Steph knew that Renzie had pulled her aside some days ago to give her, in Renzie fashion, the big sibling talk about dating her. Not hurting her. Maybe she could assume, having known him for so long.

Mel's eyes widened and she peered at her. "What constitutes an 'extreme' mermaid costume?" Abruptly she turned fond at Steph's plan. "And what entails a realistic vibe? Wait, are you going to mimic the one that saved you?" If she did, it would surely cause a great deal of bizarre dissonance if she recognized the hue and pattern. "I know I should–" but not as a mermaid, that might give her a heart attack if she tried– "I think I'll go with a pirate."

With great drama, Mel sighed in relief to the confirmation of no shelled titties. "Oh, good, because that definitely wouldn't be realistic." Letting her eyes drop closed, Mel tracked Steph by the map she drew in kisses along her throat and cheek, finally giggling as their lips connected again. Lost in the pleasant bliss of it, of simply getting to tease and explore each other, the meaning and implication of her words didn't sink in right away.

She tugged back to look at her squarely, a frown firmly fixed in place. "What do you mean, Steph?" The idea that she could be "too much" made her stomach twist with an unidentifiable, unpleasant feeling. "Don't want to be...? You aren't too much, you're you. And I like every part of you, why do you think I wouldn't?"

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"Please tell him that if you get a chance. I keep trying to and he keeps insisting that works needs to get done, as if he was the only one working in the entire business. I did manage to drag him out during the lantern festival, though, so I'm hoping for the same for Halloween." Renzie really needed her for this, Steph was sure of it.

She gave a small shrug, "Not sure how far people are willing to go this year, since it's the first year back,s o people might go wild. But I saw a couple of pictures from when it was used to be a thing and one year somebody did their entire costume out of shells, which looked way too much, and then I heard that there was somebody who just showed up naked because why would the mermaids wear anything they were mammals in the water, though I am not sure if that is just a legend that people came up with or if it actually happe--

"Oh, no, I should have thought about going for that mermaid's look." Steph shook her head. "I have this awesome tail that can be used for swimming as well - like it looks like a full on tail, it looks great. This purple and pink mix as a base color with blank in it, it looks really cool."

And when Mel announced that she was gonna dress as a pirate, Steph just grinned. "That sounds amazing, yes. Pirate and mermaid. Totally go hand in hand." Not that they were going for anything matching, but still. It would be considered and Steph was excited to see Mellora in pirate hat and an eyepatch. "Are you gonna have a sword too?" Very important question, obviously.

It was nice, to bury her head into Mel's shoulders for a moment, kiss her everywhere Steph could, and then for a moment she froze when Mellora pulled back because she thought she'd be telling her exactly what she asked, but then Mel spoke and Steph felt like she was melting again. She bit the inside of her lips as a soft, small smile curled up onto her lips. "It's-- it's nothing, just kind of automatic reaction, I guess. I-- let's just say that some people think I can be way too much in certain areas and topics. And it ruined things for me before and you-- I don't want that to happen with you. It's all."

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"Maybe pretend it's a great marketing opportunity? I don't know, but I hope he finds time to relax. It's important to, even if you're responsible for things." She should know. Renzie's sister is currently the source of all her relaxation. When she had been beside Atla, they had taken turns getting the other to relax, but Atla did most of the reminding for Mellora.

Naked sounded right. She wouldn't mind Steph being naked, but of course mid contest that might be a bit inappropriate. "Nakedness is better for swimming," she hedged, as though she didn't have personal experience on what suited a mermaid's body in the waves and what didn't. Unless it was a stationary party, you wouldn't ever catch her in a gown of strung together seashells. Much too heavy and had too much drag.

"Aww," she cooed, trying to picture Steph as a mermaid and once she got past the jolt of uncanniness, it was a beautiful image in her mind. Maybe a bit too beautiful, honestly, and tantalizing. A hypothetical that would break down all the lies and barriers still between them. "Wait–" her mind stalled. "Like, actually swimming? With the tail?"

Humans were insane.

Mel gasped and pressed her hand to her chest. "Of course I'm going to have a sword. I'm going to have two swords. What self respecting pirate doesn't have a minimum of two swords and also a mermaid lover." She kept up her act of being scandalized. "I'll be the best pirate queen you've ever seen, of course!" Of course it can't all be giggles. In her mind, of course, Mel feared when she wouldn't be enough for Steph. Mellora as a person wouldn't be more loved than the mermaid. If Steph ever found out, then her selfhood and her intrigue wouldn't surmount that of a mystical thing. She no longer believed in the seafoam myth, but it would likely feel just as painful to be dissolved into an idea to be dissected.

"It won't," she murmured, pressing close again, her lips against Steph's hair. "You aren't too much, maybe... maybe those other people who fucked up by losing you just weren't enough."

