#Powder Coatings Market Market Size

[reedintelligence]

Powder Coatings Market market Report, Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis By Forecast Period 2024-2032

The global powder coatings market size was valued at USD 10.86 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 17.99 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.77% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

The latest Global Powder Coatings Market by straits research provides an in-depth analysis of the Powder Coatings Market, including its future growth potential and key factors influencing its trajectory. This comprehensive report explores crucial elements driving market expansion, current challenges, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities. It delves into significant trends, competitive strategies, and the role of key industry players shaping the global Powder Coatings Market. Additionally, it provides insight into the regulatory environment, market dynamics, and regional performance, offering a holistic view of the global market’s landscape through 2032.

Powder coating is a coating form that is applied as a dry, free-flowing powder. In contrast to conventional liquid paint, which is applied using an evaporating solvent, particle coatings are frequently applied electrostatically and then heated or exposed to ultraviolet light to cure them. The granules could be composed of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. It is typically used to create a harder and more durable finish than conventional paint. Powder coating primarily coats metals, including domestic appliances, aluminum extrusions, drum hardware, automobiles, and bicycle frames.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the prominent key players operating in the Powder Coatings Market are 

AkzoNobel NV

Sherwin Williams Company

Arkema

RPM International Inc.

PPG Industries Inc.

Axalta Coatings Systems

Allnex

DSM

Asian Paints Ltd.

BASF

Berger Paints

Diamond Vogel

Dulux Group

Eastman Chemical Company

Evonik

Get Free Request Sample Report @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/powder-coatings-market/request-sample

The Powder Coatings Market Research report delivers comprehensive annual revenue forecasts alongside detailed analysis of sales growth within the market. These projections, developed by seasoned analysts, are grounded in a deep exploration of the latest industry trends. The forecasts offer valuable insights for investors, highlighting key growth opportunities and industry potential. Additionally, the report provides a concise dashboard overview of leading organizations, showcasing their effective marketing strategies, market share, and the most recent advancements in both historical and current market landscapes.Global Powder Coatings Market: Segmentation

The Powder Coatings Market segmentation divides the market into multiple sub-segments based on product type, application, and geographical region. This segmentation approach enables more precise regional and country-level forecasts, providing deeper insights into market dynamics and potential growth opportunities within each segment.

By Resin Type

Thermoset Resin

Thermoplastic Resin

By End-User Industry

Appliances/ Consumer Goods

Automotive

General Industrial

Furniture

Architectural

Others

Stay ahead of the competition with our in-depth analysis of the market trends!

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Market Highlights:

A company's revenue and the applications market are used by market analysts, data analysts, and others in connected industries to assess product values and regional markets.

But not limited to: reports from corporations, international Organization, and governments; market surveys; relevant industry news.

Examining historical market patterns, making predictions for the year 2022, as well as looking forward to 2032, using CAGRs (compound annual growth rates)

Historical and anticipated data on demand, application, pricing, and market share by country are all included in the study, which focuses on major markets such the United States, Europe, and China.

Apart from that, it sheds light on the primary market forces at work as well as the obstacles, opportunities, and threats that suppliers face. In addition, the worldwide market's leading players are profiled, together with their respective market shares.

Goals of the Study

What is the overall size and scope of the Powder Coatings Market market?

What are the key trends currently influencing the market landscape?

Who are the primary competitors operating within the Powder Coatings Market market?

What are the potential growth opportunities for companies in this market?

What are the major challenges or obstacles the market is currently facing?

What demographic segments are primarily targeted in the Powder Coatings Market market?

What are the prevailing consumer preferences and behaviors within this market?

What are the key market segments, and how do they contribute to the overall market share?

What are the future growth projections for the Powder Coatings Market market over the next several years?

How do regulatory and legal frameworks influence the market?

About Straits Research

Straits Research is dedicated to providing businesses with the highest quality market research services. With a team of experienced researchers and analysts, we strive to deliver insightful and actionable data that helps our clients make informed decisions about their industry and market. Our customized approach allows us to tailor our research to each client's specific needs and goals, ensuring that they receive the most relevant and valuable insights.

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Email: sales@straitsresearch.com 

Tel: UK: +44 203 695 0070, USA: +1 646 905 0080

[trendingreportz]

Powder Coatings Market - Forecast(2024 - 2030)

Powder Coatings Market Overview

The Powder Coatings Market size is forecasted to reach US$18.2 billion by 2027 after growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period 2022-2027. Powder coating is a dry finishing process in which free-flowing, thermoplastic or thermoset powder material is applied to a surface, melted and then allowed to dry and harden into a protective coating. Powder coating based on thermoplastic polymers is derived from polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyester and so on whereas thermoset-based powder coatings are derived from epoxy, polyester, acrylic, polyurethanes and so on. Powder coating imparts a high-quality, durable finish, that allows for improved efficiency and is eco-friendly. Powder coatings are based on polymer resin systems. The environmental advantages offered by powder coatings compared to liquid coating methods drives the powder coatings market. The pandemic resulted in shortages of raw materials and supply chain disruptions. According to Echemi, a chemical industry B2B website, there were shortages of neopentyl glycol that is used in many of the resins for powder coatings and triglycidyl isocyanurate which is a curing agent used in polyester powder coatings. This resulted in price hikes of over 60% in the Powder Coatings industry.

Powder Coatings Market Report Coverage

The “Powder Coatings Market Report – Forecast (2022-2027)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Powder Coatings industry.

By Resin Type: Thermoset (Epoxy, Polyester, Acrylic, Fluoropolymer, Polyurethanes and Others) and Thermoplastic (Polyamide, Polyolefin, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polypropylene and Others).

By Coating Method: Fluidized Spray, Electrostatic Fluidized Bed, Electrostatic Spray and Others.

By Substrate: Metal (Steel, Aluminum and Others) and Non-Metal (Plastic, Wood, Ceramics, Glass and Others).

By End-Use Industry: Automotive [Two-wheelers (Scooters and Bikes) and Three/Four-wheelers (Passenger Cars, Heavy Commercial Vehicles and Light Commercial Vehicles)], Construction (Outdoor Construction and Indoor Construction), Appliances (Refrigerator, Water Coolers, Vending Machines, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners/Coolers, Electrical Fans, Kitchen Blenders/Mixers, Vacuum Cleaners, Water Heaters, Ovens & Chimneys, LPG Cylinders and Others), Electrical & Electronics (Transformers, Generators, ATM Machines, Industrial/Commercial Systems, Electrical Motor Stators/Rotors, Electric Meters & Connectors, Computer Room Floor System and Others), General Industrial (Industrial Carts & Power Tools, Storage & Racking, Escalators & Elevators, Lockers, Walls & Fittings, Water Pumps, Steel Drums, Pipes & Rebars and Others), Furniture (Outdoor Metal Furniture, Beds & Chairs, Benches and Others), Medical, Transportation & Equipment (Railways, Industrial Transportation, Construction Equipment, Agricultural Equipment, Marine, Aerospace) and Others.

