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bunnys-kisses · 7 months ago

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bets made (and mistakes happened) - a restaurant au

john 'soap' mactavish

cw: restaurant!au, one night stand, smut/pwp, cocky!soap, bets/wagers, dirty talk enemies-to-lovers, (accidental) pregnancy, semi-long

bunny says: like this fic? leave a comment! really like this fic? suggest your own! reblogs are always welcomed!

you could stand toe to toe with whoever got in your way. you REFUSED to be talked down to like a dog. you were a good sous chef, you didn't need the guy who washed the dishes to tell you how to do your job! you could've KILLED john.

and he probably would've let you. he wanted to see those blunt nails of yours dig into his throat. he'd take it as a challenge and give you the same energy. he'd probably grin as you like a madman before he could finally sink his teeth into you. he had been wanting to for years.

so in order to keep some semblance of peace in the kitchen, chef price sent you two out in the back for a smoke. you sat on the milk crate near the door and john pulled out his pack of cigarettes.

"i like yer fire." he said.

"i wish you'd go to hell." you replied.

he chuckled and shook his head, "yer too sweet. i'm surprised you didn't poison me when you had to show tonight's dishes to the rest of staff."

"i didn't expect you to count as staff. it was meant for the other cooks."

he put his hands on his hips, apron on and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth he tilted his head to the side and chuckled, "i'm staff, bonnie. more of the backbone than you are."

you stood up, and got close to him. you were facing each other and painfully close. you plucked the cigarette out of his mouth before you took a inhale of it. he looked at you in shock as you placed it back in his mouth. you turned away from him and said, "how about this, soap. you come to my place, we see who's the better cook."

he stood up a little taller and asked, "what do i get when i win?"

you narrowed his eyes at his words, you amped up the stakes. you replied simply, "i'll let you sleep with me."

the cigarette almost fell out of his mouth from the shock. he soon took it out his mouth and exhaled, "nah, nah. really, what is it?" there was a smile on his face. he leaned in a little bit to you.

"i told you... you, me, sex. do i need to spell it out for you?"

he laughed, "oh yeah. that's a good prize, that sweet cunt." he closed the gap between you two and took your chin in his hand, he held his cigarette in the other, "deal. maybe i can finally put ya in yer place. talkin' big game for such a little girl." he shook his head. he pulled away to have another drag of his cigarette.

the first thing you noticed at the end of the week. john 'soap' mactavish didn't taste like an ashtray when he kissed you. currently it was friday night, the only night you two had off, and john had just won your little bet.

he had you up on the kitchen table with his hand spread out on your thigh, pushing up your dress. his lips were on yours and you tried your best to NOT melt into the kiss.

when he pulled away he pressed his forehead to you and said, "how was that?"

"it's a bet, it shouldn't matter how i feel." you replied as you kept your arms around him. his laugh pulled something in you when you were so close to him.

you expected him to make some pasta with packaged noodles and a jar of sauce. you had seen what lunches he brought. but instead in your tiny apartment, he made you a scotch pie with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth the entire time. even with the ash, it was still the best thing you had ever tasted.

he knew he won because you couldn't hide the expression on your face fast enough after the first bite. when he laughed,you hit him then went in for seconds. who would've thought the annoying dishwasher could cook this.

"how?" you asked.

he put a finger over his lips, "family secrets. only shared through marriage, doll."

after the meal, then he took his dessert. his winnings from your bet. and in all fairness, if/when he was going to fuck you, he'd rather he did with after you had a good meal. it was going to be quite the energy waster.

you broke the kiss and looked at him, those big blue eyes stared back at you. you held his face for a moment to stop him from leaning in again. you said, "i'm not fucking on a table i got from goodwill."

he chuckled, "of course, my majesty. would you like for me to fluff the pillows first." then made a noise when you squeezed his face.

"i'm saying because the fucking thing will break." then let go of him. he backed up enough for you to get off the furniture and head towards the bedroom.

he trailed behind you, his cock stood at full attention in his jeans as he get his first glimpse of your bedroom. while he noticed that there wasn't much life to the decor of the walls. he did notice that your bed was unmade and looked very comfy.

but what drew his attention was the sight of you undressing. he watched you zip down the button of the dress. you stepped out of it then quickly got your underwear off. he was barely out of his socks by the time you were naked. your curves glowed under the light of the city outside.

you sighed and approached him, "i guess i have to do everything, huh?"

he was brought back to reality and stepped back, "you don't have to do shit, love. i just need you to lie there and look pretty. if you really wanted to put on a show, make the girls bounce a little." he chuckled as he pulled his shirt over his head. he showed off his lean body and caught you staring a moment before he went to his jeans.

soon both of you were naked, and you led him onto your bed. you kicked the covers further down the mattress as you laid in bed with the other man. you kissed once more trying hard not to fall for him with each linger of his fingertips across your back.

he held you like a protective force, even if his words were often biting. he wanted you. in a carnal, lustful kind of way. the kind that sent shivers down your spine.

his hands roamed your backside, his cock twitched against your thigh as you continued to make out with him. finally that cocky mouth of his was quiet.

you pulled away soon after and placed both hands on his chest. he looked up at your curiously and you gazed down at him. those blue eyes were like dark like rocky seas as you rubbed your knee up against his cock. he hissed through his teeth.

"careful, doll." he said quietly.

you held his face once more and gave him one last kiss before you moved away and got into his lap. your ass rubbed against his cock. the sensation made him exhale deeply to try and hold back a moan.

he placed his tattooed hands on your hips. you always did find his tattoos quite appealing. you did have a dream once where he was shoving those digits inside of your pussy. at the time it made you want to put bleach in your eyes. but now... you were second guessing it.

"like this?" you asked.

"oh yeah. i love a good girl on top." he purred as the two of you began to move your bodies against one another. his eyes closed for a moment as he pressed his head into your pillow. he was drowning in the scent of the strawberry shampoo you used often. he could get whiffs of it at work when you walked by, but to be smothered in it made his cock hard.

you placed your hands on his chest and leaned forward so his cock was pushed inside of you at an angle. you panted which was accompanied by his own heavy breathing.

"feel real good. like a glove." he said, heavy on the accent, "like two pieces the same puzzle. you and i, doll, are meant to be."

"one night." you affirmed.

he chuckled as he dug his fingers further into your hips. he watched you take all of his cock and replied, "that's what they all day." before he started to meet your pace more aggressively.

the bed creaked from your movements. the heavy thrusting of sex in the cramped room of your one bedroom apartment. you funded this life through cooking and you got out cooked by a dishwasher.

you should hang the apron up already!

the thought made john smirked as he felt his cock deep inside of you. he wondered for a moment if you could still run a kitchen while caring for his brats. but that thought was pushed away from the intense rush of pleasure through his body. made his head feel full as he got closer to orgasm.

"shit, soap. ah." you moaned.

he gave your ass a slap and chuckled, the sweat dripped down his back, "you can't get enough of me. you just love it so much. you love me."

you groaned, "in your dreams." the sex was amazing. you could feel the sweat on your brow as you rutted against him. your nails dug into his pecks as you moved.

he hissed through his teeth and drove his cock deeper into you. he could feel his heart hammering in his chest. nothing like a feisty chef to get his blood pumping! with a spark on inspiration, he took you by the hips and rolled you onto your stomach.

he lifted your hips up with ease and pounded away at your cunt with vigor. the angle took the air out of your lungs, you could feel his ramming against sensitive areas. your legs were practically in the air!

the angle was amazing for both of you and soon you were gripping onto the mattress under your head.

"who would've thought scotch pie would've let me fuck ya." he laughed as he scratched at your hips due to the force he was holding you.

"shut up!" you whined as your back arched. with a few more stokes of his cock, you both came. your mind went blank. you came so hard that you honestly forgot that he wasn't wearing a condom and had dumped a bunch of his scottish seed into your aching cunt.

this wouldn't be a problem later, right?

a month later you're sitting on top of the toliet with a pregnancy test in hand. your hand over your mouth as you watched the test read positive.

for a second you tried to rationalize that it COULDN'T have been john who got you pregnant. not that blue-eyed, mohawk having, smug dishwasher! but you sure as hell weren't pregnant before your night together.

you pulled your hand away from your face and putt he test down on the counter. you cupped your middle and sighed. you had no choice but to tell john about it. he was going to find out eventually.

you sent him a text message, 'soap. need to talk. urgent." then put the phone down. instantly you were on the phone with him, when you heard his voice you broke down. the normally cocky john sounded sincere as he asked what was wrong. you composed yourself for a moment and wiped your eyes and said, "you are your stupid scottish cock got me pregnant."

there was silence on the other end for a moment. he then said, "anythin' ya need, doll. it's yours."

you swallowed and replied, "you and some more scotch pie." you felt your heart do a somersault.