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"Oooh, that could work, yeah. That is usually the way to go with him in these matters. Trick him into it or sometimes I just annoy him into taking a break, that works too." Steph could be a brat and a big one at that, especially with Renzie, but he expected that much of her already.

She couldn't help but giggle at the small comment from Mellora, thinking about how they would definitely have to go skinny dipping at some point. Not this time of the year, but if it was still a possibility when the temperature was better. "Yeah, for actually swimming. They kind of work like those snorkeling fin, but the two feet are built in together and it looks like an actual mermaid tail when you wear it. And mine is really gorgeous, it's better quality so it looks super realistic."

Two swords. Mellora was going to be in a full pirate getup with two swords. She was going to die, Steph could already tell. It was a done deal, no question about it. Not that she was complaining, no, she couldn't wait to see Mel in all of it. "Of course, my apologies, Captain Mellora - or Queen Mellora, whichever you prefer - I didn't intend to offend," Steph tried keeping her chuckle in, going along with it, but it was hard to keep a straight face.

And a smile that slowly appeared again when Mellora pressed her lips against Steph's hair. Not as wide and bright, a softer, more shy smile, but Mel's words were soothing and reassuring and Steph didn't realize how much she needed to hear them until Mellora already spoke them. "That's-- that means so much, you have no idea."

She pulled back, just enough to be able look at Mellora, to cup her cheeks gently and say, "You're enough. You're so smart and fierce and amazing and gorgeous and you're definitely enough." Not that that was ever a question, but she felt like saying it. "And I'm so lucky to be here with you. Wouldn't be anywhere else."

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"Oh," she murmured in understanding, though still doubted to what degree "realism" would play into humans' recreations of her kind's tails and fins. Maybe the people who produced them out of plastics and whatever other material had secretly seen a mermaid and were just coyly profiting off it. She wouldn't put it past them. "I'm sure you're a beautiful, whimsical, and alluring mermaid." With her praise, Mel leaned in to sneak a kiss to the shell of her ear. "No wonder I undoubtedly recruited you to my famed pirate crew–and come, now, I'm the queen."

Neither captain (that, in her mind, referred to lower military personnel and sirens) or queen (which implied a degree or royalty that she did not possess and didn't want to) really fit, but she didn't actually know enough about pirates or naval function to think of a better title. Queen would do. Empress, maybe.

Mel rolled her eyes teasingly and laughed. "'Your majesty' works too."

She likely didn't know how much her words meant, still unsure of how important she was or wasn't, but she was glad to see them soothe Steph. She inhaled sharply as the reassurance was returned, though, and leaned into the touch at her cheeks. As much as it made her heart do a flip, she knew Steph's assertion would be put to the test someday. Knew it as surely as she knew she would end up kissing her; the inevitability was set.

"Neither would I," she murmured, and rather than kissing her again, because they had all night for that, she dipped forward to hug her. Fiercely, her long arms enveloping her, and held her close and tight.

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"You'll see on the day, i could show you a partial picture of the tail right now, but it would be better as a surprise. But it looks good on me, I promise." Steph didn't know if it was good enough to win the contest, but she wasn't entering to win, she just wanted to have fun with it.

"Your majesty," Steph nodded, testing out the different words. "My queen. Eager to be part of such a famed crew, hope I can gather a ton of treasure for you and make you proud," she played along. "No matter how deep the treasure is, I'll swim down to the bottom of the ocean to get it for you."

The way Mel leaned into her palm made Steph smile, her fingers caressing the other woman's cheek, and when the hug came, she leaned in ans wrapped her arms around Mellora gentle but firm, holding the other tight as she buried her face into the crook of her neck for a moment.

She gently nudged the two of them down onto the blankets, towards the couple of pillows Mellora set up, lying down next to each other, still holding each other, just cuddling. "You know, this almost feels like glamping," Steph chuckled, taking their surroundings in again from the corner of her eyes. "I mean we're not outside and we don't really have a tent, not even a fancy one, but it's as close to it as we can get in October I guess."

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"I'll just have to be surprised. And, well, yeah everything looks good on you."

Mel tried not to preen with the honorifics pointed at her. She didn't care for them when she was in an actual place of authority, but from Steph's lips it just made her giddy. "Aw, now that's devotion right there!" she laughed, imagining the pink mermaid diving down beneath a great, multi-masted ship into the depths below. She was born some years after the age of piracy and common sailing ships, but she recalled the relics and the human's depiction of them in film. "Unstoppable with a mer by our side, I'm sure."

Mel sank willingly into the pillows she had set out. She ran her knuckles up and down Steph's arm, content in the simple display of affection. She blinked though, her hand paused in its rhythmic motion for a second. "What on earth is 'glamping'? Glamp sounds like a medical condition."