By Geography: North America (the USA, Canada and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Belgium and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia and Rest of APAC), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Rest of South America), Rest of the World (the Middle East and Africa)

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Key Takeaways

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the powder coatings market on account of the increasing construction activities and the recovering automotive industry. According to Invest India, the construction industry in India is expected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2025.

There are two types of powder coatings, thermoplastic and thermoset. Thermoplastic powders are commonly derived from polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl fluoride while thermosetting powders are derived from acrylic, epoxy and polyester resins.

Thermoplastic powder coating melts and flows when heat is applied but continues to have the same chemical composition once it cools and solidifies. On the other hand, thermoset powder coatings will not melt when heated after curing.

The major opportunity for this market is developing thin-film coatings.

A detailed analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats will be provided in the powder coatings market report.

Powder Coatings Market Segment Analysis – by Resin Type

The thermoset segment held a dominant Powder Coatings Market share in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period of 2022-2027. In the powder coating process, as the powder heats and melts it flows around the surface of the object and undergoes a chemical change called cross-linking which forms a hard and durable coating. Thermosetting coatings do not re-melt when they are cooled after heat is re-applied. In its powdered state, thermoset material tends to have a much lower molecular weight than other coating materials, usually requiring less heat to melt, making it more energy efficient. Thermoset powders are commonly derived from epoxy, acrylic, polyester and polyurethane groups. The most frequently employed are epoxy and polyester-based resins. Epoxy resin-based thermoset powders form a tough impact-resistant coating that has excellent corrosion resistance, so they are used for internal applications. Polyester-based coatings have the added advantage of being highly UV resistant, making them an ideal choice for outdoor applications. Thus, the thermoset segment is anticipated to dominate the powder coatings market.

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Powder Coatings Market Segment Analysis – by Application

The construction segment held a dominant Powder Coatings Market share in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period of 2022-2027. Powder coating can be used for metal components such as door frames, railings, window frames, fencing, shelters, storefronts, façade or other areas of buildings. According to WSP, around 25% of the overall construction cost is the façade, with the metal contributing a major part of the cost. Powder coating can prevent corrosion and minimize re-coating as it imparts a long-lasting coating. The powder coat is more resistant to scratching, fading, erosion or other types of damage that can ruin the aesthetic appeal of a building The latest trend in the construction industry is low-emitting products and sustainable buildings. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), 1,105 projects have been certified with LEED certification for green buildings in the U.S. in 2021. Powder coatings are solvent and VOC-free and produce less waste than other coating methods, making them a clear choice for green buildings. Thus, the construction industry is expected to dominate the market.

Powder Coatings Market Segment Analysis – by Geography

The Asia-Pacific region held the dominant Powder Coatings Market share up to 60% in 2021 owing to the rising consumption of powder coatings from the automotive, construction and appliances sector. The construction activities in the region rebounded after the initial lockdown in 2020. The government of India has made several investments in construction and infrastructure to aid in development. As per a report by the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (ICEMA), the construction equipment industry recorded a 47% growth in the second quarter of FY2021-22. According to a news report in Reuters, in FY22-23, US$529.7 billion will be invested to further drive economic growth across the country. China’s construction sector is expanding rapidly. according to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s construction output is estimated to be worth approximately US$4.3 trillion in 2021. China plans to invest US$1.43 trillion in key construction projects as part of its 14th five-year plan. As per the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Shanghai plans call for a total investment of US$38.7 billion over the next three years. The Japanese construction industry is expected to boom as the World Expo will be hosted in Osaka, Japan in 2025. Therefore, this region is set to dominate the Powder Coatings market.

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Powder Coatings Market Drivers

Environmental Advantages of Using Powder Coatings

Powder coating is the green process of choice for finishing operations. It produces less waste than other finishing processes such as liquid coating. The use of powder coating aids in eliminating waste because, after application, the powder coating overspray can be reclaimed and reused. These types of reclamation practices keep overhead costs low while minimizing environmental impacts. Solvents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are detrimental to the environment. In liquid coatings, the average VOC content is between 3.5 to 5.5 pounds per gallon, which is approximately one-third to one-half of each gallon of the liquid coating being emitted into the environment during the application process. Since powder coating lines do not require the use of solvents, they do not emit VOCs and can operate with reduced energy, faster curing and lower temperatures. This makes powder coatings highly attractive from an environmental perspective. Innovations in the powder coatings industry strive to make it even better. For instance, in early 2020, Sherwin-Williams General Industrial Coatings division launched the Powdura ECO line made from a resin that uses pre-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). Thus, the environmental advantages offered by using powder coatings drive the market.

Growing Usage of Powder Coatings in Electric Vehicles

The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) can be attributed to increasing oil prices and growing awareness regarding climate change. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2021, sales of electric cars (including fully electric and plug-in hybrids) doubled to a new record of 6.6 million. Sales kept rising in 2022 as well, with 2 million electric cars sold worldwide in Q1 2022, up almost 75% compared to Q1 2021. To keep EV motors and batteries operating efficiently, it’s important to maintain an optimum temperature range. Sometimes EV motors can generate operating temperatures that may exceed 200°C. Powder coatings are used to insulate battery boxes and isolate thermal activity. To take advantage of the growing EV market, powder coating manufacturers are launching products that cater to EVs. For instance, in January 2022, Arkema announced high-voltage coating solutions for electric vehicles. The two new polyamide 11 powder coating grades with UL certification were introduced for use in electric vehicle battery systems and other applications. Thus, the growing usage of powder coatings for EVs drives the market.

Powder Coatings Market Challenge

High Initial Investment

The major restraint in the Powder Coatings market is the high initial investment required to set up the powder coating equipment. Liquid coating applications only require a spray gun and a spray area. Comparatively, a powder coating workshop needs a spray gun, spray booth and curing oven. The addition of the curing oven adds significantly to the initial start-up costs for powder coating. The size of the curing oven purchased needs to take into account the maximum part size that can effectively be handled. Larger, thicker and heavier parts require a larger and more powerful oven, which further adds to the overall equipment costs. While metals can be powder coated using electrostatic spray deposition, non-metals require a fluidized bed powder coating application. The need for a fluidized bed also increases the overall equipment costs for the establishment of a complete powder coating facility. This can prove to be a challenge for the powder coatings market.

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Powder Coatings Industry Outlook

Product launches, acquisitions and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the Powder Coatings market. The top 10 companies in the Powder Coatings Market are:

PPG Industries

AkzoNobel Powder Coatings

BASF SE

Axalta Coating Systems

The Sherwin Williams Company

Jotun

Valspar Corporation

Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd.

