#I am a parfait enjoyer. parfait enjoyers will understand

[ministarfruit]

yuri month day 9: I want you to feed me ♡

(femslashfeb prompt list)

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Moe Moe Mallekei Kyun~

In which Malleus and Cater go to a maid café, and shenanigans ensue.

... I’ve been wanting to write this for a long time.

***Warning: mild spoilers for Malleus’s PE Uniform personal story!***

Imagine this...

“Lilia-sama.”

Two bodyguards fell into line, saluting simultaneously to their vice dorm leader.

“We just finished combing through the prime gargoyle locations around campus,” Silver reported. “Unfortunately, there was no sight of Malleus-sama to be found. The accounts of the various students we interviewed also corroborate that the Young Master has not recently been spotted in the area.”

“I see. Thank you, Silver.” Lilia sighed, cupping his cheek in one hand. “Hm, this is a bit odd. Wherever could he have wandered off to this time?”

At that moment, a ping! sounded off. Lilia fished his phone out of his pocket and, with one glance at the screen, his expression softened.

“You don’t suppose some dastardly villain has… kidnapped the Young Master and is holding him for ransom, do you?!” Sebek’s eyes nearly bulged out of his skull at the thought. “If that is the case… THEN WE HAVE FAILED AS MALLEUS-SAMA’S KNIGHTS!!”

“Now, now--let’s not jump to conclusions. Even if that were true, I’m certain that Malleus would be able to easily fend off assailants on his own. Perhaps he has simply lost his way, or headed off campus to run an errand.”

“... Without warning us in advance?”

“I would have happily accompanied the Young Master wherever he went--EVEN TO THE ENDS OF TWISTED WONDERLAND ITSELF!!”

“Kufufu. Malleus is still young at heart. Let us allow him this moment of independence, just this once. He will find his way home eventually.”

“Welcome home, my masters!!”

Malleus skidded to a stop in the doorway—for beyond it laid unknown territory. The interior sported cream walls, with fairy lights, streamers, and paper flowers strung up. A number of tables and chairs, populated with people, were set against flowing white curtains.

Young ladies flitted about, balancing trays of food and drinks, cameras, and microphones. Each wore the same outfit, consisting of a frilly headdress, an apron, and a black dress with lace trim and ribbons.

And now, one of those uniformed girls extended a hand to him and a warm, welcoming smile.

Malleus frowned and turned to the orange haired young man beside him. “... Diamond. What is this strange establishment you’ve brought me to?”

“Mm? It’s a maid café,” Cater chirped, glancing up from his phone. “You said you’ve never been before, right?”

“Well, yes… However, when you invited me to join you for an outing, I did not expect this to be our destination.”

“It’ll be fine~ We’re already here, so let’s get seated!” Cater insisted cheerily, ushering the fae through the door. 

“Right this way, my masters!” The greeter giggled and led the way, eventually stopping at a vacant table set for two. As the duo slipped into their seats, she handed them menus and moistened towels. “We have a wide selection of special services and delicious dishes for your enjoyment!”

Malleus hesitantly flipped open the (very pink) menu and ran his eyes down the page of available items. Along with the expected offerings of desserts, savory foods, and beverages were odd listings: massage, ear cleaning, karaoke, game, arts and crafts, picture, spoon feeding, live song and dance...

He stared quizzically at Cater, who seemed to be taking everything in stride.

“I’ll take a plate of omurice! How about you, Malleus-kun?”

He stared back at his menu, trying to make rhyme or reason of the unique names. What in the Great Seven was a Pyon ❤ Pyon Sunshine Bar…? Or a Lucky☆Happy☆Cookie? Malleus’s brows furrowed in both concentration and confusion.

“I… I shall have the local specialty, whatever that may be,” the fae prince declared at last.

“Excellent choices! And would you like a bunny, or a kitty?”

“You hand out animals at this eating establishment? Is that not a health code violation?”

“Aaah, Malleus-kun, she doesn’t mean real rabbits and cats. Look--you’ll see when she brings them, okay?” Cater laughed awkwardly. Then, turning to the waitress, he held up his index finger. “One of each, little lady~”

“Of course!” She scribbled down a few words on her heart shaped notepad before prancing off.

“... Diamond. Are you certain this is the fabled maid café of which you spoke of?” Malleus asked, folding his arms. “I find it difficult to believe that every patron here is descended from a high class lineage. Furthermore, the servers are wearing attire entirely unlike that of a traditional household servant.”

Cater blinked once, twice—then chuckled.

“Maid cafés are like normal cafés. Anyone can go to them to play pretend and chill for a while! The difference is that the waitresses are dressed cutely and offer fun services. Singing, dancing, playing games—that kinda thing!”

“I do not understand.” Malleus swept a hand at their surroundings. “The purpose of this establishment is merely for… amusement?”

“Yup! People get tired of the daily grind sometimes, so they go to places like this to see cute stuff and just take a load off.”

“I… I see.” Malleus tucked his thumb and forefinger under his chin. “We do not have anything like your maid cafes in the Valley of Thorns.”

“You don’t? What sort of things do you do back home for fun, then?”

“I was not allowed to venture far from the palace grounds. Most of my time was spent indoors, studying spells or honing my magical abilities.”

Cater inclined his head. “Oooh, right! Because you’re a prince and all, you weren’t able to do much—but hey! Things are different now! You’ve got Cay-kun to show you a good time!”

“Ah, yes. A ‘good time’...” Malleus attempted at a smile, which came out more wary than he had intended.

“Thank you for waiting!” a girlish voice chirped—their waitress had returned, wearing a tray of food in one hand and two headbands in the other. “Here is your omurice and Nyan ✨ Nyan ✨ Kitty-chan Parfait, plus one pair of kitty ears and one pair of bunny ears!”

She handed Cater his dish—a bed of ketchup flavored fried rice, sealed by a wobbling omelet and garnished with a sprig of parsley.

“Mm! Smells delicious. Thanks a bunch~” Cater grinned, winking at his server.

The maid giggled and placed Malleus’s dessert before him, along with the headbands.

“Would you like me to draw or write something special for you on your meal, master?” she asked, gesturing to Cater’s omurice.

“Sure thing! Could you write ‘Mallekei’? Oh, and a couple of hearts would be cute, too!”

“As you wish!”

As the maid set to work, Malleus marveled at the sight of his parfait.

Colorful scoops of ice-cream, granola, and sliced fruits were layered inside of a tall glass cup. A generous crown of whipped cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce topped it off. Sticking out from the whipped cream were two wafer triangles and dots of chocolate candies, forming a cat-like face.

How adorable.

… But not adorable enough to be spared.

“Thank you for the food.” The fae raised his spoon to demolish the poor parfait kitten—

“Stop, stop, Malleus-kun!!” Cater cried, frantically waving his arms. “N-Not yet!!”

Malleus lowered his spoon with a frown. “Food is meant to be consumed, Diamond. Is there an issue you have with my table etiquette?”

“Well—no, but…” Cater played with a lock of his orange hair and sighed. “There’s certain rituals we need to do first!”

“Rituals? Oh, my apologies. I was not aware. Please proceed with your regularly scheduled… rituals.”

“Ahaha, you’re a quick learner! First thing’s first, let’s put on our headbands!” Cater swept up the cat ears and passed them over. “Here, to match your parfait! I’ll take the rabbit.”

Malleus gingerly nestled the cat ears on his head, copying Cater’s movements. It was a bit tricky maneuvering around his horns, but somehow, he managed.

“Oh!! Those ears suit you so well!” the waitress said, glancing up from decorating the omurice. Carefully placed splotches of ketchup spelled out ‘Mallekei’, hearts and little sparkles littering the space around the boys’ combined names.

“... Do they?” Malleus doubted it.

“They do!!” Cater reassured him with a laugh. “Ne, ne, miss! Can you take our picture so my friend here can have a souvenir to take home with him?” 

“Certainly!” She replaced the bottle of ketchup and hurried off, returning shortly after with a polaroid camera. “Are you ready, my masters?”