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"A queen such as yourself deserve all the devotion and loyalty," Steph said, still joking and playing along, but she did mean the words completely. "You need the most loyal by your side and I will be one of those on your ship." It was all just fun and games, but Steph already knew for sure that when she would see Mel in the pirate costume with the two swords at her side, she'd die and would take great pleasure taking it off of her at the end of the night, devouring Mel like a queen deserved it.

She sank into Mel's arms, her fingers drawing circles on Mel's arm and when Mel paused, she raised her eyebrows. "Wait you don't knowbwhat glamping is? It's awesome, it's-- I say that as if I actually have been before which is a no, but it looks really awesome. It's basically fancy camping. Glamorous camping is I think where the name comes from. You go camping and you sleep in a tent but not the basic stuff, there's like electricity in there and actual mattresses and you have toilets you can use and all that jazz."

She gestured around them and then out towards the waves. "All of it reminds me of a really, extremely fancy set up based on pictures I saw. Except we're not sleeping here."

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Steph didn't know how right she was, and how much Mel had fought to have the most loyal backing her in this time of turmoil. She could fantasize about Steph being in that flock, a mermaid with shadow blossom tail at her back, someone she could trust implicitly. It was just a fantasy, but fuck it was a nice one. A comforting one.

For a second she thought she had messed up in questioning what glamping was, having allowed her feigned competence towards all things human to lapse, but relaxed when all Steph did was explain it. "Huh," she said slowly. "Why not just go for a nice walk, then return to an indoor place with all of those things?" It seemed like an unnecessary extra overlap between outdoors and indoors to her. "I guess if it's like this, though, it's not bad."

Mel's smile turned mischievous and she detangled herself from Steph's arms and rose to her knees, nudging her to lay flat. In one graceful pivot she straddled her, knees bracketing Steph's hips. Draping herself forward, her face hovering inches above Steph's, she grinned. Teasingly close, but too out of reach to steal a kiss. "Why would we sleep here when I have a much, much comfier bed waiting. This is just... warm-up, right?"

Of course it was much more than just a warm-up, it was a date, a firstish date that was going swimmingly.

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"I can only imagine it's big for those who live in the middle of a big city or something. Also it just looks cool, maybe they go for the aesthetic and for the change of scenery." Steph definitely would have tried it out once, but if this was the closest she would get? She was perfectly fine with that.

Especially when Mel straddled her. This she was certainly enjoying.

Her fingers grabbed onto Mel's hip, her fingers tracing the smooth skin on Mel under her shirt as she tried to lean forward, tried to kiss Mel, but she was just out of reach and she let out a little desperate moan. "Your bed is definitely comfier, but I don't know about you, but I feel extremely comfortable in this position right now," she couldn't help saying, her hand running up and down on Mel's legs. "We should definitely not move for a while still."

And yet, she moved, but moved upward, cupping the back of Mel's head and pulling her back down with her, the two of them eye to eye now, Steph not looking away, mesmerized by the woman on top of her. "You have such gorgeous eyes, has anyone told you that before?"

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"We have all night," Mel promised before being tugged down to have her face hover a scant inch above Steph's. She swooped down the extra inch to steal a lingering kiss. Teasingly, a smile spread across her face and she shrugged, tilting her head to one side, and then the other in a grand show of thinking about it. "I do think someone has mentioned it before, but never so sweetly."

She straightened up, still straddling her, and reached behind her for the wine glass, sipping it as her gaze roved over Steph's face. He other hand lingered, resting on her chest and worrying the cloth of her shirt between forefinger and thumb. "Has anyone told you that you're brilliant. I mean, your eyes are too beautiful not to have complimented, so I know that base is well covered. Right? But your mind is something else entirely. So vast, so dedicated." She offered her glass to her.

They had the whole night. And perhaps her new plan was to whittle away the dark hours complimenting her. She could. There could be no end to what to compliment about one Stephanie Anand.

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Steph was running circles on Mel's hip with her fingers as she looked up at the woman. The candles and the atmospheric lights were shining around Mel, covering her in almost an angelic light, and for a moment Steph's breath caught in her throat. What a sight Mellora was in that moment.

Steph bit her lips, smiled up at her and steadied her in her lap before she moved, shifting up into more of a sitting position herself, leaning against the wall behind her, but allthewhile she still kept Mellora in her lap. She was certainly not going to let the woman go now. She leaned forward and gave her a kiss at her compliment. "Your mind is incredible, too. So focused, so determined. And you're fierce and kind and a badass too, from what I heard," she added, grinning, thinking about the Renzie telling her how Mellora took down Danzen when he was trying to steal from the museum.

Steph was mesmerized, really, by Mel, and that kept on for the rest of the night. They complimented each other, they kept on chatting and eating, and eventually they made it back to Mellora's apartment where they momentarily stopped talking. In the end, they fell asleep curled up into each other, excited for what came next.