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited

Tiger Coatings

Recent Developments

In June 2022, Polychem launched a new powder coating collection called the Effects Collection. The collection features powder special effects, such as speckles, translucents, metallics, sparkle translucent, veins, patina effects, river textures, fine textures and dramatic illusion colors, available in a variety of colors.

In May 2022, AkzoNobel Powder Coatings launched a comprehensive range of ready-to-ship powder coatings ranges specifically for the North American market. The range comprises approximately 500 unique powder coatings, with a broad variety of premium quality colors, textures and finishes.

In February 2022, PPG announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the powder coatings business of Arsonsisi, an industrial coatings company based in Milan, Italy. The acquisition will enable PPG to expand its powder coatings offering in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

[luckydige45]

As per the report from nova one advisor, the global powder coatings market is valued at USD 16.08 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 22.7 billion by 2032 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.9 % between 2023 and 2032

[rohitsathpute45]

The global powder coatings market size was valued at USD 15.48 billion in 2022 and is estimated to be worth around USD 22.7 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2023 to 2032.

[ramkumarss]

Powder Coatings Market size was valued at USD 14,362.1 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2029. The global market provides a detailed overview of the global powder coatings market, and that can be segmented by resin type, coating method, and by application. By resin type, the global powder coatings market has been segmented into Thermoplastic and Thermoset. The Thermoset segment is likely to be the largest and fastest-growing segment in terms of type in 2021 and is expected to maintain the trend in the forecasted years. Thermoset powder is made of different resins such as epoxies, polyesters, acrylics, and polyurethanes. Request Sample : https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/request-sample/?product_id=35916

[neha24blog]

Powder Coating Market Segmented On The Basis Of Resin, Application, Region And Forecast 2030: Grand View Research Inc.

San Francisco, 29 June 2023: The Report Powder Coating Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Resin (Epoxy, Polyester, Acrylic, Polyurethane), By Application (Consumer Goods, Automotive), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030 The global powder coating market size is expected to reach USD 24.27 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2030, according to a report by…

[insightslicelive]

Metallic Powder Coatings Market Growth, Competitive Analysis and Forecast 2032

Metallic Powder Coatings Market Growth, Competitive Analysis and Forecast 2032

The latest research study published by insightSLICE, the “Metallic Powder Coatings Market” report evaluates the current market size and describes necessary factors like prominent manufacturers,  market share, key regions, and growth rate. It also focuses more on current statistics of the global Metallic Powder Coatings industry. The report provides a detailed assessment of the key market dynamics…

[avicecaro]

the standard of stuff i see marketed/suggested as like at-home diy beauty is soooo much more insanely complicated that it used to be even just when i started doing those things. i feel like beauty tips used to be like “apply a clear coat before the color and your nail polish will last longer!” or “here’s how to do polka dots with a bobby pin!” and now all of those tips assume you do your own acrylics — sorry dip powder — sorry gel x — at home and own 18 different sized brushes and chrome powder and the ability to draw with your non-dominant hand and a million colors of polishes to make tiny intricate designs that the video calls “simple”. can’t just have a smokey eye tutorial anymore, that’s the expected, that’s the base, the makeup video starts with a full face of contour pre-applied. if it’s just for fun and just for me, why am i supposed to be so goddamn good at it

[ohnococo]

Eyes On You | MMA Fighter!Sukuna x F!Scientist Reader

Summary: Sukuna takes a keen interest in you after a meeting discussing having him promote the protein powder you helped develop.

Notes: A one shot within the mma!au, though this isn’t part of the main canon of Fight Night. A request for @rosemaydone321

Warnings: public sex, mutual masturbation, rough sex, cum shot

You hated being dragged along for these sponsorship meetings. It wasn’t your thing: sucking up to clients, listening to them negotiate fees, nodding the approval you’d already detailed and reviewed with legal in emails over the product claims in the ad copy. That didn’t stop you from getting dragged along though. Kusakabe, the company’s marketing lead, absolutely insisted that you added an air of legitimacy to the product just by sitting there. You drew the line at his suggestions that you wear a white lab coat to these meetings. There was no need to give some performance of your job, because it was simply something you did and did well, not needing to add niceties or fakeness to bolster your accolades. Not like most of the other people in this room laughing louder than they needed to, smiling wider than necessary.

Not the subject of this meeting though. In lieu of making conversation and underhanded suggestions of sponsorship requirements or costs, his focus was on you through most of it, face unamused by his manager’s banter. He seemed much more interested in watching you squirm under his gaze. You aren’t exactly sure what it was he seemed to get out of it, brows raised, peering down his nose at you as he leans on one hand and waits for your side of the table to agree to what he wants without even having to be the one to ask for it. It feels like he’s judging you, staring into your mind at every little thing you were thinking. It makes it hard for you to listen, not that you really needed to. All they asked was that you “look smart” and “use some science-y words.” All your years of education and experience to be told to look smart when you were smart. It almost made you regret getting into the health and fitness business.

The only thing making these meetings semi-tolerable was at least knowing Kusakabe was good at dealing with these people, having done press management for fighters himself in the past before deciding it was too much stress for the pay. He had to put out less fires this way, now he just helped the company push protein powder via sponsorships and deals. Or in this case, a very important brand deal with a highly sought after man like Sukuna. His being reliable, and doing most of the talking, made up for you being forced to be here rather than where your costly degrees had given you access to. It still didn’t make his client-facing persona any less grating though.

Sukuna leans forward, picking up his glass of water on the long table separating you and your coworkers from him and his management, and Kusakabe makes a show of acting impressed by him to pay him a compliment. It was usually what these men liked most.

“God, look at the size of his hands! No wonder you’re a menace on the ground.” Kusakabe mimics wrenching an opponent’s arm back, but Sukuna seems to be too concerned with watching you intently to be plied by the praise. Though from how disinterested he seemed the entire meeting you were beginning to think flattery wouldn’t work on him anyway. Kusakabe nudges you, encouraging you to join in, “Can’t claim that’s because of the protein powder, can we?”

Sukuna’s lip curls into a sneer, and you feel a small sense of camaraderie that he was just as put off by the charade of it all as you were, though you note this was the first time someone hadn’t been taken in by Kusakabe.

You’d have to tease him for it later when he lets the facade slip on your way back to the more comfortable lab-based aspects of your job. He knew the product inside and out. Not on a chemical level like you, but he was knowledgeable.

You found his penchant for playing dumb exhausting though, and since Sukuna seemed to as well you take the chance to speak your mind for once. “Don’t be stupid.”

For the first time since this meeting had started, the large man across from you actually looks amused, lifting his head from where it was resting atop his hand with the smallest hint of a smile.

“Don’t mind her. You know how brainy types are, right?” Kusakabe deflects, trying to recover from his parried compliment.