“Ready, Malleus-kun?”

“Hmph. Of course. I will have you know that my posing abilities have improved considerably since our last encounter. Do not underestimate me.”

“Oh, that’s great! You’ve been practicing! Then… on the count of three, we nyah, okay?”

“... What is ‘nyah’?” Malleus inquired, his confidence suddenly waning.

“Eh?” A blip of surprise crossed Cater’s face. “Like, y’know… nyah!”

The influencer curled both of his hands into balls and made a pawing motion at his friend. “Now you try!”

“Like this?” Malleus mimicked him. He was more stiff—definitely not as practiced—but the general motion was still recognizable.

“Very good, master!!” the waitress gushed, raising the polaroid up. “On three?”

“1, 2, 3… Nyah!”

A flash went off, sending stars into Malleus’s vision. As he rubbed the daze out of his eyes, Cater’s voice called out to him.

“Are you okay there?”

“I am well. There is no need for your concern,” the fae insisted. “This ritual… it is more confounding that I took it to be.”

“Eeeh? It’s not meant to be hard or anything. Just relax, relax!” Cater paused before adding, “It’s part of the ritual’s requirements! You need to be nice and loose for the last step!”

“What is this last step?”

“We need to cast a magic spell to make your food taste extra tasty!” the waitress declared cheerily.

“Hoh?” A smirk found its way onto Malleus’s face. “That can easily be arranged. Allow me to do the honors.”

He put his hand before his parfait, an eerie green glow emulating from his palm. The sinister light engulfed his dish and Cater’s, sending them floating midair. Radioactive ice-cream and omurice hovered above their heads, causing both Cater and their maid to recoil in shock.

Other customers stared at the spectacle from their own tables. One man’s jaw dropped, the forkful of spaghetti bolognese in his mouth clattering onto the floor.

“You, who provides sustenance to the masses, become that which is delici—“

“H-Hold on a sec, Malleus-kun!!” Cater practically leapt over the table to seize his friend’s glowing hand. “Not that kind of spell!!”

Eyes wide with surprise, Malleus allowed his magic to settle down. The parfait and omurice gently floated back onto their table, and the maid sighed with relief.

“Is there a different spell needed for this occasion? I assure you that I am well-versed in practical magic—you need only speak its name, and I can conjure the proper…”

“No, no! It’s—“ Cater casted a look at their server and nervously chuckled. “Ne, Maid-chan~ Think you can give us a demonstration of the right spell?”

“Yes, master!” the girl, ever professional, flashed a perky grin. “Please watch carefully!!”

The maid set down her polaroid on the table. She then arched her fingers into C-like shapes, thumb extended straight. Pushing her hands together, she formed a heart and aimed it in the direction of the boy’s dishes.

“Moe moe kyuuuuuun!”

“What an odd spell. In all my years, I have never heard of such an enchantment…”

“Well, there’s a first for everything, right?” Cater flicked one of his floppy rabbit ears. “Plus, it should be no problem for the great Malleus-sama to pull off this spell, right?”

“This is child’s play,” Malleus’s laugh was like the earth itself rumbling. His lips quirked into a small smile. “You will join me in performing this sacred ritual, will you not, Diamond?”

“Of course~”

“Very well.”

They made hearts and thrust them upon their meals. And together, they uttered those three magic words.

“Moe moe kyuuuuun!!”

“Welcome back, Malleus,” Lilia greeted. The vice dorm leader nonchalantly hung from the ceiling, his raven and magenta bangs suspended midair. “Did you have fun on your outing?”

“Lilia. You knew?” Malleus slowly shut the door behind him, chasing away the cool air of the night. He spoke softly, knowing that sounds carried in the dusty hallways of Diasomnia and could disturb its residents.

“The wonders of modern technology,” Lilia trilled, expertly landing beside his young master. He brandished his phone in a gloved hand, a text message displayed on the screen.

hey hey lilia-chan! gonna steal malmal-kun for the day~ he’ll be back later, but do me a solid and keep it a secret from s&s til then, ‘kay? thnx!! (✿˶˘ ³˘)~♡

“It looks as though I have been exposed.”

“There is no shame in making new friends. In fact, I’m proud of you for expanding your horizons.” Lilia beamed. “Though what a shame it is that I was not present to grab a few pictures. Hopefully Cater fulfilled that task for me.”

The ancient fae tilted forward in his toes and peered up at his prince. “Soooo? Where did you sneak off to?”

“Fufu. Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“My. Is that any way to treat the man that kept Silver and Sebek from hunting you down?” Lilia teased, wagging a finger.

“Such loyalty,” Malleus smirked, hands on his hips, “deserves to be rewarded.”

He produced a polaroid photograph from his breast pocket and presented it with a flourish. The image, forever captured in time, was that of Malleus and Cater—the former with cat ears, the latter with bunny ears—with hands balled to resemble paws. Cater cheekily winked, while Malleus looked slightly bewildered.

The edges of the polaroid were dotted with stickers—smiley faces, flowers, and hearts. Marker had been used to scrawl on whiskers and blushes over both boys’ cheeks.

Overall, cutesy—overwhelming so.

But the Malleus and Cater in the picture were happy.

Their eyes shining like jewels.

Nyah-ing their hearts out.

[moshintheteagaiwan]

Tea Snobs vs. Blended Teas

In the world of tea nowadays there are two sides to the coin. One being traditional or pure teas and the other being scented or blended/flavored teas. And in the world of tea you have the traditional “tea snobs” who turns their noses up to flavored teas, and you have the other tea drinkers who have almost no clue or care about the traditional side of tea. And while I am no doubt a tea snob, I’m also understanding of the popularity of flavored teas. Mainly because I’ve worked in that kind of tea shop and met and dealt with the demographic that buys these kinds of tea.

And so with that being said I kinds just wanted to take a few minutes and throw my two cents in.

Traditional tea drinkers or “purists” or “tea snobs” are often very dedicated to pure, unflavored or unscented teas. They generally adhere more to much older methods of brewing, mainly gongfu brewing. And almost always have very strong opinions about flavored or blended teas. To these tea drinkers, flavored teas are inferior and believe that no tea company who’s selection is made of 50% or more of flavored teas should be calling themselves a high quality tea company.

Now as a tea snob myself, I would have to agree with many of these opinions. In truth flavored teas do not have the same kind of class, history or traditions as pure teas do. In truth depending on the seller, a lot of flavored teas are not high quality, and because they are going to be misted with flavoring and mixed with dried ingredients they really don’t have to be high quality. In truth I do believe that any companies tea menu should be made up of at least 40%-50% pure, traditional teas. And in truth I do believe that gongfu brewing if better then western brewing methods.

But as someone who has worked in a western tea shop, and has interacted with the type of person who drinks flavored teas, I can honestly say that flavored teas are necessary. In Canada and the U.S. in order for a name brand loose tea shop to survive it must carry a good selection of flavored teas. Why? Well for a few reasons actually.

1. Pure teas and traditional brewing methods hold little to no value in this part of the world. Sure there are still tea drinkers here who do love this side of tea, but the majority come from the boring, plain Jane western traditions of a tea bag in a big pot. Traditional brewing methods take time, practice and patience to master, and unfortunately western traditions are all about simple, quick and lazy.

2. For the purist, a well aged gushu puerh may seem like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Slowly brewing and sipping away at the tea. Taking out the time to admire it’s color, aroma and flavor profile. But for the common everyday tea drinker this seems like a lot of work, very time consuming and were raised on convenient tea bags. And these kinds of tea drinkers tend to believe there is nothing you can get from a high quality loose black tea that you can’t get from a crappy Tetley teabag.

3. A purist will take the time out to sip a pure tea and pick out all the flavor notes of the tea. And an experienced taster can taste a nice oolong or puerh tea and find flavors like peaches, woodsy musks, berries, cream ect. But the common everyday tea drinker here generally doesn’t want to take this kind of time out to discover the flavors of a high quality pure tea. They want the flavor up front with zero searching or hassle. And so instead of spending an hour picking out the cherry notes in a nice pure tea, they would rather buy an “okay” quality tea that’s been doused in cherry flavoring. That way they don’t have to search for the cherry flavors, it’s just right up front. And in all honestly a person buying a cherry flavored tea has no interest in the actual flavor of the tea. They just want something that tastes like cherries.