"ay." he said, "already got the scottish in ya."

xoxo, bunny (might do a sequel, let me know!)

#soap call of duty #soap mw2 #soap mactavish #soap cod #john soap mactavish #john mactavish x reader #john mactavish #call of duty smut #call of duty modern warfare #call of duty #soap smut #john soap mctavish smut #john soap mctavish x reader #john soap x reader #john soap mctavish x you #bunny babbles #restaurant au #reader insert #cod smut

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exhausted-archivist · 1 year ago

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Cookbook Sample Preview...

I'm perfectly normal about this, totally calm. But I noticed on Sunday that the Dragon Age official cookbook had a preview/sample that it didn't have last time I checked. To summarize, it shows the Table of Contents and 7 new preview recipes along with 2 from an earlier sample release. It's basically previews the whole first section "Starters and Refreshments".

I will be putting things under cuts in case people don't wanna see things. From now on and after its release, the tag I will be using for the cookbook if you want to block is #tastes of thedas or #da: tot

I will also be silently combusting inside as I try not to let the excitement amp me up too much. I expect to fail this mission lol. (Spoiler I did fail and have been making my excitement everyone's problem.)

So, the cookbook sample. Amazon had a scrolling preview that wasn't as nice as the spreads so I made them into spreads like we got with the previous six recipes. You can see them here in this post.

But the following is the full spread of the sample from the cookbook. It gives us the cover, the two title pages, the table of contents, an introduction of a new character/narrator, the table of contents for the Starters and Refreshers section, and the 9 recipes within that section.

Beneath the images, I have transcribed the lore blurbs of the recipe as well as give an image description, but I didn't type out the recipes. That's for a later post (Also because it doesn't fit on this post. I hit the limit, sorry.) For a similar reason, I'm not adding my commentary to any of the recipes.

Contents

Introduction - 7

Starters & Refreshments

Eggs à la Val Foret - 11 Nevarran Blood Orange Salad - 13 Fried Young Giant Spider - 15 Stuffed Deep Mushrooms - 17 Rivaini Couscous Salad - 19 Crab Cakes from Kirkwall - 21 Fluffy Mackerel Pudding - 23 Snail & Watercress Salad - 25 Cave Beetles - 27

For the Road

Spiced Jerky - 31 Grey Warden Pastry Pockets - 33 Pickled Eggs - 35 Unidentified Meat - 37 Seheron Fish Pockets - 39 Crow Feed - 43 Black Lichen Bread - 45 Hearth Cakes - 47 Peasant Bread - 49

Soups & Stews

Merril's Blood Soup - 53 Fereldan Potato and Leek Soup - 55 The Hanged Man's Mystery Meat Stew - 57 Fish Chowder - 59 Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup - 61 Lentil Soup - 63 Nettle Soup - 65 King Alistair's Lamb and Pea Soup - 67

Main Courses

Stuffed Cabbage - 71 Antivan Gnochi - 73 Antivan Paella - 75 Grilled Poussin - 77 Gurgut Roast with Lowlander Spices and Mushroom Sauce - 79 Nug Pancakes - 81 Fish in Salt Crust - 83 Roasted Wyvern - 85 Nug Bacon and Egg Pie - 87 Starkhaven Fish and Egg Pie - 89 Cacio e Pepe - 91 Turnip and Mutton Pie - 93 Smoked Ham from the Anderfels - 95 Roasted Turkey with Sides - 97

Sides

Sera's Yummy Corn - 103 Stuffed Vine Leaves - 105 Honey Carrots - 107 Nevarran Flat Bread and Yogurt Dip - 109

Sweet Delights

Blancmange - 113 Poison Stings - 115 Dalish Forest Fruit Cobbler - 117 Dwarven Plum Jam - 119 Sour Cherries in Cream - 121 Treviso Energy Balls - 123 Rice Pudding - 125 Goat Custard - 127

Baked Goods

Antivan Apple Grenade - 131 Found Cake - 133 Varric's Favorite Cinnamon Rolls - 135 Croissants - 137 Cherry Cupcakes - 139 Chocolate Cake - 141 Varric's Favorite Pastries - 143 Sugar Cake - 145 Lamprey Cake - 147 Tevinter Pumpkin Bread - 151

Drinks & Potions

Lichen Ale - 155 The Hissing Drake - 157 Hot Chocolate - 159 Antivan Sip-Sip - 161 Dragon Piss - 163 Rivaini Tea Blend - 165 The Golden Nug - 167 The Emerald Valley - 169 Chasind Sack Mead - 171

Conversion Charts - 173 About the Authors and Photographers - 174

Introduction

Dear Mum,

It's me, Devon! I'm all grown up now-- or, well, more grown up than before. You always said I was too much like a child for my own good, and given the number of times you caught me daydreaming about going off on some grand adventure instead of sweeping the floors, I will grudgingly admit that you probably - probably - had a point. But guess what? I finally went on an adventure! A big one! Just like the Hero of Ferelden!

Okay, well, maybe not exactly like the Hero of Ferelden. But I did travel across Thedas! From Ferelden to Orlais, to Rivain, and even Tevinter. Plus, everything in between. It was a long journey, Mum. Weeks and weeks on the road, with the occasional bandit or beast. You'd probably have hated it, but, by Andraste, I loved every second of it! The sights! The sounds! The food.

Oh yes, the food. The reason why I set out on this journey to begin with. I know that I wasn't particularly adept in the kitchen the last time we saw each other. And, yes, I do remember that I nearly set Castle Cousland aflame with my first attempt at a stew. But I am pleased to inform you that I have been practicing extensively, and I think that, if the position still existed, I could take up your mantle as the Cousland family's cook. Granted, I doubt I would be able to fill your shoes completely; no one could manage such an impossible task. But I like to tell myself that I still would be able to make you proud.

And that takes me back to this journey and the all-important question of why. Why did I spend the last year traveling from one end of Thedas to the other, sampling whatever local cuisine I could get my hands on, even dishes that were downright strange? You're probably thinking that it's because the Hero of Ferelden ate it at some point - yes, that's certainly part of it, though I'll have you know that I tracked down foods enjoyed by the Champion of Kirkwall and the Inquisitor as well! Not to mention all their companions. But the truth is, Mum, throughout all of this, you were right there with them at the forefront of my mind. Because when I thought of ways to honor you, I kept coming back to the most important lesson you taught me: Love through food.

Every time I left your kitchen with a warm, full belly, I felt your love for me. And though I can't do the same for you anymore, I can fill this book. I can stuff it full of different recipes, dishes you've probably never even heard of, and think of you with each new entry. Because, you see, Mum, underneath all that childlike excitement, the dreams of adventure and heroism, I'm still very much your child. And I always will be.

Thank you for everything, Mum. I can't wait to share this book and the lessons that inspired it with the rest of the world.

Love, Devon

Starters & Refreshments

Eggs à la Val Foret

Image Description: A pancake with ham and a sliced poached egg with paprika and herbs on top sit on a silver platter.

Recipe Blurb: Ah, yes. Tons of cream! Exactly what I've come to expect from Orlesian cuisine. Do I have any tips for creating the perfect poached egg? Well, ever since I heard that Solas's bald head was once likened to an egg, I simply try to make my eggs just as round and shiny! So far, it's worked wonderfully and never ceases to put a smile on my face.

Nevarran Blood Orange Salad

Image Description: A wooden bowl rests on a rock, it holds a colourful salad with blood orange slices resting on top.

Recipe Blurb: Although I knew that Divine Victoria left behind a life of wealth and privilege to join the Seekers of Truth, it wasn't until I was in Nevarra, seeing exactly what she'd given up, that I truly gained an appreciation for the path she'd chosen. The best way to describe my first glimpse of the gardens of Nevarra is that it was like seeing a painting come to life. For a long moment, I could only stand there, so dazzled by the richness and vibrancy of it all that I was half-convinced I was actually still napping in the carriage. Surely, there was no way such beauty could be found outside of a dream. And yet the beauty before me was very much real.

So, too, was the picturesque tableau that arrived later that day on a plate: perfectly cut slices of blood orange artfully arranged on a lush pillow of bitter greens. Was this a meal or a still life, I wondered. In truth, the answer was both. For Nevarrans, food is as much a feast for the eyes as for the mouth. But even if your arrangement isn't quite worthy of being displayed in a museum, this salad will sing a symphony on your tastebuds.