That wipes the smile off of Sukuna’s face, and he turns his steely gaze to the man next to you. “She’s right. You were being stupid.

Kusakabe looks frightened for a second, with your new client’s ability to intimidate even without threats, then his business brain kicks in, forcing that fake smile back onto his face as he laughs nervously. “Of course I was!”

He was, really. A claim like that would be preposterous. It was already a stretch for them to try and act like any of the considerable musculature before you was due to your product anyway. A body like that wasn’t built by a year’s worth of free product and the promise of a sizable check…

From the corner of your eye you can see Kusakabe deflate a little, before redoubling his efforts with Sukuna’s management, having noted they were much more receptive than the brooding man who was the guest of honour here.

The meeting wraps up without further incident, except for you spending the majority of it trying to look unbothered by Sukuna’s unwavering gaze. As Kusakabe walks you back to your little hideaway many, many floors down from the fancy meeting room, he places a lollipop into his mouth in lieu of heading outside for a cigarette to calm his buzzing nerves.

“If I didn’t respect you so much I’d have asked you to show a little leg to make that whole thing easier for me.”

It catches you off guard, “Firstly, if you respected me you would have kept that little thought to yourself. Secondly, what are you even talking about?”

He twirls the sweet by its stick on his mouth, pulling it out to gesture at you broadly. “I’m talking about the sexy eyes you were getting the whole damn time. Typical meathead, thinking with his dick.”

“Sexy eyes? Do you mean scary eyes? He looked like he was going to eat me alive.”

Kusakabe laughs as he leans against the wall while you press your keycard to the sensor for the entrance to your floor, “Yeah he wanted a taste of you, all right.”

The door beeps, then the locks click signifying your entry was permitted. Kusakabe’s, however, is not, so he waves at you over his shoulder as he heads back towards the elevator, “I’ll let you know when they decide on the deal.”

“I don’t care.”

It was all the same to you, and while your interest might have been piqued despite the brutishness of being ogled for nearly an hour and a half, your job there was done. Whether he promoted the protein powder or not, or made an appearance in a few commercials or print ads, had nothing to do with you past this point. Hell, it technically didn’t have anything to do with you before, but Kusakabe was adamant your quiet presence made a difference.

When Kusakabe approaches you in the lobby three days later, walking alongside you as you make your way to your car to head home, you think maybe you might care just a little. Enough to see it through at least. He looks serious, disappointed even, feigning having to deliver bad news, before he’s breaking into a smile and patting your back the way he always did when asking you to celebrate a victory that wasn’t yours.

“We did it. Sukuna’s team is signed on.”

“You did it.” You assert. No amount of money would have made you go on all the networking luncheons and meetings he spent his time in to soften people up. One was your limit, agreed to after a lengthy begathon from your coworker, so you let him ask you to come to a celebratory meal with the rest of the marketing team as usual, so you can also shoot it down as usual.

“Well, how about food and drinks tonight to celebrate, eh?” He acts like he might make it sound appetising by phrasing it like that for the dozenth time. But then he adds, “Their team is coming too. Sukuna insisted on paying. He asked us to bring everyone from the meeting too, and that includes you.”

This was a little unusual. It was a rarity for anyone other than the direct lead to be invited out, even if it was his company card getting thrown on the table for it. You can’t say you aren’t interested, even if the thought of being watched through the whole meal intimidated you. So you say yes, and Kusakabe is taken aback, smiling wide and patting you on the back like it was some feat to actually get out of either your lab, your office, or your home.

—

The meal is as insufferable as the meetings usually are. The ass kissing is somehow even more intolerable now that you know the contracts are signed so it was all even more unnecessary theatrics. Sukuna seems more focused on people in the room other than you, bordering on outright ignoring you, save for a few glances down at you in your seat across from him at the table.

It forces you to reckon with the fact that you had possibly been a little self-indulgent, coming to this meal to see him, to see if he was as interested as Kusakabe had seemed to think. You did trust his judgement after all, he had a good read on people, but now you’re just confused. It closes you off from the room even further, starting to feel awkward as your coworkers are drinking fast, bordering on making themselves a nuisance with their boisterous talking and laughter in the little reserved room of this restaurant.

Once they’re shuffling round seats, talking to each other, taking shots, cheersing again and again to a supposedly great fortune this year long contract - with a hope of renewal - would bring, you’re just sitting quietly at your seat in the corner, waiting for Kusakabe to finish his loud story to one of Sukuna’s team so you can say goodbye and leave.

Then, your interest is piqued again, as Sukuna breaks off from the few people he was speaking with, coming to sit down next to you. He peers down at you and you find yourself sitting up a little straighter, blinking when he speaks as if he’d made some sudden frightening movement.

“Are you always so quiet?”

You couldn’t tell if he was trying to be rude or not, but you answer honestly. “Yes.”

It surprises him that you don’t come up with some defence, and that you were comfortable with your quietness, his brows raising gently as he appears to be scanning you head to toe all over again. It has you feeling tense, swallowing hard as he’s silent, though not in the same way you were.

He catches that, smiling with a predacious twinkle in his eye before he leans a little closer than necessary. “Don’t be scared. I only hurt people who have it coming.”

You don’t know if it was supposed to intimidate you, but it worked. It made your hairs stand on end, your mouth feel dry, but it also made a familiar heat pool low in your stomach. He’s caught onto something that lets him know that too, flashing his teeth at you.

“I said don’t be scared.” He says it like an order, leaning back in the seat he’d taken, looking out at the room and you take the opportunity to try and calm yourself a little without being obvious about it.

He crosses one leg over the other, putting an arm over the back of your chair. “They’ll be shitfaced by the end of the night. Half of them already are.” He swings his head slowly to look down at you, “Why aren’t you?”

You shrug. Because it didn’t interest you, maybe. Because you were bored enough that it couldn’t even help anything and would leave you with a hangover that wasn’t worth it tomorrow morning. You don’t tell him any of that though, deciding that you didn’t want to volunteer any unnecessary information right now.

So you answer with the same question, “Why aren’t you?”

There it is again, that smile that would be outright terrifying if you were one of those people that ’had it coming.’ Then, he tempers the smile, running his tongue over his teeth before relaxing into a more neutral expression.

“If I’m partying I’m not holding back, and this is technically business. But,” he leans in, close enough that you’re holding your breath, eyes wide, “maybe we can have our fun some other way…”

You lick your lips, trying to keep your breathing under control, trying to temper whatever had clued him in to his effect on your body before because by now you were absolutely soaked. He doesn’t let you have that control though, bringing a hand up and brushing your lower lip with his thumb and tilting your head up towards him. He’s so close you’re sure he’s going to kiss you, but instead he speaks.

“You need to do something with all that nervous energy, or you’ll wind up passing out.”