4. Fun flavored teas with catchy names draw customers into tea shops in this part of the world. Be honest for a minute, what sounds more appealing to you at first glance? “First Flush Rohini Darjleeing OP” or “Coconut Cream Parfait White Tea”? We are in a part of the world where fun, exciting, over the top flavors rule. Now that’s not to say that every tea drinker in this part of the world is looking for funky flavored teas, but from my experience the majority are. And not many people are going to look past the teabag and try loose leaf unless you can offer them something you don’t often find available in tea bags.

Here flavored teas are essential for running a successful tea shop. Sure there are exceptions to this but very few and far between. They create interest and attract people who are sparked with curiosity over the flavors. Now sometimes this can lead a new tea drinker to discovering pure loose teas as well. In fact these teas are a great segway to introduce people to the world of pure teas. But most of the time tea drinkers here really don’t care about the deep and colorful history of tea, they just want a hot cup of something tasty and sweet that they can refer to as tea.

Now I’ll be honest, as much of a tea snob as I am I do drink flavored teas too. There are not very many that I like but sometimes one or two catch my attention. I have a small handful in my personal collection. But for me, flavored teas are best suited for times when I’m searching for a specific flavor for a specific occasion. For example it’s Fall and I want a tea that’s rich in fall spices. I also look to flavored to in the summer months for making iced tea. I drink a lot of iced tea in the summer, and it would be a waste to burn through my stash of expensive Ceylon black tea, as opposed to just cold brewing a cheap lemon flavored black tea.

I don’t take flavored teas seriously at all, and view them for what they are. Fun and cheap. I could never get the same enjoyment out of a blended tea that I could out of an aged puerh or a good high mountain grown Wuyi rock oolong. As I said I am a tea snob and pure traditional teas will always own my heart. But I understand the need and place of flavored teas in this part of the world. You don’t have to like it, but it’s the truth.

[thescarletofarose]

The Consequences of His Actions

Chapter Five

The sound of cutlery hitting fine china clinked through the dining room. The atmosphere was as tense and awkward as the car ride, occasionally broken by the polite comment or observation. 

“How are you enjoying the dish?” Adrien asked.

“It’s delicious,” Marinette responded. “Are you enjoying your meal?”

“Yes, it’s great.”

The conversation trudged on in a similar fashion throughout the courses. Oblivious to the tension or just ignoring it, Emilie had requested a formal meal to show optimal hospitality. Dessert finally replaced the salad plates, and Emilie observed the kids with amusement as they sighed in relief. She took a sip of her freshly given coffee to hide the smile that tugged at the corner of her lips.

“Marinette, I hope you don’t mind that I chose dessert for you,” Emilie said, setting the cup down. She delicately brought a bite of parfait to her lips. “I tend to prefer sweets over cheese.”

“Of course not. My parents run a bakery, so naturally I’m fond of sweets as well.”

“Excellent.” Emilie’s eyes slid to the silver plate being placed in front of Adrien. “I heard that you’ve become quite fond of Camembert, Adrien. I asked the chef to swap your dessert for it.”

A pungent smell erupted from the platter as the gooey aged delicacy was revealed. Adrien’s stomach clenched as he held back a gag. With a strained smile, he turned to his mother, “Y-you recognized? How thoughtful...”

Ever so slowly, Adrien brought a small bite up to his mouth. He willed his facial features to not betray him as he slid in the cheese. The tough exterior gave way to an explosion of unwelcomed flavor. A whine escaped as he chewed, and Adrien had to force his grimace into a smile as the two ladies gave him a questionable look. He swallowed hard and held up his thumb. “Delicious as usual, mom, but I think I’ll have to hold back. After all I am a model, so I should watch what I eat.”

Emilie nodded and the plate was immediately removed. Adrien watched the hired hands remove the cheese, not yet used to their new presence. Since Nathalie’s indefinite departure, his mother had brought on a small team of people to take care of the abandoned duties. Adrien felt a twang of sadness. He and Nathalie had not been especially close, but he had hoped she would have said goodbye first. 

“So Marinette,” Emilie began, waiting for the targeted girl to finish her bite of dessert, “tell me about yourself. What are your plans after school? Will you be getting a government job?”

“I’m hoping to be able to pursue a career with fashion. I really enjoy designing clothes and making them,” Marinette answered. Her eyes brightened and her cheeks lightly colored. “I think it would be great to even come out with my own fashion line one day.”

Adrien watched Marinette’s reaction with a soft smile. He absentmindedly thought about what kind of clothes she would design. Would she wear her own designs? Would she create men and women clothing? What if she made a matching sweet-heart line for couples? Adrien felt his face warm at the thought.

“What are your intentions with my son?”

Adrien nearly fell out of his seat. He glanced at Marinette who was doing her best to not choke on her dessert. Emilie gently dabbed her face with a napkin, mercifully allowing them a moment to recompose.

“I-I…,” Marinette stuttered. Her face was the same color as the strawberries within her parfait. Adrien was sure his face matched.

“Mom, I really don’t think that’s an appropriate–”

“Nonsense, Adrien. As your mother, I should know the type of people with whom you’re associating. Isn’t that right, Marinette?” Emilie asked. She fought the urge to grin at the sight of the girl squirming in her chair uncomfortably. Watching their awkward and strained interaction during the dinner made it clear that the girl had feelings for Adrien. The effortless control she had could have made her purr. Emilie blinked innocently. “I’m sure your mother would do the same for you.”

Marinette squeaked in agreeance. Her face was so red, it was unclear if she was breathing or not. Emilie’s lips twitched and she decided to be merciful. 

“Speaking of, I understand your family runs a bakery?”

Emilie threw the question as a life preserver and like a drowning victim in turbulent waters, Marinette latched on with desperation.

“Yes! Both my father and mother.”

“Oh? How nice, and what are your parents’ names?” Emilie asked, slowly reeling the unsuspecting girl into her boat.

“Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng.”

Adrien sipped his coffee while watching the interaction, feeling more relaxed now that the topic of conversation had veered. He could still feel his heart racing, and he hoped he didn’t look as frazzled as he felt.

“Cheng. That’s Chinese, yes? If you don’t mind me asking, have you always lived here or have you been to China?”

Marinette gently pushed her now empty dessert glass to the side. “I’ve always lived in France. My mother lived in China though.”

“Really?” Emilie brought a hand to her cheek in feigned surprise. “It must have been so long since she’s seen her family then.”

Marinette shook her head. “Not as long as you think. She actually visited home a couple years ago. I wasn’t able to go because I was busy with school.”

Emilie leaned back in her chair and folded her hands. She regarded Marinette coolly, concealing the glee within her. “Interesting. Did she go alone?”

Marinette furrowed her brows in thought. “I think she went with a friend, but I really don’t remember.”

“Mom,” Adrien chimed in, “didn’t you go to Tibet a couple years back as well?”

Emilie waved off his question, her jovial mood quickly disappearing. She could feel a headache beginning to form. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean anything. China is large.”

“Actually, Tibet is where my mother’s family lives,” Marinette said. “Why did you travel to Tibet, Mrs. Agreste?”

“Work,” Emilie replied, resisting the urge to clench her teeth. A sharp pain began weedling its way through the right side of her temple. She dug her nails into the back of her hands and gave a tense smile to the young girl. “If you will excuse me, I suddenly feel unwell.”

Adrien got to his feet, his brow knitted in worry. “Are you okay? Should I do anything to help?”

Emilie held up a hand, and Adrien sat back down. She fought to keep her smile from slipping into a snarl. “No need, just ensure that your friend gets home safely.”

“It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Agreste,” Marinette said as Emilie stood up. “Thank you for having me over for dinner.”