Fried Young Giant Spiders

Image Description: A metal bowl filled with salad greens and fried crab legs arranged on top. Plate sits on a wooden table with a metal item and a smoking pot in the background.

Recipe Blurb: Just as people on the surface raise cows and goats, the dwarves underground raise spiders. Yes, to eat. The legs are fried and served with a sauce, which, true to dwarven fashion, is made with some type of alcohol. The precise kind depends on the establishment where you're eating your spider legs. Unfortunately, I couldn't get an exact recipe from any of the chefs I spoke to. These sauces are apparently closely guarded secrets and have spurred many a nefarious plot to acquire them-the competiontion to be crowned Orzammar's Best Sauce is fierce. But I've been assured that lichen ale is generally not used.

I've therefore come up with my own recipe, based on the many varieties I sampled while in Orzammar. Given that sourcing the requisite spider legs above ground is not nearly so easy, and the demand for such exports is minimal, I've subsituted them with crab legs. It's not a perfect match, but it's close enough to satisfy me.

Stuffed Deep Mushrooms

Image Description: Three mushroom caps fulled with a green, cheesy blend topped with chives. Placed on a platter that looks like a cut of wood, red capped mushrooms with white spots in the right hand corner in the foreground.

Recipe Blurb: Though the mushrooms growing underground in caves and in many parts of the Deep Roads are all called "deep mushrooms," there is no singular variety. In fact, there are several! Some mushrooms are squat, with broad, flat caps, while others are long and spindly, reaching toward the sky like an old man's gnarled fingers. They also have a multitude of applications, used in the creation of everything from restorative potions to deadly poisons. But in Orzammar, mushrooms are farmed for eating!

I was able to sample some of these dwarven delicacies, prized for their unique flavor and intoxicating scent. After only a few bites, I was struck with inspiration. How delicious would one of these mushrooms be when stuffed with cheese and spinach? The answer is: very. Rest assured that I selected this particular variety of deep mushroom not only for its shape, which is ideal for holding the maximum amount of cheese (and spinach), but also for the fact that it does not carry the darkspawn taint. While certain dwarves will insist that a deep mushroom's proximity to lyrium and darkspawn can only improve its flavor, I am quite content to leave that particular question a mystery, especially where lyrium is concerned. Although I'm hardly and expert on the stuff, I can't help but think about Fenris and how much suffering he endured as a result of his lyrium-infused markings. It seems to me that, barring any natural resistance, lyrium and the body are two things that probably shouldn't mix.

Rivaini Couscous Salad

Image Description: A copper bowl filled with couscous, mixed with various veggies and a mint leaf on top. A letter with an amulet from Alistair in the bottom left corner - merch from the BioWare store.

Recipe Blurb: When I first encountered couscous, I mistakenly believed it to be a grain, like rice or the more familiar Fereldan barley. I was swiftly corrected. In fact, couscous is a sort of pasta, made with semolina flour and water, although it's far smaller than your typical Antivan pasta. Couscous has a very mild flavor on its own--maybe slightly nutty. But where it excels is in its ability to soak up surrounding flavors, making it a perfect base for any salad. I'd love to experiment further, but so far, this particular combination of red bell pepper and mint has proven to be incredibly pleasing.

Crab Cakes from Kirkwall

Image Description: A caste iron pan over a bed of coals and flames, filled with battered soft shelled crabs, red peppers, and lemon slices.

Recipe Blurb: I love it when recipes add a dash of whimsy into the mix. Food shoulf be fun. I, therefore, took it upon myself to put this into practice with a classic Kirkwall dish. After all, who hasn't looked at their crab cakes and wished they looked a little more like crabs? Okay, maybe I'm the only one who's thought this. But now that I've brought this possibility to your attention, I'm certain you're interested as well! Best of all, these extra-crabby crab cakes stay true to the original recipe's flavors, so nothig is lost--only gained!

Fluffy Mackerel Pudding

Image Description: Two red small bowls with baked masked potatoes and a slice of hard boiled egg on top sit on a net with a starfish in the background.

Recipe Blurb: Can it really be Feast Day without fluffy mackerel pudding? No! In fact, there's no dish I associate more strongly with the holiday than this unique combination of mackerel, onion, celery, and eggs. Granted, I've heard stories that, several decades ago, someone once attempted a diet consisting entirely of fluffy mackerel pudding. Now, that I certainly wouldn't recommend. It stops being Feast Day Fish if you eat it every day, no?

Snail & Watercress Salad

Image Description: A wooden bowl resting on a river rock, filled with a salad comprised of mixed greens, radishes, and cooked snails.

Recipe Blurb: When the Avvar can't get their hands on a gurgut or a wyvern, they turn their attention to smaller prey. Much smaller prey. Snails are found on many a hillside boulder, making them an abundant source of food for the Avvar. Now, while some would wrinkle their noses or cry out in disgust at the prospect of eating a snail, I am pleased to report that, when prepared correctly, the texture. and flavor are actually good! I could happily eat a plate full of snails dressed in butter and oil, but those still on the fence about a snail's place

Cave Beetles

Image Description: A carved bowl holding cooked whole prawns, lemon slices and herbs sit on a rock with fake beetles and a black rock with blue glowing lines in the background.

Recipe Blurb: You think that, after snails, I'd balk at beetles? Never! In fact, I greatly enjoyed this dwarven dish, which involves roasting cave beetles in their shells. However, I recognize that many may not have a palate that's nearly so adventurous. If that's the case, the cave beetles can be replaced with whole prawns while keeping the rest of the recipe the same. That being said, if you do enjoy the variation with prawns, I really recommend giving the cave beetles a try. They're quite similar in both texture and flavor. If you were to blindfold yourself, I doubt you could tell the difference!

#dragon age #dragon age cookbook #da: tot #da: tastes of thedas #tastes of thedas #long post #I am so excited this is just so good so far #I almost have bingo #archi is yelling into the void #I see that it mentioned it taking a year to traverse Thedas and we will all ignore that. Thank you.#I have feelings and observations which is for another post lol

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40sandfabulousaf · 4 months ago

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大家好! Like everyone else, I have food cravings except they're not for fastfood. I haven't eaten tomato egg la mian (hand-pulled noodles) for some time. All of a sudden, I was reminded of them and had to have some, because, why not? Back it was to the stall owned and operated by the middle-aged couple from China. Ahh, those vibrant colours and chewy noodles! A very long queue formed in front of the stall as I enjoyed my meal. Looks like they're doing very well and they deserve it. Their dishes are delicious!

We had some crazy hot afternoons this week. What can be better than conveyor belt sushi for WFH lunch? It's moderately healthy, delicious and quick and keeps me cool in this insane heat. Off it was to a popular restaurant chain for some bite-sized yumminess. I chose tuna gunkan which came with chopped tomato, shoyu tuna (admittedly a wrong order because I wanted maguro), conger eel, botan ebi (giant shrimp), squid, 2 servings of salmon belly and a green tea. The first order of 5 plates and green tea were served under 5 minutes. Now THIS is MY kinda fastfood. YUM!

ML had been raving about the Hakka yong tau foo stall she frequents for quite some time, so this week, I finally joined her, SC and MI when they went to get their fix. The moment I saw they offered meepok amongst other types of noodles, I was sold. There were only 4 pieces - stuffed bittergourd, brinjal, fu pi juan (tofu skin roll) and tau kwa (firm tofu) but they were pretty large. Mannnnn, this was DELICIOUS! The pork stuffing was perfectly seasoned and had a bouncy texture, their chilli sauce was divine, the light clear broth was tasty yet not too salty and meepok is always yummy. Definitely something I wanna have again.

youtube

I hardly buy sterling silver jewellery because they tarnish easily and require more regular cleaning than solid gold. Because my wrists are small, bolo bracelets are pretty much the few types of bracelets that fit. Yeah, inclusivity and all, but I find it too emotionally taxing to have to demand that stores cater to my size. More fun and less stressful to shop around and discover gems in different places. Anyway, there aren't many bolo bracelets in solid gold here, so I turned to sterling silver which I can wear with athleisure outfits. Whilst at it, I also wanted to support local small businesses. Well, I found my bracelet and bought earrings too! I didn't opt for gemstones so that cleaning would be easier - just dunk them in cleaning solution, rinse, pat dry and voila! These gleaming pieces are so lovely. Can't wait to wear them.