He’s mocking you, you know he is. You don’t exactly like to feel so frail in front of him but you can’t deny how your body was reacting, or that you might just be considering letting him kiss you within eyeshot of several of your coworkers. But he doesn’t. He pulls back and stands, eyes barely visible with how low he has to look to gaze down on you.

“I’m going to the bathroom.”

Then, he just walks away, leaving you blinking, unsure of why he’d announced his departure with such weight. You catch up to his thinking as he stops at the entryway to the little private room you’d all been dining and drinking in, and quirks his head to the side, raising his brows in a face that wordlessly communicates, ’well?’ before he’s walking away.

It leaves you blinking again, swallowing hard, looking around the room as if to ask what you should do. No one was looking back, all involved in their own discussions. You take a breath, wondering why you suddenly felt the need to confer over something you very much didn’t want anyone else here to know you were even considering. Then, you realise even as you stand to follow along the path Sukuna had taken, it was because you knew it was probably a very, very bad idea.

When you reach the bathroom, you see it’s unlocked. You grab the handle and take a deep breath, half hoping he’d been joking, that he hadn’t even come into here and instead walked outside to get some air and laugh at the dirty little scientist who really thought he was inviting her to fuck in a public restroom. The door is only open a little before Sukuna is in view, very much waiting for you as he’d said, and very much stroking his frankly intimidating cock.

With the way your blood rushes downward between your thighs you almost feel lightheaded, and it’s as if your legs are moving of their own accord as you enter the bathroom and shut and lock the door behind you.

“Anyone could have come in here and seen that.” He laughs at the way you refer to his monster of a cock as that, but it doesn’t stop his slow strokes.

“But you came in here.” He’s still mocking you. And you’re still taking it, responding by grabbing at his shirt, and looking up at him. It spurs him on to release his grip on his cock and kiss you, one hand in your hair the other on your hip.

The force of his kiss borders on painful, teeth clashing with yours, tongue pushing into your mouth like it was his to claim. Then he’s gripping your ass, hoisting you up onto the sink, and only parting from your kiss once his hands migrate downward and feel how wet you already were. He spreads your legs wide, shoving your sensible grey dress upward to unveil the wet patch on your panties and smiling wickedly.

“Were you this wet in that meeting?” His eyes flick upward to meet with yours, and you feel defensive, like he was accusing you of being unprofessional.

“N-no.”

“Don’t lie to me.” He tugs your panties down, hard enough you have to reach behind yourself to grip the sink and keep yourself from sliding off. “I thought you were supposed to be smart.”

That doesn’t help the defensiveness bubbling up inside you, competing with the arousal. “I am.”

He gives you a pitying look, like he wasn’t so sure anymore, “Then be a smart girl and get that cunt ready for me.”

He takes a step back, resuming his slow strokes on his cock, waiting for you to perform for him. Your fight is gone with the way his words have you letting out a horny little whine at the sight of him touching himself. He lets out a pleased groan at that, and if you hadn’t already cast caution and logic aside for a moment you’d be embarrassed at how enthusiastically you begin moving your fingers through your wetness for him. He nods approvingly, picking up his pace a little as his silent encouragement only makes you go further, bringing a knee up to perch one of your feet on the sink, giving him a better view as you circle your clit and let out a stifled moan.

He doesn’t let you work your way up like that for long though, “Go on, fuck that cunt open for me.”

His words are only getting filthier, and it makes your head spin, letting a louder moan slip out as your mind goes blank and you do just as he says. You didn’t know you could be so needy so fast, knuckle deep with two of your fingers, rocking your hips into your movements the best you can without slipping from your precarious position. He flicks his wrist, twisting his hand as he strokes his cock, and his deep groans have you sliding a third finger in, knowing your fingers will hardly approximate his girth. The obscenity of it all is getting you close, breath hitching, eyes struggling to keep focused as your legs get shaky.

Then he’s got you by the wrist, pulling your hand away, and replacing your fingers with his cock in one steady push. You wrap your arms around him, moaning and clutching at his back, squirming until he has to hold your hips still to bottom out inside of you properly.

You’re so full that it’s like you can’t think, mind needing to reset as your body takes over all the work for you, rocking against him, begging him with soft whines until he’s chuckling at your desperation.

“All of your little coworkers are going to hear us if you don’t keep quiet.”

His words are undercut by his actions, as he starts fucking into you in long, deep strokes, only speeding up to snap his hips against yours just as he’s bottoming out, and you find yourself taking it happily as he hits all the right spots inside of you.

The force of his thrusts has his pants slowly shifting from his hips and down his legs, heavy belt buckle hitting the tile floors with a clang as they pool around his ankles. His pace is unaffected, the more pressing matter being your pussy squelching obscenely around his cock.

“Oh- oh my god, oh my god…” you’re clinging to him, despite being in no danger of falling now that he was gripping you so tightly, mouth open and incapable of stopping the little whines coming out with every thrust.

He puts a hand over your still open and panting mouth and chuckles, low and breathy, “Not such a quiet little mouse now, hm?”

You’re still talking now, babbling into his palm about how good it feels, how bad you need him to make you cum. Even with how muffled it is you can still feel how it’s making him throb inside of you, and you clench around him. His hand on your mouth, large enough that he was gripping your entire jaw, and the other hand firmly locked onto your hip, are the only things keeping you from being a fucked out puddle on the floor, too close to do anything but take it as your moans get higher and louder.

As he starts climbing towards his end as well, he doesn’t even pretend to hold those sounds in anymore, releasing your face to have his other hand on your hip, and you resume your desperate talk unrestrained as he fucks you hard enough your head is left lolling. You’re lucky enough to have him obliging your every request, namely because they all centre around begging him to keep fucking you. He does it happily, until he’s growling his approval as you grip him tight, creaming around his cock as he fucks you right through your orgasm until he’s right on that edge himself. Suddenly he pulls out, pulling your dress higher and out of the way as he pumps himself roughly til he’s cumming hard, coating your pussy and thighs.

You lean back, until you’re against the mirror with the faucet uncomfortably pressed into your back, catching your breath, watching him squeeze out the last of his cum as he takes in the view of his handiwork. Then, when the stars behind your eyes have dissipated, and you look down at the mess, the reality of what you’ve just done settles in.

“Oh God…”

Sukuna only smiles at you and helps you off of the sink onto your shaky legs to begin cleaning yourself off. As you both make yourselves look presentable, something you’re putting much more effort into than him, he offers you a playful, “You’re welcome.”

You shoot him a look, much less warmed up to him now that the haze of lust has worn off.

He pats you on the back, then runs his hand down until he can squeeze at your ass. “You look much more relaxed.”

He takes a final look in the mirror and gives you another smile, still hungry despite having his appetites satisfied. “Looking forward to working with you.”