Emilie chuckled and made her way to the door. “Believe me, dear, the pleasure was mine.”

Silence fell once more as the two seemed to remember the events leading up to the dinner. Marinette fiddled with her napkin, her mind going wild. It felt like a dream; Adrien had asked her to his house for dinner. It was something she had wanted, Adrien approaching her first, but had resigned to the fear that it would never happen. Though he had introduced her as his friend to Mrs. Agreste, Marinette’s heart couldn’t help but hope. She made eye contact with Adrien, and her face heated up. Guilt immediately began eating away at her. Turning away, she bitterly laughed and said, “I should get going. It’s getting late, and I’m sure my parents are expecting me.”

When his mother left, Adrien had wanted to continue talking, but he couldn’t help but feel doubt upon noticing her uncomfortable expression. Instead he fell into the awkward silence, unsure of what to say. He watched her squirm in her chair, each quiet second a punch to his gut. Marinette had accepted his offer to dinner, but that didn’t necessarily mean she had wanted to come. She made sure to go out of her way to check on him after his father’s arrest and has been nothing but caring and supportive. Agreeing to dinner could have been her just trying to be kind despite feeling uncomfortable. Adrien bit his lip, nauseated at the idea of having taken advantage of her kindness.

“Of course,” Adrien muttered. The two got up, and he led Marinette to the family car. He held the door open for her before going around to the other side. Buckled up, both looked out their respective windows, and the ride began in an unsatisfying silence. 

“I feel like I should apologize.”

Marinette and Adrien blinked in surprise, not expecting the other to say the same. Marinette opened her mouth, but Adrien held up a hand.

“Let me go first,” he said.

Adrien wasn’t sure how comfortable Marinette was around him, but he had to at least tell her he was grateful. “Marinette,” he said, “I feel like I’ve been taking advantage of your kindness.”

Marinette frowned, caught off guard. “Why would you think that?”

“You’re such a kind person. You have always been ready to help those in need, no matter the problem. You gave me the courage I needed to return to school after my father’s… arrest.”

Marinette’s cheeks pinkened as he continued, “I asked you to dinner because I wanted to spend more time with you, but I didn’t consider if I was asking for too much.”

Adrien stared intensely into Marinette’s eyes, desperate for her to accept his gratitude. “I like spending time with you, Marinette, and I want to spend more time with you.”

Marinette’s eyes widened, her mouth flopping open like a fish. “I-I…” she said, trying to pull herself back together, “I like spending time with you too.”

“Really?” Adrien visibly relaxed, a relieved smile slowly forming. “I’m so glad to hear that.”

Seeing his happy face, his eyes lit up and looking only at her, Marinette’s heart warmed. She found herself continuing to talk, wanting that expression to last forever. “It’s true. I felt bad because I knew you were hurting. While I was getting enjoyment out of the time spent with you, you were needing someone supportive. I felt like I was taking advantage of you…”

Adrien shook his head, laughing. “I’m glad we had this talk, Marinette.”

“Me too,” Marinette said. She nervously bit her lip and meekly asked, “Does this mean we’ll spend more time together?”

Adrien grinned. “I hope so. When would you like to hang out again?”

“I’m free tomorrow,” Marinette blurted. Her face turned a bright red. “U-unless that’s too soon.”

The car slowed to a stop. The teens looked out and saw the white building of the Dupain-Cheng household and bakery. Marinette reached for the handle, but Adrien gently grabbed her hand, stopping her. 

“I have a photo shoot at the park early tomorrow morning. We could meet up there once it’s done?”

Marinette smiled, her heart fluttering at the touch. “Yeah, I’ll see you there.”

Marinette climbed out, thanked the driver, and watched the car pull away in a daze. Once it was gone, she entered her home, feeling light-headed and giddy. Her mother was in the kitchen, and turned around to greet her when she entered. 

Sabine had a cup of coffee in her hand but set it down to hug her daughter. Pulling back, she saw the goofy grin on Marinette’s face and smiled knowingly. Teasing, she asked, “How was dinner?”

Marinette sighed. “He wants to see me tomorrow.”

Sabine chuckled and opened a cabinet to grab a second cup for Marinette who plopped onto a stool. “I’m guessing that means it went well?”

Marinetted nodded, fondly remembering the car ride home. “It was a little awkward at first. I didn’t expect to meet his mother, but she was really nice. Once we got to talking, everything got much better.”

A crash startled Marinette out of her daydream. She jumped up to see broken porcelain around her mother’s feet. ‘Mom, are you okay?”

Sabine stared at her hands, seemingly not registering that the cup had fallen. Marinette darted over and began picking up the pieces. The movement jerked Sabine into action, and she stopped Marinette. “Don’t,” she said, “you might get hurt. I’ll get a broom.”

Marinette threw the shards in her hands away and sat back down while her mother cleaned up the mess. Sabine focused on the repetitive movements of the broom, oblivious to her daughter’s concern. 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Marinette asked as Sabine dumped the remaining pieces into the trashcan. The older woman feebly smiled.

“I probably just had too much coffee.”

Marinette hesitantly nodded, accepting her mother’s excuse. 

“You should get to bed, dear,” Sabine said, kissing the top of her head. “You were out late tonight.”

As if on cue, Marinette let out a yawn. At the mention of her bed, her body immediately felt heavy. She sleepily hopped up and hugged her mother goodnight before trudging upstairs. 

Sabine watched her go before sitting down. An unpleasant feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. She ran a hand through her hair, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. Her hands were shaking as Sabine picked up the mug she had been using and took a sip of her coffee. It was cold.

[venus-says]

Aikatsu Stars! Episodes 67-75

Am I watching the right season here? XD 

Yes, I'm a mad man and I really watched 9 episodes in such a short time. Now, I had to watch some episodes at double speed since I didn't have all the time of the world to it, but I think I have chosen well in which episodes to speed up so I think I didn't lose anything special. In any case, there's a lot to go through so let's get right into it.

Starting off in episode 67. This is a beach episode, y'all know how I feel about those but aikatsu summer episodes usually don't get under my skin as much as other shows do. In fact, this episode was very fun to watch, the setting Yuzu came up with for her premiere was actually pretty interesting and seeing the girls trying to find the treasure was very enjoyable. Seeing the old S4 together again was also another plus, and Yuzu's performance was a perfect crowning for this entire experience. We also got the first mention to the real goal of the season that is getting the sun dresses, which is something I have a problem with but I'll talk when it's the time for it.

The next is a filler episode about the girls studying and doing proficiency exams for Venus Ark and I don't really have anything to say about it, it was fun but there wasn't anything special to it. Though it was quite weird to see Yume referencing the pen pineapple apple pen song in her interview and I feel like that is something worthy of notice. XD Also, did they changed the CG for Forever Dream once again or it was just my eyes fooling me? 

Coming up next are the Aikatsu crossover episodes! Episode 69 had focus in connecting with Akari's gen while 70 focused on Ichigo's crew. And I've gotta say I was kinda disappointed? Like, not that the episodes were bad but I expected more from it. I always had in mind that this would be a bigger deal, that it would be more impactful, but that wasn't the case. Yes, the interactions between the girls were pretty fun and all, but outside of the old S4 and Soleil's performances, there wasn't anything that I would call "special". I think it just goes to show how both series are still very similar despite the HUGE differences between them. I really expected to have more to say about these episodes but that's actually just it. (Venus from the future here. I forgot to say that I also don’t like how they don’t know of each other’s existence when this episode takes place at least after the ending of season 3 and Ichigo has become a top idol. Also, how does Aoi, the idol professor, don’t know who Yume, Rola, and Koharu are? there’s a lot of things in these episodes that don’t make sense and made me feel kinda iffy about them too)

Episode 71 marks Venus Ark's momentarily departure and Koharu's comeback to Four Stars. And once again, I expected this to be a bigger event and everything, but everything was actually pretty simple and kinda underwhelming. This episode had a side plot with Kirara being left behind, but I really couldn't care for it. The repeated performance here also didn't help this episode and made me enjoy it a little less. But seeing Koharu and Yozora together again was good enough for me. XD We also have more goals being set here and these seem more interesting to me rather than the sun dress thing so I can say I'm pumped.