I haven't written much about the genocidal war in Gaza simply because events are unfolding so quickly that by the time I post, something new has happened. But I follow the news as well as continue to pray for the Palestinians. Perhaps what is happening to Biden is the punishment he deserves? May parties supplying weapons to Israel all feel the power of God's wrath. Thou shalt not kill. 下次见!

#Youtube

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veebaindia · 7 months ago

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Veeba peanut butter chocolate crunchy is the ideal choice for you because of all the health benefits you will get from it. This sauce is ideal for those who love to add a kick of chocolate to their meals to make them more nutritious.

Address: Office No. 101, 1st Floor, Pegasus One, (Inside IBIS Hotel Complex) Golf Course Road, Sector 53, Gurugram Haryana, 122002 Tel-01244653250

#Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunchy

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scentedsupperclub · 11 months ago

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“One of the four sacred medicines in Indigenous culture, #cedar can also be used in the kitchen in small quantities. Christa uses sprigs of cedar to make tea and sauces by steeping the leaves in warm liquid to extract the natural oil, which can be used to amp up flavours. “Cedar tastes like a cross between lemony thyme and rosemary,” she says. Appreciation for Indigenous cuisine has been spreading across the country and Christa thinks cooking with cedar will be part of this growth.”

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zorabianfoods · 1 year ago

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Zorabian Chicken Smoked Ham + Cheese 🧀 = the ultimate sandwich treat for your taste buds 😋 Try Now!

Get ready to amp up your sandwich game! 🥪🧀 Our Chicken Smoked Ham + Cheese 🧀 = the ultimate sandwich treat for your taste buds 😋

Celebrate #WorldSandwichDay with this scrumptious twist! Shop our #Readytocook range online as we have a special surprise @ shop.zorabian.com

Alternatively, you can also order through our trusted delivery partners at @bigbasketcom , @naturesbasket @zeptonow @amazonfresh. 🚚

Ingredients: + 1 Packet — Zorabian Chicken Smoked Ham 250g + 2 slices of bread of your choice + 2 slices of cheese + butter

For the sauce: + 1 tablespoon of ketchup + 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise + 1 teaspoon of pickled relish

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, mayonnaise, and pickled relish. Mix well until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. This will be your tasty sandwich spread. Add the Sauce: Spread a spoonful of your prepared sauce over the bread. You can add more or less according to your taste. Layer the Chicken Smoked Ham and Cheese: Place the ham slices on one of the buttered sides of the bread. Make sure they cover the entire slice. Lay the cheese slices on top of the ham. Butter the Bread: Take the 2 slices of bread and spread a generous layer of butter on one side of each slice. This will create a golden, crispy exterior when you toast the sandwich. Assemble the Sandwich: Place the other slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese and sauce, creating a sandwich. Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat, you can also grill it. Place your sandwich in the pan. Toast each side until it turns golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. This usually takes a few minutes on each side. Serve and Enjoy: Once your sandwich is nicely toasted / grilled and the cheese is gooey, remove it from the heat. Cut the sandwich in half, if desired, and serve it hot. It’s now ready to be enjoyed!

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foodvips · 1 year ago

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Tater Tot Casserole How Can I Make It?

Tater Tot Casserole is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the irresistible crunch of tater tots, savory ground beef, and a luscious creamy sauce. It is the perfect option for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or a delightful addition to any potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Making a delicious tater tot casserole requires a handful of key ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dish. Here's a list of the essential components: - Tater tots - These crispy potato bites form the base of the casserole and provide a delightful crunch. - Ground beef - The savory and juicy ground beef adds a hearty element to the casserole. - Cheese - A generous amount of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, brings a gooey and melty goodness to the dish. - Cream of mushroom soup - This creamy and flavorful soup serves as the binding agent and adds a rich and savory taste. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a delectable tater tot casserole that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Now that you have the key components, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to assemble this delightful dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing and assembling a delicious tater tot casserole is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Here's a detailed guide on how to make this tasty treat: 1. Cook the Ground Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring it is evenly browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. 2. Layer the Ingredients: Next, it's time to layer the ingredients. In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of tater tots evenly across the bottom. Top the tater tots with the cooked ground beef, spreading it out to cover the tots. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef layer. 3. Add the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together a can of cream of mushroom soup and a half cup of milk. Pour the creamy sauce over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed. 4. Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. 5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it hot and enjoy the crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and creamy sauce all in one delicious bite. Remember, you can always customize your tater tot casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different types of cheese. Get creative and make it your own!

Variations Variations: One of the great things about tater tot casserole is its versatility. There are countless ways to customize this delicious dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some variations to consider: - Add Vegetables: To amp up the nutritional value and add some extra flavor, consider adding vegetables to your tater tot casserole. You can include diced bell peppers, onions, corn, or even broccoli. Simply sauté the vegetables before layering them with the other ingredients. - Experiment with Different Cheeses: Cheese lovers rejoice! You can get creative with the type of cheese you use in your tater tot casserole. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a combination of different cheeses can take this dish to the next level. - Try Chicken or Vegetarian Alternatives: If you're not a fan of ground beef or looking for a healthier option, you can substitute it with chicken. Simply cook and shred the chicken before layering it in the casserole. Alternatively, you can go for a vegetarian twist by using plant-based protein or additional vegetables instead of meat. These variations allow you to put your own spin on the classic tater tot casserole recipe and create a dish that suits your preferences perfectly. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make it truly your own! Vegetarian Version If you're looking to enjoy a vegetarian-friendly version of tater tot casserole, you can easily replace the ground beef with plant-based protein or incorporate additional vegetables. Here's how: - Option 1: Plant-Based Protein If you prefer a meat-like texture and flavor, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein alternatives such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Simply cook the plant-based protein according to the package instructions and season it with your favorite spices. - Option 2: Extra Vegetables If you want to add more veggies to your tater tot casserole, consider incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables. Some delicious options include diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables in a bit of olive oil until they are tender, and then layer them in the casserole dish along with the tater tots and cheese. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the vegetarian version may require less time in the oven. Keep an eye on the casserole and remove it from the oven when the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. With these simple substitutions, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian tater tot casserole that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you choose plant-based protein or extra vegetables, this dish will still be a crowd-pleasing favorite!

Gluten-Free Option If you or someone in your family follows a gluten-free diet, don't worry! You can still enjoy a delicious tater tot casserole without any gluten. Here are some tips and suggestions for making a gluten-free version of this mouthwatering dish. 1. Gluten-Free Tater Tots: The key to a gluten-free tater tot casserole is to use gluten-free tater tots. Check the packaging carefully to ensure they are free from any gluten-containing ingredients. There are several brands available in the market that offer gluten-free options. 2. Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup: Most traditional cream of mushroom soups contain gluten. However, you can easily find gluten-free cream of mushroom soup in grocery stores or make your own at home using gluten-free ingredients. This will ensure that the sauce in your tater tot casserole is gluten-free. 3. Gluten-Free Ground Beef: When using ground beef in your gluten-free tater tot casserole, make sure it is free from any added gluten-containing seasonings or fillers. Check the label or ask your butcher to be certain. 4. Gluten-Free Cheese: Some cheeses may contain gluten due to added ingredients or cross-contamination during processing. Look for brands that specifically state they are gluten-free or opt for natural cheeses that are less likely to contain gluten. 5. Check Other Ingredients: Besides the main components of the casserole, such as tater tots, ground beef, soup, and cheese, it's important to double-check all other ingredients you plan to use. This includes spices, seasonings, and any additional toppings. Choose gluten-free alternatives or brands that clearly indicate they are gluten-free. By following these tips and ensuring all the ingredients are gluten-free, you can create a delicious tater tot casserole that is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Enjoy this comforting dish without any worries! Serving and Storage When it comes to serving the mouthwatering tater tot casserole, there are a few options to consider. This delectable dish can be enjoyed on its own as a main course, or you can pair it with some delightful side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. One popular choice is to serve the casserole with a fresh green salad, which adds a refreshing and healthy element to the plate. The crispness of the salad perfectly complements the creamy and savory flavors of the casserole. If you're looking for something heartier, you can also serve the tater tot casserole alongside some steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes. These side dishes add a satisfying texture and complement the flavors of the casserole. Additionally, you can get creative and experiment with different toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or even guacamole to enhance the taste and presentation of the dish. When it comes to storing leftovers of this delectable casserole, it's important to follow some simple guidelines to ensure the best quality and taste. Once the casserole has cooled down, transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This will help prevent any moisture or odors from seeping in and affecting the taste. If you plan on enjoying the leftovers within a few days, store the casserole in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days, but make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or oven until it is heated through. If you want to keep the casserole for a longer period, it can be stored in the freezer. Make sure to wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy the frozen casserole, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will help maintain the texture and flavors of the dish. Whether you're serving the casserole fresh or enjoying the leftovers, you can be sure that each bite will be bursting with deliciousness!