[buffetlicious]

Muah Chee (麻糍) or Peanut Mochi is a popular street food usually found at night markets or pasar malams. These bite-sized glutinous rice balls coated in peanut powder and sugar are a sweet treat for all. Just followed the video (not mine), the recipe is pretty straight forward.

[srovtl]

Offering A Prayer to the Wandering God Chapter 1

One afternoon.

Me, Figaro, and Arthur who had just finished his official duties, were walking through the bustling central market.

Arthur: Master Sage, Lord Figaro, thank you so much for coming to pick me up at the castle.

Arthur: I was planning to return to the magic manor this afternoon, but I'm glad I got to meet you two early!

Figaro: I'm so glad you're happy. We were just stopping by the wizard's house.

Figaro: Since we've come all the way to the capital, me and the Master Sage talked about coming to pick you up.

Akira: Yes! Arthur, thank you for your hard work. It's been a few days since we last met.

Akira: I invited you to the market to change your mood but... Will it be okay to walk around without disguising yourself?

Arthur: No problem. Lord Figaro cast a spell on me.

Arthur: The people walking down the street should be seeing me differently.

Akira: Great! Then you can stroll around with your head high. Are you hungry?

Arthur: A little... Come to think of it, I left without having lunch.

Figaro: We only had tea and snacks. Shall we have lunch first?

Figaro: We can eat as we walk, or we can decide after looking around.

Akira, Arthur: Yes!

Figaro, with his friendly smile, looked just like a doting relative with his younger cousins.

His tall stature and white coat fluttering in the wind made him stand out in the crowd.

As I followed behind him, Arthur and I looked around.

Saku-chan, who was in my arms like a stuffed animal, was twitching her nose slightly.

Street stall owners: These are high-quality violet sugar sweets! They melt in your mouth and have an exquisite taste!

Street stall owners: How about some fresh fruit candy wrapped in starch syrup? They're fresh and delicious!

Akira: Sugar sweets, sounds nice...

Arthur: Candy is good too... The fruits are big and look like they'll be filling.

Figaro: want to buy some? It feels more like a dessert than a meal though.

Akira: Oh, that's right. With so many, it's hard to choose...

Street stall owners: Hey misters! How about some crispy fried chicken?

Street stall owners: Ours is famous for its extra-large size. Look!

Arthur: True! It's so big that it covers your face.

Akira: It's quite impressive, isn't it? Ah, but the spices smell good...

Figaro: Even so, isn't it a bit too big? How many people can eat one of these...?

Street stall owner: Nah, Young people can eat it all easily. I'm sure you can do it too, mister!

Street stall owner: It's well pounded and spread out, so it's soft, juicy, and delicious.

Arthur: Gulp… This is the bold food that you don't usually get to eat...

Akira: It'll be so nice to bite into a freshly fried one...

Figaro: Youth's so nice. Well, let Doctor Figaro treat you this time.

Arthur: Yay!

Akira: Thank you!

Figaro: Owner, I want the spice one and.... oh there's also cheese powder flavor. Can I have one of each?

Street stall owners: Thank you!

Arthur: Is it okay, Lord Figaro?

Figaro: I think a whole one would be hard on my stomach. Just one would be enough...

???: Lord Figaro.

A voice crept up on us. And Saku-chan's tail puffed up softly.

I turned around to see a person with a hood pulled down over his eyes, one step behind us, looking down.

Sacrificium: …….!

Figaro: And you are...

Man wearing a hood: Ah... It's been a long time since I last saw you. Since the Walpurgis Night banquet.

Man wearing a hood: It's an honor to meet you. You're still as noble as ever...

As he bows respectfully, the warmth in Figaro's eyes fades away.

Akira: (Could it be...?)

Now, Figaro is a gentle and kind-hearted wizard who works as a doctor in a southern country.

However, he was originally from the northern country. He had a long and renowned life, and was a disciples of the twins alongside Oz.

If one doesn't know his circumstances, they wouldn't have behaved this way.

Figaro: ...Master Sage, Arthur. I'll be off for a bit.

Figaro: Here's some allowance. Use this and buy whatever you like.

Figaro smiles gently again and places some coins in Arthur's hand.

Arthur is also someone who knows his situation. He looks up at Figaro with intelligent eyes and nods obediently.

Arthur: I understand. If you call me, I'll be back right away, so please take your time to talk.

Arthur: Let's go, Master Sage.

Akira: Y-Yes. See you later, Figaro… I'll save the fried chicken for you!

Figaro: Yeah, thank you.

Figaro shakes his shoulders, waves his hand, and lightly taps the man wearing a hood on the shoulder.

Then he disappears into the crowd.

Figaro: Well, around here is okay...

Man wearing a hood: Lord Figaro… My apologies, was I being rude?

Figaro: Let's see. Well, It's rude of you to come out and talk to me in the middle of the city.

Man wearing a hood: I-I'm so sorry! Please forgive me...

Figaro: Oh, you don't have to kneel. I'm glad it was those kids who were with me.

Figaro: So, is there something you need? I've got people waiting, so keep it brief.

Man wearing a hood: Yes, yes... Do you remember Elijah?

Man wearing a hood: An eccentric, stubborn, troublesome guy… A wizard who devoutly worshipped the god of his hometown.

Figaro: Ahh, It's been a while since I heard that name.

Figaro: He's a devout man, so I remember him. He came to visit me on Walpurgis Night a few times in the past.

Figaro: I haven't seen him in about two hundred years... What happened to him?

Man wearing a hood: There are strange rumors going around near his mansion, deep in the eastern forest.

Man wearing a hood: Ever since the Great Calamity struck, eerie shadows and sounds have been lurking at night.

Figaro: The Great Calamity...

Man wearing a hood: Yes. I have heard that Lord Figaro has been chosen to be a sages wizard.

Man wearing a hood: Rumor has it that you are all working together to solve strange happenings in the world...? If so, I think you should keep that in your ears.

Figaro: Indeed, we are currently receiving requests from all over the world to investigate strange phenomenons caused by the moon.

Figaro: Is there a monster or something lurking around... If he isn't chasing it away, does that mean something might have happened to him?

Man wearing a hood: I'm not sure, but Elijah's actions have been getting out of hand for a while now.

Man wearing a hood: he's been going into not just human lands but other wizards' territories without permission, demanding money and valuables, and proposing strange deals...

Man wearing a hood: When asked why he keeps causing so much trouble, he says this.

Man wearing a hood: "Right now, I'm creating a god."

Man wearing a hood: "I need the materials and the technology to do that.”

Figaro: ………

Man wearing a hood: I don't know what Elijah is thinking.

Man wearing a hood: But I think he needs your guidance before he does something strange.

Man wearing a hood: The way you have always guided us at the Walpurgis Night...

Figaro: ...I see, I understand.

Figaro: I haven't seen him in a while, so if I get the chance, I'll visit him. You can go now.