We get another mini-arc with episodes 72 and 73 as we follow Rainbow Berry Parfait's creation. Which to me was kinda weird? Like, the part of Koharu wanting to design for Yume is something very easy to understand and all, in fact, episode 72 does a very good build-up to this moment, despite using the very old trope of not letting a character finish want they want to say and all. But why did they had to change the name of the brand? And why did they chose such a ridiculously long name for it? Idk, maybe I'm just salty because I like regular Berry Parfait better than RBP, but the whole episode 73 bugged me and it seemed like they were using a very cheap way to make the plot move on. Regardless, it's a step towards Koharu's dream, and if Koharu is happy then I'm also happy. 

Episode 74 is the one that sets up both Ako and Kirara as FuwaFuwa Dream muses. This was a very simple episode, but very effective at that, they sold very well the idea of Ako and Kirara being a team and they worked very well despite Ako being difficult to work with at first. The duet version of Onegai Merry is the inferior version, but it was nice to watch. I don't really get why they didn't give Ako a PR since now she's a muse too, but I guess this is what happens when you set up your world so tightly that you end up being bound by your own established rules. Oh well, this was still pretty good regardless. ^^ 

And to wrap up we have episode 75. I expected this episode to explore the Kasumi family, but instead, we got another look at Mahiru's loneliness. And it was a good episode, it had those moments that made me feel warm and everything, but I can't deny that I wish this episode was focused only on Mahiru and her family and that the development of the episode had happened only with them and not dependant of the other girls appearing here. But that's just me, and, in the end, this episode was pretty soothing. I don't know if it was enough as closing for the first half of the season, but it was good and I can't deny that. 

I'VE DONE IT! I CAN'T BELIEVE I REALLY DONE IT! I'm really an insane bitch. XD Well it's already way too late so I won't give a huge closing statement. See you guys tomorrow~

[whychlorophyll-blog]

Thrive Global's Top 5 New Snack Picks for 2017

Following is a great article from Thrive Global - Happy Mindful Snacking:

American supermarkets are saturated with choices. If you are anything like me, you read food labels to understand the quality of ingredients because you know that what you eat makes a difference in how you feel and how you perform. I am a big proponent of eating clean, whole foods and cooking as often as I can. But it is hard in our modern day society to escape the luxury and convenience of prepackaged snacks. Instead of feeling guilty about what you fuel your body with; I present to you my favorite Top 5 new, healthy snacks on the market. I taste tested my way through Expo West Natural Products Show 2017 and discovered five different snacks that are delicious, nutritious, satisfying and unique. In no particular order, I present my Top 5 snacks that I can enjoy mindfully! (*Disclaimer, I did not receive any compensation from these brands).

1. Grandy Oats Grain-Free Coconola Coconut Granola

Grandy Oats grain-free granola is my new favorite granola on the market. Personally, I like my granola to be full of taste, texture and clean ingredients. That is exactly what Grandy Oats new grain-free Coconola Coconut Granola delivers. Instead of taking the classic oat-based granola approach, Grandy Oats switches up a breakfast classic and uses unsweetened coconut as the base, making the granola full of delicious clusters with the perfect texture and taste. When granola is full of clusters, it is not only a great addition to acai bowls and yogurt parfaits but also a great snack to pack whenever hunger attacks! Also a great homemade trail mix addition. The kicker: this granola is light on the sugar, so I can feel good about fueling myself and loved ones.

2. Health Warrior Pumpkin Seed bars

I have always been a big fan of Health Warrior and their Chia Seed bars, and now they launched a sister bar that has a lot more spice and a full flavor profile. Meet their new super-food bar: Pumpkin Seed. My favorite flavor is the Honey Cracked Pepper with Turmeric. This bar is the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy that makes it a great savory snack that people with a sweet-tooth will enjoy. Made will only super clean ingredients, you can feel good about grabbing this bar and taking it on the go for an afternoon pick me up or post-workout snack.

3. VerDay Cucumber Chlorophyll water

I’m usually not a big fan of flavored water nor was I obsessed with the coconut water craze, but Verday Chlorophyll water is something different. The cucumber essence was my favorite flavor, which was crisp, refreshing and hydrating like no other flavored water I have tried before. Each bottle of Verday has the same chlorophyll as 2 shots of wheat grass, 4 cups of spinach, and 12 cups of arugula. You know you’re getting your greens in. What are the benefits of chlorophyll? Chlorophyll is anti-inflammatory, boosts the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and is full of antioxidants. This drink has no added sugar, and it is infused only with organic lemon juice and natural cucumber flavoring. This makes this drink the perfect pre or post workout addition in order to keep you feeling hydrated, satisfied and alert.

4. Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter + Banana Chips

Justin’s! Who doesn’t know and already love at least one of Justin’s products? Whither it is the grab-and-go pouch of almond butter or their delicious peanut butter cups, they never disappoint with their natural, nut-based products. Justin’s has done it again with their new fun snack pack on the market. It is a healthy spin on the old-school Dunkaroos. My favorite variety was the banana chips paired with a tablespoon of peanut butter to create the perfect portable snack. In every scoop you get a dose of protein with a satisfying crunchy banana chip that leaves your taste buds, belly and hands snack-happy. It is also a great way to practice portion control because once the pack is complete, you will be too.

5. Vegan Rob’s Brussel Sprout Puffs

Pirate’s Booty and Cheese puffs have nothing on the new modern and cleaner, gluten-free and vegan snack: Vegan Rob’s Puffs. My favorite flavors are the Brussel Sprout Puffs made with ingredients you can actually pronounce and that leave you stomachache free. These puffs are made from whole grain sorghum flour, rice bran and infused with Brussel sprout powder and nutritional yeast to satisfy the perfect pho-cheese craving. Vegan Rob’s are a great snack choice for adults and children alike. There is the perfect amount of crunch that satisfies while supporting mindful munching.

Try these new products out for yourself and let me know what you think! I know I am inspired by these top picks because they use minimal additives and ingredients without loosing out on taste. Eating healthy packaged foods doesn’t have to taste like cardboard. It can be nutritious, delicious and playful! Now when I forget to pack a snack from home, I can be excited to have fun and healthier options in the supermarket. It is also enjoyable to add some variety into my typical rotation of a mixed nut jar or apple with peanut butter snack options. Making mindful food choices helps me prioritize my wellbeing while I am on the go so that I stay fueled and focused and have energy for the things I care about.

[kassandravespertine]

In Defense of La La Land

So yeah, for some reason I really want to talk about this. English is not my first language so I must apologize for any mistake here.

The thing is, I recently brows La La Land tag and there are some 'criticism' that kinda bother me. I understand that people do not have to like the same thing but that does not justify some, ahem, 'attacks' this movie got here in this very website. I like La La Land, mainly because I find it inspiring and uplifting and, you know, very touching for an artist like me (well, I draw stuffs. I do think 'artist' is kinda too honorific for me though) and therefore I would like to address some issues I think floating around.

Also,

Spoiler Alert, of course.

White Savior Syndrome and Black Guy as a villain

This may be the main topic this film got criticized so much and it is very infuriating for me. For some tl;dr, some people criticize this film because the main character, Sebastian the passionate jazz lover, wanted to save the traditional jazz from extinction and he is played by Ryan Gosling, who is white. Sebastain has an old friend named Keith, whose vision of modernizing jazz served as the minor conflict in this film. He is played by John Legend, who is black. The thing is, the romance takes its downfall after Sebastian agreed to play on Keith's band. So there is some unfortunate implication that Keith has his take on plunging the romance into its doom and that kinda make him a(n unintentional) villain.