Tips and Tricks

When it comes to making the best tater tot casserole, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your dish to the next level. Here are some useful suggestions to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time: - Preheat the oven: Before you start assembling your casserole, make sure to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature. This will ensure that your tater tots cook evenly and become nice and crispy. - Evenly distribute the tater tots: When layering the tater tots in your casserole dish, be sure to spread them out evenly. This will help them cook uniformly and prevent any soggy spots. - Add extra seasonings: While the classic tater tot casserole recipe is delicious on its own, you can enhance the flavors by adding some extra seasonings. Consider sprinkling some garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika over the top before baking for an extra kick of flavor. By following these tips and tricks, you can elevate your tater tot casserole to new heights. The combination of preheating the oven, evenly distributing the tater tots, and adding extra seasonings will result in a dish that is bursting with flavor and has the perfect crispy texture. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this tater tot casserole is sure to be a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tater tots for this casserole? Yes, you can use frozen tater tots for this recipe. Simply follow the instructions on the package to bake them before adding them to the casserole.Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat? Of course! You can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even sausage for a different flavor. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before layering it in the casserole.Can I make this casserole vegetarian-friendly? Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and texture.How long does this casserole need to bake? The baking time for the tater tot casserole is typically around 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). However, oven temperatures may vary, so it's best to check for a golden and bubbly top layer to ensure it is fully cooked.Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When you're ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may take a bit longer to heat through.How should I store the leftovers? If you have any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through.Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the tater tot casserole for future meals. Make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.Can I add extra toppings to the casserole? Absolutely! You can get creative with toppings like shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or even sliced green onions. Add them during the last few minutes of baking to allow them to melt or crisp up Read the full article

#American #Desserts #Recipe

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awesomeforever · 1 year ago

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Serve one of these casseroles as your meatless main for dinner tonight. With only three steps or less, these vegetarian dishes are easy to make. Recipes like our Cheesy Sweet Potato & Black Bean Casserole and Broccoli & Quinoa Casserole are delicious and satisfying choices for dinner. A cozy, cheesy casserole is classic comfort food. We amped up the nutrition by including plenty of nourishing veggies. Black beans provide powerful plant-based protein while the sweet potatoes offer up a healthy dose of vitamin A, an antioxidant important for vision and immunity. This easy egg casserole is filled with spring green vegetables and rustic whole-grain bread. It's perfect for a healthy vegetarian dinner or a springtime brunch. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning when you're ready. This broccoli-quinoa casserole makes a hearty vegetarian main dish. As the quinoa absorbs water and cooks, it creates the perfect amount of steam for cooking the broccoli. The broccoli is crisp-tender and adds texture to contrast with the creamy, cheesy quinoa. Swap in tricolor quinoa, if you prefer. Tomatoes and briny feta cheese form the base of the sauce that coats the pasta in this easy one-pan meal. Enjoy on its own as a vegetarian dinner or top with grilled chicken for some extra protein. This cauliflower casserole is inspired by nachos and stuffed with tender roasted cauliflower, sweet red pepper and brown rice. Salsa helps bind the ingredients together, along with melted cheese. Crushed tortilla chips on top add crunch. Serve with the suggested garnishes, or add your own favorite toppings to complete the dish. This one-pan recipe is the casserole version of spanakopita! It's hearty enough to enjoy as a vegetarian lunch or dinner, yet versatile enough to serve alongside just about any protein. To make it extra creamy, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream. Think of this vegetarian enchilada casserole as a veggie-packed Mexican-inspired lasagna with corn tortillas standing in for the noodles! If your peppers are mild and you like heat, opt for spicy pico de gallo. This easy vegetarian dinner recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. This is the macaroni and cheese recipe that would have been made in the kitchens at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Jefferson first became familiar the creamy, cheesy baked dish of macaroni from his time in Paris and it was enslaved cooks, James Hemings, Peter Hemings, Edith Hern Fossett and Frances Gillette Hern, who prepared this favorite dish over the years. The popularization of this iconic American dish can be traced to Black cooks, like Peter Fossett (the freed son of Edith Hern Fossett), Rufus Estes and Freda De Knight, who helped spread the dish throughout the United States. Learn more about Macaroni and Cheese at Monticello. This ooey-gooey dish has baked-pasta vibes but features protein-packed beans instead of noodles. Look for dried corona beans, a larger, creamy white bean, at natural-foods stores or online. Cannellini are a good substitute. Serve with a green salad and toasted baguette. This cheesy tortellini bake is a dish the whole family will love--it's filled with sweet-tasting marinara, mushrooms and spinach and topped with melted cheese. Complete the meal, plus get in another vegetable serving, by adding a side of broccoli or a small green salad. Cherry tomatoes and mushrooms bake along with goat cheese to form the base of the sauce that cooks the pasta right in the baking dish—no stovetop required. source

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chickenfriedrecipe1 · 1 year ago

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Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe - Chicken Fried Receipe | Popular Chicken Food Fried Breast & Thigh Rice chili Receipe

Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe

“This hamburger steak smothered in thick brown gravy with onions is supremely delicious ultra juicy that the whole family would love to have for dinner“.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

¼ cup bread crumbs

1 egg

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon seasoned salt

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup thinly sliced onion

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup beef broth

1 tablespoon cooking sherry

½ teaspoon seasoned salt

Method

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Form into 8 balls, then patties by spreading out.

Over moderate flame, heat oil in a big skillet. Fry the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully browned, after adding the onion. Place the meat patties on a plate and keep them heated.

Onions and drippings in the skillet should be covered with flour. Using a fork, mix in the flour while scraping any meat crumbs off the skillet’s bottom. Add the sherry and beef broth little by little. Add seasoning salt to your food. Over low heat, simmer and stir for 5 minutes or until gravy thickens.

Reduce heat to low, return patties to the gravy, cover, and simmer until cooked through, about 15 minutes.Serve with hot rice or potatoes for an easy-to-make dinner classic.

Nutrition facts

Total Fat 19g

Saturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 115mg

Sodium 597mg

Total Carbohydrate 14g

Dietary Fiber 1g

Total Sugars 3g

Protein 23g

Vitamin C 4mg

Calcium 50mg

Iron 3mg

Potassium 387mg

When you’re looking for something finer than a Hamburger Steak but less formal than a steak, this is the ideal simple dinner. This works every single time!

For more delicious recipes to check

How To Make Jambalaya Recipe At Home?

Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe

The Classic Lasagna Recipe

Italian Style Pork Chops recipe

#Italian Style Pork Chops recipe #The Classic Lasagna Recipe

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food100 · 1 year ago

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Homemade Lasagna is a classic recipe that every cook should have in their rotation.

Lasagna is the perfect meal, and of all of the recipes I’ve tried over the years, this is the perfect lasagna. We loved it so much, we even turned it into Lasagna Roll Ups. It’s flavorful and satisfying, but also easy to make. It’s delicious as-is, but you can make it your own by swapping in your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

This 3-cheese lasagna is the ultimate comfort food and the ingredients are refrigerator and pantry staples. See the recipe card below for quantities and full instructions.

Ground beef – We used 80/20 beef (20% fat content) for a juicier lasagna.

Onion – we use yellow onion, or sweet onion works well

Garlic cloves – you can add more if you love garlic

Red wine (or beef broth) – This amps up the flavor of your sauce (avoid using cooking wine).

Marinara sauce – Use homemade marinara or store-bought.

Dried thyme – Italian seasoning, basil, or oregano can be substituted

Sugar – balances the acidity of the tomatoes

Parsley – flat-leaf or curly parsley works well

Lasagna noodles – Cook these al dente; they’ll continue to soften as the lasagna bakes.

Cottage cheese – adds great texture and moisture

Ricotta cheese – we use low-fat or part-skim ricotta

Mozzarella cheese – An Italian cheese blend works, but mozzarella is definitely the classic choice

Egg – helps hold the cheese layer

Pro Tip: Use a very large pot of salted water to boil the lasagna noodles and stir them several times, especially right after adding them to the pot. This will keep them from sticking to each other and tearing.

>>> Get a FREE EBOOK with 200 Recipes Here

How to Make Lasagna

If you’d like to get a head start on this recipe, you can make the meat sauce a day or two in advance. That said, it’s still easy enough that you can make it all in one go, even for a weeknight dinner.