Man wearing a hood: Yes...! I look forward to meeting you again.

Figaro: There are people like that sometimes, people who are so good at groveling.

Figaro: I wonder if we'll hear more reports like this from now on. If they were actually in trouble, they'd send word.

Figaro: It's not easy to live a long life.  it's so annoying I started to understand why Oz wanted to conquer the world.

Stall owner: That's amazing! Congratulations!

Townspeople: He's truly a sages wizard! He's got luck on his side!

Figaro: That's...

Akira: Great job, Bradley!

Arthur: You drew that card immediately,  it was cool!

Sacrificium: ……..

Nero: You did a great job, Bradley-kun.

Bradley: Damn it, You guys are just screwing with me.

Figaro: Hey, everyone. Bradley and Nero, What a coincidence.

Bradley and Nero: Ugh.

Akira: Ah, Figaro! Welcome back.

Arthur:  I saw them shopping by chance, so I watched the game.

Arthur: Apparently, it is a grocery store that gives out free gifts depending on whether you won or lost a card game. Nero said it was his favorite place.

Nero: Well, one of.

Nero: Bradley encouraged the store owner and won a series of games, so we got a lot of good vegetables.

Bradley: Tch... Nero, you tricked me.

Bradley: You said there's a place I'd like where you can get super fresh and tasty stuff at a reasonable price if you win the game.

Bradley: You'd think that was a butcher, wouldn't you? I wasted my time offering to be your baggage carrier.

Nero: You're the one who agreed right away. You said you were killing time and would come with me to do the shopping, so I went along with you.

Nero: Tonight's dinner is a full course meal with lots of vegetables. Make sure you eat well.

Bradley: I don't want it…

Figaro: You're not too bad too, Nero. Playing Bradley like a fiddle isn't something anybody can do.

Nero: No, it's not like that...

Bradley: Exactly. for a mere eastern cook you got some balls.

Bradley: Besides, even you could easily cheat away with a card like that.

Nero: idiot, what're you talking about.

Arthur: Haha. you two get along well.

Bradley, Nero: No we're not.

Figaro: They're in sync.

There's a certain tension, but strangely, the interaction between them is lively.

Akira: (Come to think of it, these four... They all lived in the north.)

Akira: (I don't see them together much, but somehow they seem to be on the same wavelength…)

Bradley: More importantly, Sage. You've got something tasty.

Bradley: It's so big, you can't eat it all by yourself. I will help you, You too, Prince.

Arthur: You mean this fried chicken? This is for Lord Figaro...

Bradley: Oh, the Sage's is spicy. *bite*.

Akira:  Ahh! I was saving the part with lots of spice..…

Figaro: Sure, if you're hungry I'll share. It's Bradley's favorite food after all.

Nero: Still, don't steal it.

Nero: By the way, what are you guys doing? Arthur is disguised with magic, so are you taking a sneaky stroll?

Arthur: Yeah. I haven't had lunch yet, so I wanted to fill my stomach and looked around the area.

Nero: Then the hot sandwiches over there are tasty too.

Nero: It's stuffed full and the bread is thin and crispy. My favorite is the one with scrambled eggs, mustard, and cheese.

Akira, Arthur: Sounds so delicious...

Figaro: You can't go wrong with a chef's recommendation. If you like, can you show us around?

Nero: Sure. I'll buy some eggs nearby too.

Arthur: Yay, thanks!

Arthur: But it'll be hard for just the two of you to go shopping. As a thank you for the hot sandwich, I'll help you out.

Akira: I'll carry the bags too!

Bradley: That'll be a big help. I'll let you carry this big bag of cabbage.

Akira: Wah So heavy...?!

Bradley: Haha! Don't fall down on us.

Figaro: careful, are you okay?

Nero: Hey, don't bully the sage.

Arthur: Master Sage, would you hand it over to me a little... It's really heavy!

Figaro: I wonder if it will be too bulky if I just lighten it with magic. I'll squeeze it tightly to make it smaller.

Figaro snaps his fingers, and the cabbages that were there once were small enough to roll around in the palm of his hand.

While relieved, my cheeks loosen a little at the light-hearted exchange taking place above my head.

Akira: (they're really on the same wavelength.)

Akira: (Even though They're all wizards in different countries now. It's strange how the environment you grow up in affects you.)

directory - next chapter

[faolonfiendrender]

The Aardvarks, a mostly Ratty mercenary company:

the Aardvarks, short for "Aardvark I Just Realized That the Squad Directory Is Listed by First Word Alphabetical and Then Length So We Shall Continue With The Longest Name Until We Run Out of Spac" are a company of mostly rats formed at the behest of Colin Mallory by Hrathold. I will use this to write down lore on them. One notable thing is these are the only Rat mercenaries to have a zubmarine in their assets, and they frequently serve as a hired crew and ship for piracy under Colin.

Colin Mallory: elsewhere, essentially the owner of this venture, runs the company as an even split of profits, the only exception is that those injured get more compensation.

Hrathold:

He/him, the commander and founder of the mercenary company, formerly the chief of a clan of Rattus Faber bandits, lost the battle of Colin's food cupboard to Colin Mallory and chose to join Colin as an ally and room mate as opposed to face the price of failing his bandit clan. Nearly died facing the Big Rat, but managed to escape to the poorly charted streets of London before returning to his post as commander.

Wields a stiletto-sized rapier and a full sized derringer and is unusually large for a Rattus Faber, coming to many people's knees when he stands up, which is often. Generally found wearing his black coat and trousers, as well as a bandana with eyeholes over his head. Fur is brown.

Minerva:

she/her, Engineer in support of the company, specializes in engines, but can absolutely work as an artillery officer, unionized the mercenary company's support staff, oldest member of the Aardvarks by over a decade.

She ultimately comes from the Salt Steppe, and moved to London soon after the fall. There, she befriended an urchin, Tommy, who taught her english (she previously only spoke mongolian) and helped her find the rat market, where she could meet the rats of london and get hired as an engineer. That was 24 years ago, and she still doesn't know why she's lived so long and been affected by aging so little. Known in a few revolutionary circles.

She can often be found either at a bar or in some engine room that she isn't supposed to be in on her free time, in either case, her chosen attire is simply a pair of brown overalls. Her fur is black, and she's about 6 inches tall.

Tommy:

He/Him, Only human that is technically part of the Aardvarks, often serves as extra muscle for tricky for rats tasks like operating portholes or breaking down doors. Decent with a sling or a knife after growing up an urchin and participating in the wars between urchin gangs. He is 29 years old and frankly never thought he'd live this long.

Minerva is his closest friend, and got him the job, he is typically not deployed with them and spends his unemployed time as a petty thief and smuggler, he considered going after rumours of a huge gemstone, but was dissuaded by the look in Colin's eye when he talked about it, dissuaded further by Colin mentioning that they lost their eye going after a diamond the size of a cow.