The first point I want to address here is that Sebastian is not a (white) savior. Keith has a point that trying to preserve a dying culture without accepting change will just slowly kill that culture. I'm Thai and we are facing the very same problem so I understand Keith's point. In Thailand, the traditionalist easily overpowers people that want the culture to adapt. They accuse any change to tradition as a contamination of culture but will not makes it accessible (and enjoyable to mass). Sebastian was trying to preserve the pure jazz but that will not make get any attention it deserves. He is not saving anything but he is indirectly destroying it with his stubbornness. Keith is very aware of the problem jazz is facing and I must say 'Start A Fire' does an awesome job reintroducing jazz to the younger crowd. He is trying to make jazz goes with the flow, not just standing still like Sebastian's philosophy. Yes, Sebastian would not really enjoy it, but that is another topic.

There is also a bit I want to point out. If I remember correctly, at the end, which is 5+ years after Keith and Sebastian's collab, there are some younger people there playing in Seb's. This does imply that Keith and Sebastian do help making jazz resurface among younger generation again. Sebastian said something like jazz is conflict and compromise, and that is ultimate solution of saving jazz in this film. Sebastain is not saving jazz. Sebastian and Keith are both saving jazz. They are both good guys and this film ultimate villain is the choice between your future and your love, which is (sadly) the truth.

Sypnosis:

Sebastian the white guy is not saving jazz. He is indirectly killing it. Keith the black guy is not a villain but is trying to work with difficult Sebastian to together save jazz. They are both good guy and this movie has no villain (a human one at least).

There are no, or too few, black people

I cannot really wrap my head around this argument though. Yes, there are too many white actor and too many film centered on white character and Hollywood does suffer some white-washing. I know better than anyone because Asian is probably one of the most under-represented people in cinema and I am Thai transgender fat girl which would rarely be used as a main cast, let alone a protagonist. But I don't really think that this movie using two white actors as main characters is something wrong? It is an original screenplay and it calls for two talented actors and Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are both talented and played their role very well. Black character might be kinda minor character here in this movie but Keith is ultimately a very nice and reasonable guy (and is song is awesome) and a couple at the pier is very lovely to watch. This movie also shows that jazz is still big among (old) black people in early acts. Yes, black people in this film might have a very minor role and yes, our leads are still white, but I do think this movie does not deserve all the attack for this reason.

Also, I think that casting white people as a jazz lover has a very good implication, you know? It shows that jazz is not exclusively black culture but instead something everyone has equal chance to enjoy. Mia grew from someone who was indifferent about jazz to someone who genuinely love jazz not just because Sebastian but because jazz is good and enjoyable and should be appreciated. I'm not really a big fan of jazz (I'm more interested in alternative and electronics, you know, something like Björk's) but I think that white people, and black people, and Asian, and, I don't know, Martian? could all enjoy jazz and quality music. Sebastian said something like, jazz is invented as a language, and that is what music really is I think. The melody could deliver message as well as the lyrics, and thus the music is the international media and medium and should not be 'exclusive' to just one group.

Sypnosis:

The lead roles did not specifically call for black people. All black people in this film are pleasant and likable. Keith's role, though smaller, still has major impact. Jazz is not exclusively a black culture and can, and should be, appreciated by every one. White people liking jazz is not weird in any way.

It does not deserve all the praise. It is just a story of two white people falling in love. Generic.

First of all, it's not just a 'two people falling in love' story. It's a freaking musical. A jazz musical nonetheless in the age of electronic pop. Also, it's really not about 'falling in love' and 'romance' but it shows the struggles of two people trying to make it through the obscurity, in the world where everything is temporal and illusory. It shows that dream and love does not always get along. It shows that we could be a big dreamer, but in the end we would still choose what is 'best' for is, not what feels 'right'. It shows that phase of your life, where you find an equally aspiring partner and together promised to go to the distance together. It shows how your dream can dies and resurrected. It shows that love can make you sacrifice your dream. It shows that love is not just romance, but the length you willing to go and support one another. This film has much more than romance and its ending will forever haunt me as the way reality work. I am currently a stupid girl having a re-crush on one of my high school classmate but it cannot be that way forever. I would have to grow up, work (and hopefully find a boyfriend but nah) but, like the last smiles of this film, I would look back fondly at my past and how it drives me to who I am this day.

The backlash could also comes from the fact that, among the other best picture nominees, this film might be the most mainstream one and just... out of place? We have philosophical film about language (Arrival, which I have watched and love), the historical film about black people (Fences), war film about a combat medic (Hacksaw Ridge), a thriller western film (Hell or High Water), a historical film about black woman in NASA (Hidden Figure, which I'm going to watch soon), a drama film about lost and reunion (Lion) and an emotional drama (Manchester By the Sea) then we have a romantic dramedy musical. However, La La Land is by no mean having an inferior message. Its plot might be on the lighter side but it still deliver a powerful message. It's also very beautiful in many ways and I think it does deserve a nomination. Another thing that makes this film shine is that it is just so honest like a child. It is a film that just want to have fun. It stood out because it is vibrant and is not another tear-jerking drama or psychological thriller that are usually got nominated for awards. you can see that the crew of this film just want to make the good film. They just want to make a fine tapestry about love and dream and they want everyone to enjoy this film and just generally have fun with it. Metaphorically, I could say that the other nominees are like adults with good advice or solemn story to tell, but this film is like a child telling their story through brightly colored picture and laugh and smile all the way. It might not win best picture (and I think it won't) but it is a good film in its own right for its audience.

Sypnosis:

This film has deeper meaning than just people falling in love. It is also a fine craft created by people who want to do something good and beautiful and bold and honest and fun and those are why this film is so good.

If you like La La Land, you should not like because is far superior

This is just baffling. The comparison does not make any sense. Why would you compare a film about alien trying to advance us to something like La La Land? Why would you compare a journey through hardship of drug abused black person to something like La La Land? Also, like I have stated, every film is good in its own right. You can dislike La La Land but bashing it with another film is just bad. Yes, the hype can be annoying, but you can just ignore it if you really don’t want to watch. It's fine if something fun and light is not your taste, but don't compare a fruit parfait to a tenderloin steak because it just make no sense.

Sypnosis:

Please don't compare two extremely different movie. It makes no sense.

It got too many nomination

Yes, it is, and it's equally baffling for me as well. Let's break it down shall we?

Best Picture:

I've already stated but I will repeat that this film is good because it is honest and fun, something which is different and refreshing.

Best Director:

Damien Chazelle is 30s. It's amazing for what he's done and should be celebrated

Best Actor:

Ryan Gosling is a good actor and he plays a jazz lover really well in this movie. He dances and sings and plays piano insanely good and his devastation at the end is just so sad. He does deserve a nomination (but I don't think he will win) for his amazing performance. He plays so well that I side with Keith when they talked.

Best Actress:

Emma Stone is not bad actress and her rendition of Audition is just... that. The arguamnt at the table and her shattered state after a failed play just touched me (I'm very passionate about drawing but sometime I do think that it deserve more attention and Emma's role just kill me in this regard) and I think she deserve a place here. She might not win, seeing all the amazing nominee, but she deserve to be there.

Best Original Screenplay:

Of course.

Best Original Score:

Apart from Epilogue, this movie's score is just fun and bright and capture the emotion so well.

Best Original Song:

"Audition (The Fools Who Dream)" and "City of Stars" are both good. I personally prefer "Another Day of Sun" of "City of Stars" however. Anyway, every song in this movie is just amazing and deserve every praise.

Best Sound Editing:

I... don't know? Apart from amazing music nothing really struck me as amazing sound editing. I do think it's too far-fetched.

Best Sound Mixing:

Same as above.

Best Production Design:

Of course. This film is gorgeous and look like a stage play even though it is shot in a real location.

Best Cinematography:

Same as above. I think it's impressive how they shot something real and made it looks fake.

Best Costume Design:

I don't think it should be here. The costume in the film is kinda... mundane? Apart from complimenting all the dancing I don't think it stand outs that much. The choice of color is good but that just it. I still want that yellow dress though

Best Film Editing:

Hm... it uses some funny old-timey transition but honestly I don't think it's that impressive

Sypnosis:

Yes, some of the nomination makes no sense. I also don't think it will sweep the awards and Zootopia should be nominated for best picture as well.