Brown the beef – Add oil to a deep pan and sautee onion and beef until browned, 5 minutes then add garlic and stir another minute.

Finish the sauce – Pour in 1/4 cup of wine and stir until almost evaporated. Add marinara, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley; bring to a simmer, then cover and cook 5 minutes.

Make the cheese filling – Combine all of the cheese sauce ingredients and 1 cup of mozzarella in a mixing bowl (reserve the rest for later).

Prep – Preheat your oven to 375ºF and cook the lasagna noodles in a pot of well-salted water until al dente.

Assemble – Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Add 3 noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat, then for the top layer, add 3 noodles, 1/3 of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella.

Bake – Cover with foil and bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned.

Rest – Let the lasagna rest for about 30 minutes before cutting and serving.

Pro Tip: There’s nothing worse than having the top portion of cheese stuck to the foil. To prevent this, I poke 8-10 toothpicks evenly around the top of the lasagna, pushing them in halfway to keep the foil from touching the cheese. Just be sure to count and remove every toothpick prior to serving.

.......................... Keep reading ......................

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naturessuperfoods · 1 year ago

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Boost Your Health with Nutritional Yeast: A Natural Powerhouse

Looking to enhance your health while adding a burst of flavor to your meals? Look no further than nutritional yeast! This natural powerhouse is gaining popularity for its exceptional nutritional profile and delicious taste.

Nutritional yeast, often referred to as "nooch," is a deactivated yeast that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for our bodies. This makes it an excellent addition to vegetarian and vegan diets.

One of the standout features of nutritional yeast is its high content of B vitamins, including B12. These vitamins are crucial for energy production, healthy nerve function, and a strong immune system. For those following a plant-based diet, nutritional yeast can be a valuable source of these essential nutrients.

In addition to its impressive vitamin and mineral content, nutritional yeast is also a great source of fiber. Fiber plays a vital role in digestive health, aiding in regular bowel movements and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

But what about the taste? Nutritional yeast has a savory, cheesy flavor that adds a delightful umami kick to a variety of dishes. Sprinkle it over popcorn, pasta, soups, or salads for a tasty and nutritious boost. It can even be used as a vegan cheese substitute in recipes like creamy sauces or dairy-free cheese spreads.

So, whether you're looking to amp up your nutrient intake, boost your energy levels, or simply add some savory goodness to your meals, give nutritional yeast a try. It's a natural powerhouse that can take your health and taste buds to new heights. Start incorporating it into your diet and experience the benefits firsthand. Your body will thank you!

#Nutritional Yeast

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ramblinganthropologist · 3 years ago

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MER Week Day 4: Mass Effect + Mass Effect Andromeda

Summary: 2179. What should have been a normal shore leave on the Citadel leaves Alistair and Bo Peep Shepard in a place they’ve never been before: teachers. What can these battle hardened biotics teach young Kitty and Dick... and why do they look so damn familiar?

---

“Well… we’re here. What do you want to do?”

“How about anything other than getting shot at?”

Now that was something Alistair could agree on as he stretched out as far as he could. His body was still sore from the last mission, the lack of sleep, and the ride to the Citadel. Honestly, he was amazed his bones weren’t cracking to bits as he walked along, taking in the artificial sunshine of the space station. Given what he had just been through, it was a true surprise he was still one piece.

Well, maybe that was to be expecting. After all, he and Bo were N7. They were supposed to be tough.

“Could always head to the Tea Cozy, unless you wanted to save that until tomorrow.” He threaded his arms behind his head as he walked, definitely not the picture of a military officer by any means. “Or we could check out the hamsters at Citadel Critters.”

Above his head, Bo rolled her eyes. “Last time I was there, you forgot I existed when you got too deep into discussions on how fucked up the breeding lines at the gift shop are.”

“Well, they are. I don’t know what they think they’re trying to pull…” His voice trailed off. Bo was giving him that look. “Right… specialist knowledge, general application. I’ll stop now.”

She gave him a nod. “That a boy. Honestly, I could go for chicken nuggets that come from a fryer instead of a microwave. It’s been too long since we’ve had real food.”

Real food sounded great right then, especially if it involved a milkshake. Just thinking about them made Alistair’s stomach growl. Judging from the noises coming from his sister, he wasn’t alone in the assessment. Easy enough – lunch it was. Lucky for them, they weren’t too far from one of their other favorite spots.

A few moments later, and the pair were seated by one of the many fountains that dotted the Citadel, their food spread out in front of them. For most people, it would have been a lot. For them, not so much. When it came down to it, they both just needed to eat way more food to keep their biotic systems operating at peak capacity. There was a term for it, and Alistair knew it, but he wasn’t thinking like a medic then. Instead, he was cradling a large paper cup happily, the sleeves of his jacket insulating his hands as he poked in the straw into the bright green concoction.

Nothing like Citadel Burger’s Shamrock Shake. Was he being a bad Irishman that he loved them? Probably, but it wasn’t like he was born in Ireland – that was his parent’s problem, and they were dead, so they really didn’t have anything to say on the matter. Until they managed it, he was content to put a hurting on the milkshake as he started to nibble on the straw.

“You’re supposed to use that to drink, you know.” Bo snickered as she started on her first order of nuggets. The first dip of the day was barbeque sauce, or at least it smelled that way. “You look like Fluffytail like that.”

He would’ve stuck out his tongue, but that would’ve been messy. Instead, he just kept drinking his milkshake and swinging his foot that didn’t quite touch the ground. What could he say, the benches were designed for aliens, and he wasn’t exactly designed for playing basketball. It was something he had… mostly… come to accept.

Mostly.

“I won’t bite through this one.” He leaned back to watch the crowd in front of them. Then downside of Alliance life was being absolutely surrounded by humans. Even back on Mindoir, there had been aliens around, even if they had been far less numerous than the space station. It was why he liked coming to the Citadel – it helped remind him they were part of a community. Of course, that community wasn’t all that fond of humans yet, but they were getting there.

Speaking of community… off the distance, Alistair watched a C-SEC agent picked up the pace. He looked rather upset about something, but it wasn’t clear what. Or, rather, it wasn’t until the blast of light knocked them into a bush.

“What the fuck.” Bo shot him a glance as she got up, bringing her nuggets with her. “Was that?”

She didn’t need to finish the sentence – Alistair had felt it too. It was the telltale tingle of human powered biotics, as if their amps were ringing out in response to the activity. More than that, it was uncontrolled as hell. That left only a few options – someone who was clearly about to melt down, or they were a kid who had no idea what they were doing. Neither were circumstances he trusted a C-SEC agent to handle, and from the looks of things he wasn’t alone. So, he picked up his milkshake and followed behind his sister as they headed over.

The officer, a young turian with blue face paint, was groaning in the bush. His armor was a bit scuffed, but he hadn’t sustained any permanent damage. He wasn’t alone either – in front of the bush, a teenager was laying spread eagle, dazed and confused.

“Human cannonball’s a classic… so who launched them?” Alistair glanced from human to turian. Neither looked badly hurt, but they probably had some scrapes that medigel could fix. “Bo, want to go?”

But she was already gone before he could finish the statement, heading off in the direction of a nearby park. That left him alone, shaking his head as he activated his medigel dispenser. Lucky for him, he had just refilled it before getting off the ship.

Medigel – never leave home without it.

“Alright, so who wants medigel?” He glanced towards the turian, who was already starting to come to. “How about you, Officer- “

The turian stood up, wincing a little. “Vakarian. I’m fine, just a little rattled. Some human kids…”

His voice trailed off. One of the human kids was still groaning at his feet, clearly the loser in the fight between the species. Honestly, they were kind of pathetic, laying there in a lump, half hidden by an oversized sweatshirt that was clearly a few sizes too large.

Boy, was that a reminder of his teenage years…

“I think they need this more than you.” Alistair knelt down to assess the patient. “Hey, are you able to focus?”

Green eyes slowly focused on him – good, no concussion. While he was shit at gauging ages, they couldn’t have been older than 17. More than that, the metal jutting out of the back of their neck was new. Most kids that weren’t him got that at puberty and spent time after that practicing so they didn’t blow shit up. Clearly, someone was still in the blowing shit up phase.

So… he’d put them 16 at best.

“Y-yeah…” they groaned, holding their head. “Where…”

Officer Vakarian filled that in for him. “In the Presidium. You know you’re not supposed to use biotics here, Dick.”

He looked around, towards where Bo had run off. “Did Kitty cause it this time?”