Wade:

Fullname: Winston, claims Wade is short for Winston.

He/Him. Deserves special mention among the company for being the one volunteered as a distraction every time. Very much a liability on the field, hasn't been issued a weapon in six months because the last several times he was, this little rat found a way to misuse it on accident. This includes accidentally hitting the flint of a flintlock against a barrel rib in a powder store and blowing it up, managing to hit his own cannon with its cannon ball due to gross miscalcuation, throwing a boarding axe so hard it bounces off a wall and cuts a hole in Tommy's boots. Not any better without weapons having managed to accidentally order the company into retreat while jokingly imitating Hrathold, only part of the company because he won't leave. Seems to be basically impossible to kill for whatever reason, as he keeps making it out of sinking ships and exploding munitions stores and such.

Ostensibly chestnut fur, but so often soot covered and so seldom bathed that you can't tell. about 8 inches tall.

Gretchin:

One of the newest members of the support crew, Minerva's apprentice. Actually a Cavy, escaped Pigmote isle on a piece of driftwood and stowed away on a ship. Left because she thought that the war on Pigmote was a waste and cavies and rats should work together. Can be a bit hubristic in regards to the zea because she survived the plan of casting herself adrift on a piece of wood in hopes of reaching a destination that was against the current. Her fur is white with some big brown spots, and she tends to wear a long duster jacket, well long relative to her.

[bowlzone]

Today's cereal is the new Nestle Kitkat Cereal!

Initial impressions: I like how stripped back the box is, they know if they just put Kitkat in huge text on the font it will do the marketing for them and as we are here today, it has clearly worked. My personal favourite cereal category is tiny representations of a larger food, like French Toast Crunch, so this has already won me over through the comical illusion of being able to eat several Kitkats in one giant bite. The deciding factor of this one will be what makes it distinctively Kitkat beyond the shape and a chocolate flavour coating, I look forward to finding out.

Post bowl thoughts: after unsealing the bag and doing my usual ritual of putting my face straight over the opening to huff the scent that arises, this smells exactly of Nesquick powder. An instant nostalgia hit for me, who, as a child, used to enjoy clandestine pilgrimages to the Nesquick pot to eat the powder raw with a large spoon.

The pieces of cereal are a little smaller than I would have liked, which does admittedly make them easier to eat, but removes the promise of the ungodly thrill that comes from biting into a big Kitkat whole. At first spoon however, all misgivings about the size are forgotten, as this cereal tastes wafer-adjacent. It doesn't exactly hit Kitkat wafer in flavour or texture but it gets so close that I'm beyond impressed. The chocolate is pleasant and undemanding, ticking all of the boxes it needs to without distracting from the focus on the wafer. It sits on the cereal nicely, filling in the cracks and evenly coating all of the pieces in a fine dust that adheres well, ensuring as the bowl goes on that the cereal never loses its flavour. Unfortunately, it also means that drinking the milk after is not particularly exciting.

Overall this Kitkat cereal is a solid miniaturised representation of the classic Kitkat and although there was almost no conceivable way they could fuck up this concept, I find myself pleasantly surprised at the attention to detail that has gone into this exceptional bowl.

[curvycarbivore]

Ricotta and Sausage Stuffed Manicotti (Vegan)

Yield: 5 servings | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Total time: 1 hour

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Hungry Planet plant-based meats are truly nutritious, featuring fewer calories, less fat, no saturated fat, and no unnecessary ingredients. The sausage crumbles are especially one of my favorites; they're so easy to add to any recipe and will turn your boring jarred pasta sauce into a deliciously meaty meal. Hungry Planet also offers other easy-to-cook-with plant-based meats like grilled chicken strips, Thai meatballs, Italian sausage meatballs, and more. Find them in the freezer section at your local Sprouts Market and Shop Hungry!

Ingredients:

1 box (8 oz) of manicotti noodles

1 package (8 oz) of Hungry Planet Italian Sausage™ Crumbles

1 tbsp cooking oil (grapeseed or canola)

1 block (14 oz) of firm tofu

3 tbsp vegan cream cheese

1/2 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, divided in half

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 large handfuls of fresh baby spinach (or 1/2 cup of frozen spinach)

1 jar (25 oz) red pasta sauce

Directions:

Lightly grease a 9x13, 3" deep pan or glass baking dish and set aside.

Start by boiling the noodles.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the entire box of manicotti noodles.

Boil the noodles according to the "al dente" instructions on the box, usually for about 7 minutes.

Once they are cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove the noodles from the water. Lay each noodle out on a fresh towel to dry, making sure they are not touching each other.

While the noodles are boiling, prepare the sausage crumbles.

In a medium sized bowl, add the entire jar of red sauce. Set aside.

Heat a medium sized frying pan on the stove over medium heat.

Add 1 tbsp of oil to the pan.

Add the entire bag of Hungry Planet sausage crumbles to the pan and quickly mix to coat the crumbles in the oil.

Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes or until the sausage crumbles are just defrosted (do not overcook since they will be baked in the oven).

Remove half of the sausage crumbles and add them to the bowl with the red sauce. Mix and set aside.

Add the spinach to the frying pan with the other half of the sausage crumbles and cook until the spinach has wilted (or defrosted if you're using frozen).

Remove the sausage/spinach mixture from heat and set aside.

Next, prepare the tofu ricotta filling.

Remove the tofu from the package and gently press it with a kitchen towel to remove some of the excess moisture.

Place the tofu in a large mixing bowl and use the back of a fork to break it up into fluffy crumbles.

Add the cream cheese, 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and salt to the tofu and mix until everything is evenly combined.

Gently fold in the entire sausage/spinach mixture to the bowl with the tofu.

Now that you have the boiled manicotti noodles, ricotta sausage mixture, and sausage red sauce done, it's time to stuff the manicotti.

Preheat your oven to 350° F.

Using a small spoon, fill each manicotti noodle with the tofu mixture. Try to fill about 10-12 noodles (you need less filling per noodle than you think, maybe about 2.5-3 tbsp per noodle).

Place the filled manicotti noodles in the greased baking dish.

Once all the manicotti noodles are stuffed, top them evenly with the sausage red sauce mixture.

Sprinkle the other 1/4 cup of mozzarella shreds on top of the red sauce.

Cover the dish with tin foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted.

Remove from the oven, uncover, and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Top with some fresh basil leaves or oregano for a garnish.

Tips and Tricks:

The Hungry Planet sausage crumbles can also be defrosted in the microwave! Simply microwave them on high for about 1 minute, then mix in the roughly chopped spinach and microwave for another minute or until the spinach is wilted (or defrosted).

Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 2 minutes or until the manicotti noodles are warmed through. Top with extra red sauce and cheese if desired.