So.. that is it for my In Defense of La La Land. I have a classmate who hate thing just because he hate and I don't want us to be that way. Is La La Land perfect? No. But is it terrible? NO! Something does not deserve all the hate just because it is famous or because of some shallow misinterpretation. I'm going to draw something now. I don't think many people would read this but if you do and you disagree on some notion, you can tell me. I welcome all comment as long as it is reasonable, not just pure hatred or something. Finally, because I am not familiar with the culture of western world, I am sorry if I offend anyone with my language.

Peace

[freakysensation]

Preparing - Improv Cooking or even Cooking Without A Online

Preparing - Improv Cooking as well as Cooking Without A World wide web

Rochelle Adonis A new loose definition involving the word impr�vu is usually to invent, compose, or perform something extemporaneously. One example is if you've ever found any Woody Allen film, chuckled at a drawing on Saturday Night time Are living or heard Miles Davis play notes involving songs not bound at this world, you've experienced improvisation within action. As it is usually in movies, sketch comedy or jazz like the enjoyment of improvisational cooking will be in the results in which springtime forth from prompted creation. How do an individual use a recipe? Can you follow each step in addition to calculate each ingredient having the accuracy of the chemist? Do you nervously meter out the baking time of your biscuits by going your foot or so to the rythme of the timer? We carry out this culinary art to help please more than the stomachs, the reasons far too numerous to cover. Whatever the actual reason we usually technique it with recipe on hand. Often times a menu most of us don't understand. The particular essence of Improv Preparing, with it's somewhat Zen like approach, demands if you're imagination and behavioral instinct in order to help you solve often the secret question of the recipes. The Steps To Enhanc Cooking Rochelle Adonis Improvisational preparing food will be not so much reading in addition to following a recipe as it is utilizing skills and techniques to be able to go on a recipe to yet another level or even create a recipe out only the larder full of ingredients. You have to hold a certain amount connected with skill and understanding ahead of plunging in to virtually any kind of cooking food. Improv Cooking is no different. It forces you in order to trust your instincts while well. Stick to these 7 simple steps and you will quickly be free to open the fridge and simply get started cooking. #1 Preference As numerous Different Styles connected with Cooking as Possible This is probably the simplest of all of the Improv methods to study and master. Simply try to eat as many different cooking styles as you may. The axiom is easy. The more you're subjected to, the more imaginative likely to turn into. Fill your earphones along with nothing but Britney and it absolutely would be difficult to think about Charlie Parker's saxophone. Therefore, feed on nothing but the actual same restaurant or even house cooked food at all times in addition to your cooking vocabulary will reflect it. #2 Be aware of Basic Fundamental Techniques regarding Cooking You can't choose up the trumpet as well as expect to seem like A long way Davis without knowing a few things first. I won't enter into all the stuff that could and will certainly get it wrong. I'm sure a person get the picture. Very well, Improv Cooking follows the same rules. You can't assume to have the ability to whip out and about a perfect Coq Au Vin without knowing the actual approaches involved to complete so. But, the actual benefits will be greater as soon as you do. The following listing is greater than just the essential fundamentals however. I've detailed all the techniques as well as methods that issue for you to the experienced cook. Often the Oven Group Roasting rapid Cooking with dry high temperature that surrounds the meals with as much immediate heat as you possibly can. Pan Cooking - The actual wary tiny secret of each professional kitchen. This is a combined method of starting the food in a hot saut� pan then finishing with a hot cookware. Broiling - A uncle for you to grilling, this is immediate heat cooking with the actual temperature source above the food as an alternative to under the item. Braising -- Moist warmth cooking generally achieved inside a sealed textbox just like a Dutch oven, tagine or stoneware crock. Of baking - A dry heat method of cooking typically referring to breads, pastries and so forth. The Wet Group Cooking : Cooking in a new large quantity associated with water, usually water. Piping-hot - Cooking in a closed container with a smaller amount of chemical (usually water but not especially) with the food stopped covering the liquid so in which it only comes in contact with the particular steam vapors. Poaching rapid Best known as any technique to cook egg, seafood as well as perhaps chicken. This is usually cooking in a hot still liquid where the liquid never reaches regarding green bare simmer. The Frying Group Saut�ing - Preparing food in a hot pan using tiny or no fat (butter, oil etc. ) Baking pan Baking - Very identical to saut�ing, other than accomplished with more fat. Oftentimes enough to almost bury the food. Stir-Frying : The Asian method associated with cooking within an extremely very hot pan, normally a wok, with not much fat even though keeping the food pretty much in constant movement. Deep-Frying - Cooking simply by fully immersing the food throughout hot fat. The extra fat does the job of cooking simply by encircling the meal with heat, thereby letting it to cook more quickly sealing in natural fruit juices and flavors. If carried out properly it's not the health demon most men and women assume it is. Often the Outdoor Group Grilling rapid Cooking over direct warmth with the food generally maintained a grate regarding some type. This method can certainly be performed indoors also with the right gear. Smoking instructions This is usually actually two sub organizations. Hot smoking is cooking food at temperatures that will probably cook the food with the same time the item infuses the food using smoke taste. Cold cigarettes is done with all the warmth source separate in the preparing chamber so the your meals are enveloped in low temperature smoke that will introduce flavor without cooking. Rotisserie - Like grilling, this method does not specifically have to be accomplished outdoors for the lucky number of that have the ability within a well-equipped kitchen. In any case this is cooking along with the meal suspended more than or near to direct temperature and spun via simply by some kinetic means. Typically the Sauce Party Here's just where it will get a minor dicey and can independent the cooks from the particular pretenders. Some of these kind of techniques are best discovered at the elbow of someone who is been at this time there before. But never let in which stop you from excavating throughout and trying upon your own. You may well have some pretty dreadful goods, but the endeavor will teach you a good deal. Stock - A cornerstone of cooking, whether, various meats, fish, poultry or vegetable. A low and slower cooking food that's meant for you to draw the actual essence of flavor to a liquid web form. Brown Sauce - Generally made with gound beef or even veal, but might be made with any brown share made from roasted our bones, flavor with aromatic herbal remedies as well as vegetables. Demi-Glace - Just like brown sauce only produced without a thickener and reduced to thicken and accentuate flavors. Whitened Sauce -- Also well-known as B�chamel, made with dairy products and or product and thickened with the roux (flour along with spread paste) Veloute -- Created very much like white gravy, except the milk is usually replaced usually simply by a gentle colored inventory of either meat or perhaps poultry. It is usually enhanced together with egg yolks and butter at finishing. The "Aise" Family instructions This includes Hollandaise and all the progeny like b�arnaise, choron etc. and mayonnaise and all its descendants like aioli, remoulade etc. These are all of emulsion sauces having egg cell bases and the body manufactured mostly regarding oil or perhaps butter. Additional Emulsions - This can easily range from aiolis as well as butter sauces to vinaigrettes, to pan sauces that happen to be thickened or finished final with butter and or even cream. Gravy - Any gravy in loose terms just. Gravies are generally made with often the fruit drinks collected from roasting beefs or poultry. Often the non-thickened varieties are sometimes identified as "Jus" in modern selection vernacular. The Soup Group The Hearty Family instructions This includes all the varieties you intend to serve inside meal-sized bowls like gound beef stew, rooster and dumplings, chili, chowder and guazzabuglio. Bisque -- Usually in addition to intensely flavor soup which been thickened along with almond, potatoes or a flour paste called panade. Purees - Similar to parfaite in nature but generally made using a single organic flavoring as well as thickened through pureeing the complete mass through some technical or regular means. Usually these cereal are over with cream. Products - Just about any soup, thicker or tiny, where any significant portion of the particular water is either dairy products or ointment. Broth -- Often confused with commodity, both are liquids which have been flavoured together with aromatics. But the basic building block of commodity is actually bones whereas broth is made up from pieces of meat giving it more collagen. This is the top sticking quality that gives broth its viscous physique. Consomm� - A broth that is clarified with egg white wines The Miscellaneous Set It is a hodgepodge of tactics that will give you any little more depth for your creativity. Papillote, Packages and also Pouches - This is actually where the food item is