Dick and Kitty… well, Alistair was in no position to judge anyone’s names Still, at least the officer knew his would-be patient. That would make getting them back on their feet easier, especially if he had access to their emergency contacts.

He wasn’t really used to using those while people were still alive… so this was going to be a new one for him.

Dick shook his head, and then instantly seemed to regret it as he started to groan. “Maybe? It’s kind of a blur, Officer Vakarian…”

He looked up at Alistair, frowning. “Was it that bad you brought the EMTs in?”

Alistair chuckled as he waved his hand. “Don’t worry, I’m just a passerby. I can fix up your scrapes, though. It doesn’t look like you’ve got a concussion. Still getting used to your biotics, I see.”

He offered his hand, and the boy took it. Much to his quiet relief, Dick was still shorter than him. It was a little petty, but the marine took his small victories when he got them. Besides, the boy would outgrow him in a year or so. They always did.

Maybe he had been kidding about being mostly ok with his height… he was only human.

“Yeah… I got my amp six months ago.” Dick touched the back of his neck, frowning. “How’d you know?”

Before Alistair could answer, his attention was drawn by a flash of pink. Bo had returned, and at her side was another teenager. This one shared Dick’s face and green eyes, but the hair was blue and there was a bandage over their nose. At least they didn’t seem too put off by his sister, though the sight of Officer Vakarian caused them to blanche.

Ah. He knew an instigator when he saw one. Somebody was busted.

“We were totally not in the common area, Officer Vakarian, I swear.” Who he assumed was Kitty held up her scraped hands – yep, those were going to need medigel. “Dick and I were just…”

The turian shook his head. “Just using your biotics outside of a registered practice zone. That’s the third time this week. I left you off the last time, but now I’m going to have to call your parents on this one.”

The two teenagers winced at the thought, and Alistair felt a pang of sympathy. While he hadn’t been as young as them when he’d first gotten his amp, he remembered the early jitters of new biotics and the need to get them working. Of course, he had never launched a C-SEC agent into a bush, but… well, hormones and biotics were tricky.

“What if my sister and I talked to them about it?”

All eyes were suddenly on him – the hopeful gaze of the two would-be criminals, the mildly confused glance of the turian agent, and his sister, looking amused by this. Talk about a tough room to work. At least sweat didn’t bead on his forehead. Maybe he was getting used to public speaking.

And maybe the hanar would get into rodeo. No way he was ever talking in front of people…

“And… what would that do?” Officer Vakarian cocked his head to the side. Most people would take that as instigating, but there wasn’t the tone to his voice. Instead, he sounded curious. Maybe he wanted to see how this would play out.

Smart man – maybe he’d be the lucky one to make it to retirement.

Bo was the one who answered for him. She motioned to her neck, allowing the metal to catch the light. Unlike the two teenagers’, her amp had seen some action. It was scuffed and starting to look a little dull. His probably wasn’t much better, but it wasn’t like he could see it. After all, it was on the back of his fucking head.

“We’re biotics who got past the unintentional blow shit up phase.”

Emphasis in her case on unintentional.

Alistair nodded though, keeping his eye on the turian all the while. “Plus, I think two N7 level marines could give these two a worthy lecture. No need to get their parents in on this, Officer. You’ve probably got a hundred more important things to do, right?”

Nothing like giving someone an out and reminding them of the work piling up to get them off your case. He could practically see the gears churning underneath the face plates and face paint. Just a few more seconds of contemplation…

Officer Vakarian sighed and shook his head. “Try to keep an eye on your sister, Dick. I’ll let you both off with a warning this time since these two are going to vouch for you.”

The twins visibly relaxed at this. Not long after, the turian departed – probably to go write a parking ticket or mess up someone else’s day. This left Alistair and Bo in a weird quasi state of loco parentis that definitely made him sweat a little as he eyed the two teenagers in front of him.

Maybe he should’ve thought this one out better.

“Well, I’m getting back to our food before the Keepers clean it up.” Bo glanced over her shoulders at their new friends. “Follow me if you don’t want to get arrested, squirts.”

Back to the food it was then. Much to Alistair’s relief, the Keepers had left it alone. Of course, that didn’t matter much – there were mild injuries to be treated. More importantly, he realized he was getting a rather dirty look from Kitty as she glanced over at him.

Was it something he said?

At least Dick didn’t seem to mind as he settled into the bench. “Thanks for saving us… I don’t think you said your name.”

“Alistair, and that’s my sister Bo.” She nodded her head at his introduction. “Not a problem. Who wants the medigel first?”

Kitty shot him another dirty look as she tugged at her brother’s sleeve. “Thanks for the save, but not int- “

Contact with her scraped palms was enough to make her hiss. Alistair shook his head as he motioned for her to come over. She fought it briefly, but soon she was seated across from him, holding out her hands as he applied the medigel. Maybe in a few years she would be a proper badass like Bo, but she still had a ways to go. Still, not bad for a 16-year-old, especially one so new to biotics. There was hope for her yet.

“Best to clean these up before they get infected. Biotics mess with heal rates and germs can get trapped underneath the skin.” He motioned to Bo. “Ask her if you don’t believe me.”

Next to him, his sister bristled. “That was ONE time…”

And once was enough for him.

“Yeah, whatever, thanks.” Kitty pulled her healed hands away, almost as if she was burned. “Can we go now? I get enough N7 bullshit at home, I don’t need it from two randos on shore leave.”

She sent him a withering glance. “Especially not from the boy scout over here.”

Well, wasn’t someone a fucking delight…

“Kitty, they’re just being nice…” Dick frowned as he turned towards the pair. “Sorry… we uh… don’t really get along with our dad. He’s N7 too.”

Huh. Now that Alistair was getting a good look at them, something did strike him as vaguely familiar. It wasn’t exact, but he’d sworn he’d seen those eyes somewhere before, it just was hard to put his finger on it. Maybe it had been someone he had been in training with? It was going to drive him nuts… damn name was on the tip of his tongue.

“Most of them are bastards except for me and the boy scout.” Bo, always the fountain of truth. “What’s his name? Maybe we kicked his ass for you once or twice during training.”

At the mention of her father’s ass being kicked, Kitty brightened. “God, I hope so. He’s such an ass… but his name’s Alec Ryder.”

…

Oh, fuck.

Alistair felt his eye twitch as he looked from one teen to the next. He could see it now, in the defiant set of Kitty’s jaw and the pointed accuracy of Dick’s gaze. Normally, he saw those features combined and set into the face of an old man he wanted to blast into a fucking wall. Maybe the outright lack of assholeism was enough to make him temporarily forget the face of the man he hated more than anyone else.

Who the hell had taste bad enough to marry Alec Ryder, and where could he send his condolences?

“That asshole is your dad?” Bo snorted. “Al, I think you just found someone to beat you in the shittiest father competition.”

Oh, how he wanted to agree… but was it wrong to badmouth a father in front of his children like this?

Dick must’ve been a mind reader, because he smiled awkwardly. “It’s ok if you don’t like him, we think he’s an asshole too.”

“Oh, thank God…” Alistair sighed in relief. “I didn’t want to talk badly about him in front of you if you liked him.”

So sue him, he didn’t exactly put much stock in father-child relationships. After all, his fucking sucked. Judging from the looks on the twins’ faces, they knew exactly how he felt. And how could they not – they had Alec fucking Ryder for a father. The man was a blowhard douchebag on a good day; Alistair didn’t even want to think of what he might be like at home. His poor wife…

Nah, he was definitely divorced. No way anyone stayed married to that man for long.

“Well, at least we know other Alliance people hate him. Guess that means we’re not crazy.” Kitty seemed visibly cheered by this as she grabbed for one of Alistair’s fries – he let her; she was a growing biotic. “So, what about that little lecture you were planning? Can we skip it if we promise never to do it again and don’t cross our fingers this time?”

At that, Alistair shook his head. “No, we do need to talk about that. You got lucky this time because your strike was off. Full force could’ve really hurt Officer Vakarian or your brother.”

Dick’s head picked up very slightly at that – and as the pieces fell into place, his heart went out to him. Kitty on the other hand just looked mildly annoyed at the assessment of her aim as she stole some more fries. Lucky for him, he’d gotten extra.

“I didn’t even dent his armor…”

Bo snorted. “Not with a strike that weak. If you really want to put some force into it, you need to generate a little spin before you strike. It makes it hit harder.”

“It does?”

Oh, no. He could see where this one was going… best to nip it in the bud before Officer Vakarian got launched out the airlock with their next practice attempt.

“You need better control before you attempt something like that.” He sipped absent-mindedly at his milkshake. “And better separation of your attack styles. That felt like a half warp, half singularity to me. I would focus on getting each move down first.”