bandaged and closed in pieces of paper, foil as well as sometimes some sort of natural wrapper such as hammer toe husk or banano leaf of tea. The packages might be grilled by baking, broiling, cooking food or grilling. Dumplings -- This is a extremely extensive category of foods and procedures that includes many varieties this I am just going to break put into a couple families. Often the filled funds variety along with the nothing but dough variety. The filled funds relatives have names just like ravioli, dim sum, kreplach or pierogi. After gas, these succulent siblings may be steamed, boiled, baked as well as fried. The nothing although cash relations generally merely pass the name "dumpling" but at times have often the main flavoring previous their very own surname such as apple mackintosh or onion. Also for this branch of the forest are generally hush puppies, zeppoli and also matzoth balls. Boule - Usually a deep-fried goody, but sometimes cooked. A soft filling of any kind of manner of meat, cheese, veg or fruit encased throughout a crispy shell. Bringing - Very popular these days. Besides turkey in Thanksgiving, it's an essential within the process of smoking certain foods, like fish or ham. But will typically stand on its unique within foods like gravlax as well as prosciutto. Pat� -- An italian term to identify a dish made with forcemeat (ground) involving innards or any kind associated with meats. But the technique occurs in additional dishes and has recently already been tagged to concoctions regarding veggies or fruits since well. Cool meatloaf is usually technically some sort of pate. Charcuterie - Grace my People from france, but they does have a huge influence in the substantive cooking. This kind of term handles all ways of lean beef making along with preserving associated with meats. The particular Baker's Team This party of techniques is exactly where the art of preparing meets the science regarding food. Precision in measurement, combination of ingredients and strategy is essential. Discipline along with a strict faith for you to formula must affect the sagging attitude you can acquire for other areas of cooking. However as in living, there are no absolutes. Once mastered, these kinds of strategies will reveal many ways to be able to tweak and stretch the recipe to your will certainly. Yeast Breads - These types of can be savory as well as special, loaves, rolls or perhaps doughnuts. They can become baked, fried or even steamed. Quick Breads - The particular "Quick" generally refers to the lively leavening that's reached having eggs, baking soft drink, the baking powder, and virtually any collaboration thereof. These is usually baked in loaves as well as cups of (then they're identified as muffins). Or steamed throughout conforms which will change their very own name to pudding. Pies, Tarts and Cobblers instructions Be they one brown crust area or two, hand placed or deeply dish, cream filled, berry filled, custard or meat. The standard construction varies very little. Muffins and Tortes rapid The actual basic building blocks of flour (usually wheat however may be any variation), sweetener (sugar, honey whatever) as well as leavening (very similar for you to quick bread) rarely alter. The differences almost all arrive in the flavoring as well as final construction. Icings along with Frostings etc. - A real sub group of truffles in addition to tortes, but regarding this goal it stands alone. I'm including inside this arena fondant, buttercream, ganache, boiled icing and the wondrous creations finished with pulled sugar. Souffl�s as well as Mousse- A seemingly overwhelming hurdle to the newbie, however once the straightforward construction of flavoring foundation lightened using egg white wines in the case of souffl� or whipped treatment to get mousse is mastered the actual sky is typically the limit. Custards - Mastering how to manage equally breeds, baked and stir-cooked over heat, opens options for both sweet as well as savory variations. Puddings : A difficult process in order to solve because of the actual wide range of meals that may be called puddings. #3 Understand the Relationships connected with Scent, Flavor, Texture and Colouring The relationships regarding smell, flavor, texture and also color are possibly often the most important element of enhanc cooking. In order with regard to virtually any dish to end up being cooked well, the food must be complete. This must appeal to most the intuitively feels completely and with harmony. Webster's Book describes these elements inside following way; Aroma instructions A pleasant characteristic smell Flavoring - the taste experience if a savory condiment is considered into the actual mouth Texture - The actual distinctive physical composition as well as structure of something, specifically with respect to the actual size, shape, along with option of its areas. Shade - That element of items that is caused by means of different qualities of the actual light resembled or spewed by them. To help make all of this perform with harmony is zero small task. Whether coming from recipes or maybe you're imaginations it's the crux involving all cooking. To neglect or diminish anyone of such elements would result with a food that's certainly not complete. And by form a contrast, to enhance or through emphasize everyone of these kinds of elements as well would certainly result in a recipe that is off stability and probably not quite appealing. So how complete you know after you acquire it right? Is generally there a formula or program of measuring these ingredients that can insure all typically the items of the puzzle are usually in spot? No, a person just know when it functions. Even though the harmony of these elements is essential, the right solution is up to you. Enable your personal go and also become the recipe as well as as was first said in Caddyshack "Be the particular ball! " Let your own feelings tell you what's happening in that pot or perhaps pan. Smell, taste, look and even hear the actual food as it cooks. Very low great story to help tell when you let it. #4 Learn the Art of Backing Very few things we all cook stand-alone. Even often the most well-crafted stew or perhaps broth becomes even far more complete along with interesting through what it is dished up with. The gamut connected with choices can range through side dishes to assaisonnement in order to beverages and also to the selection of lighting or music. The fact is there are too many alternatives to go over in detail. The particular best way to solution this particular dilemma is in order to first be aware of goal. Mainly because there are huge locations these as well, some sort of simple lunchtime for a couple of suggests a different range of choices from a significant loved ones gathering or an elegant meal. Throw this kind of into the mixture coupled with your own levels of potential or relaxation with selected techniques along with dishes along with well My partner and i think you get the point. Perhaps the finest way to be able to approach this step towards Enhanc Preparing is to begin with whatever you know, because just as the right accompaniments can certainly make a meal, an incorrect ones can just because very easily destroy it. #5 Make With Others "One can acquire everything inside solitude besides character. inch Stendhal, In Love, 1822 Unlike jazz music, comedy or any of the some other improvisational arts, where the particular work of improv will be rarely done alone, an individual not usually think of preparing food as something can as well as should be done using others. Yet there tend to be the accidental improvisational sessions that happen all typically the time. While creating typically the skills of Improv preparing, you should plan a number of intentional cooking sessions centered on a specialized dish or meal which two or perhaps more people can prepare yourself together. Cooking with somebody else can magically open the door to your creative imagination. #6 Taste Analytically I actually began cooking because I actually wanted to understand the secret behind the food I was eating. Tasting smelling and also analyzing ingredients to realize the end results each can have got within a meal will be an essential improvisational ability. The more you accomplish it the easier it becomes to unlock the magic of the dish. This expertise coupled with a solid comprehension of technique will permit you to accomplish wonderful points in the house. #7 Break the guidelines. With no a sense of pursuit, which is the ultimate rule breaker, we would likely have never walked about the moon or experienced Toute derniere Cuisine. The space plan produced hundreds of modern-day conveniences we like to today. Nevertheless many meal writers and also Chefs search upon Toute derniere Cuisine using the same disdain as the embarrassingly broad collars and fabric-made outfits of the day. Insolite Delicacies left us having a heritage of pushing the envelope. Unlike any other period in cooking, Culinary chefs were taking the anticipated and also giving us a new whole fresh way to see it. The foods, methods and presentations that will felt far out as well as strange in that case have right now become not only the typic for many Chefs, however a jumping off examine even wilder ways for you to cook. Breaking the principles is the mantra in many kitchens today. Gustable gustatory gustful strong gamy palatable foams, laser printed ready-to-eat paper, carnival midway snack foods served in the palaces an excellent source of cuisine are just a few of the particular methods rules are currently being broken. In the event something senses like a principle often the next time you're within the kitchen, and then break up it. You may develop something inedible, but anyone learn a valuable lesson. I can't point out adequate that once you merge your increased knowledge of approaches, flavors and development your personal imagination will end up being free to notice brand new avenues to explore. Soon the rules will commence disappearing.