It was an argument that often fell on deaf ears, especially if they belonged to teenagers. He could just tell from the look on Kitty’s face that the kind of practice he was suggesting would bore her to tears. On the bright side, at least her brother looked interested. Dick actually had his omni-tool out and was honest-to-God taking notes.

Kid like that was an ego boost and a half… talk about having a favorite.

“That works fine for defense, but if you’re interested in front line assault, you need power. Sometimes it come down to who can hit harder.” Bo cracked her knuckles for emphasis. “I’d start lifting weights honestly.”

He shot her a look over his milkshake. “You’re going to turn them into berserkers, Bo.”

“What, it’s a valid strategy. You teach yours your way, I’ll handle mine.” Bo motioned for Kitty to get closer. “Now… the key to a good smack…”

Alistair was left groaning as he gave up – he knew a lost cause when he saw one. At least there would always be a future for them in destruction. On the bright side, he still had an attentive pupil, eager for more information. He could work with that.

“Well, since they’ve decided to go blunt force, we could discuss defensive maneuvers…”

“Sure, sounds good!”

Music to his ears… now, where to start?

---

“Thanks, Bo! I’ll let you know how the weightlifting goes!”

Kitty’s voice carried over the Presidium as she and her brother waved goodbye. Apparently, it was time for them to go home for dinner. This left their two impromptu instructors standing by the fountain, watching them go.

They were good kids, if a little green.

“Kid’s going to be killer when she gets older.” Bo chuckled, clearly pleased. “How about yours? We got another brick wall in the making?”

Alistair nodded as he worked to clean up their trash. “Dick has promise if he works on controlling his barriers. The new amps are great for fine motor skills. I can’t wait to see what they come up with as their hormone levels even out.”

With any luck, he wouldn’t see either of them in the Alliance anytime soon. As much as he appreciated them helping to keep his brain for overheating, the last thing he wanted was for a young biotic to think their only option was the military. Things were getting better now, or at least better than they had been when he was their age. Maybe with luck, they’d avoid it altogether.

That was at least his hope for them.

“Kitty said she’s going to send me some vids when she makes progress. She’ll probably slide the string bean in there too.” The sight of the clock in the nearby square caused Bo to wince. “Shit, it’s really that late? We were talking to those kids for two hours…”

No wonder his throat hurt so much…

“Guess we just got excited.” The pair started walking back to where they were staying, plans still on their mind for tomorrow. “Though, hard to believe they’re Alec Ryder’s kids.”

Bo snorted at that. “Yeah, they’re actually hu- “

She stopped, and then started to snicker. “Damn… can’t believe I didn’t pick that up until now.”

Alistair cocked his eyebrow as he watched his sister chuckle. If there was a joke, he wasn’t getting it. Of course, maybe he was just tired from the explanations. Either way, it be nice if she let him in sometime.

“What?”

“Their names are Dick and Kitty Ryder.” Another snicker. “Dick Ryder, come on…”

…

“Come on, Al, you know you’d have gone there too if you were in his shoes. Don’t hate cause the kid picked a better name than you did.”

He wasn’t hating… he was appreciating the balls it took to run with the joke all the way to legal documents. There was a difference.

“I would’ve gone with Knight or Ghost personally, but we all know my opinions on riding dick.” It was a miracle he kept a straight face at that.

“He had to, you already got Kitty Ryder. Gotta complete the set after all.”

Bo was grinning like the cat that ate the canary, and honestly, he wasn’t doing much better if the shake of his shoulders was anything to go by. At least he managed to keep walking, though a thousand jokes were still bubbling up with every step he took. He pushed them down – didn’t want to overdo it after all.

“Come on, let’s get back before we find some more biotic children to mentor. I want to watch Forensic Files VI tonight.”

“Ugh, you always want to watch Forensic Files…”

What, it was like the only thing available in like every system. So sue him.

Still, Alistair got a good feeling about the future as he walked with Bo by his side. If the new generation of biotics were like the pair in the park, maybe things would turn out better. Hell, maybe one day he’d hear about the Ryder twins making their own history.

Of course, that was for another day. At the moment, he had more pressing matters in mind – like beating Bo back so he could wrestle away control of the remote for a few hours. That was a fight he was willing to go to the death on.

Ah, nothing like shore leave. Why wasn’t it always this enlightening?

#merweek2021 #Bo Peep Shepard #Alistair Shepard #Dick Ryder #Kitty Ryder #and ft Officer Vakarian who didn't realize he just met his husband lol

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downtoearthmarkets · 4 years ago

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Celebrating love while at least 6' apart could feel awkward. Valentine's Day this year won't bring Galentine's gatherings or romantic dinners at bustling bistros. But that's ok, there are other ways to make sure the important people in your life feel loved. Feeding someone is a classic way to show affection, and this year why not amp it up a little by sharing the caring more widely? If you can't get together with your favorite guys and gals you can still play Cupid by dropping off dinner and dessert or a gift bag of highlights from the farmers market. Show affection for your nearest and dearest by showing a fine attention to detail with treats that meet their dietary needs and preferences. Our bakers have decadent sweets but you will also find gluten-free, vegan, low-sugar and no-sugar-added options at the farmers market. Or steer away from indulgence and towards nourishment with a kit of ingredients to make a meal (a simmer sauce, protein and vegetable for example), or a breakfast spread of artisan bread, jam and a bag of coffee beans. You can find all this and more at the farmers market this weekend, including some special items that our food makers have prepared just for the holiday.

#valentines #valentines day #gifts #romantic food

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belladonnaandulriched · 4 years ago

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amped and wired, part two | chapter one: break my body

It had been two days since Lars and I returned home from the City and I had no idea when he wanted to return home to the Bay Area. While I had been relishing in every moment I was in bed and taking my sweet time in getting up: the feeling of having all the blankets wrapped around me like I was a burrito of some sort. I always buried my head into the real soft part of the pillow: it all cradled me like my mom's arms. I always woke up toasty warm and feeling soft.

He seemed more adept at lounging on my couch forever than making an effort to get back home—and I thought I had my lazy moments. If it was any compliment to him, he didn't deserve to be left out in the cold like what happened to me. But for two full days now, I had gotten up and found him lazing on the couch, right on top of one of my blankets in his plain T-shirt and pants; at least he took off his shoes—I think he only got up to take a piss whenever he could and wanted to. The second morning I woke up to get myself a cup of coffee and check on him, he remained in the same spot as the night before, even when I told him “good night.” Really, I don't think he even so much as moved.

At one point, I looked into his face from clear across the room and I wanted to pat the sides of his face or maybe bitch slap 'em a li'l bit but I knew it was to be a bit too much at that time. Those green eyes seemed to gaze off into nothing, kind of like how I felt the moment I hung up the phone from Charlie. His arms dangled about him like the arms of a marionette puppet without its master. His body looked heavy and small at the same time: sluggish, if you will, like one of the many Mayas after he knocked their heads off.

Every now and again, I thought of asking him how he felt, and every single time, I thought he would reply to me in the worst way possible. I sat at the kitchen table humming to myself and thinking of drumlines to put down once I stole a moment in a studio when I thought of his drumming. But he didn't seem so intent on making any kind of movements such as that even vaguely possible.

Eventually before dinner on that second night, I strode up to him with a fluttery feeling in the pit of my stomach, and yet it needed to be done. He lay there on my couch with his arms folded over his chest and his face glazed over like he had been spinning around in too many circles. It was the most he had moved in two days.

“Alright, Lars, it's been a coupla days,” I started at a quick clip, “do ya mind tellin' me what's goin' on in that head of yours?”

He didn't reply: he continued to stare up at the ceiling with that blank expression on his face. I ran my fingers through my black curls, such that I could feel their dried out roots. I needed a shower, or a drink of water. Or both.

“Lars,” I said in a low voice. “Lars.”

He didn't move or make a sound. He just lay there like he was stoned out of his wits, but his eyes were way too clear. I frowned at him and I was unsure if he could even see me. There was a faint little nugget of light in those green irises, but nothing to write home about. I sighed through my nose and doubled back to the kitchen to start on making something for the both of us. The least I could do was make him something, given the night before I just made myself something: I would have asked him if he wanted anything to eat for himself but he didn't even bat a lash at the notion of me eating two helpings of chili solo.

Given it was rather cold that night with that freezing torrential lake effect rain making its way in, I was in the mood for something traditional but I didn't feel like ringing up my mom especially since the night began falling upon us. But I needed something to warm me up, something to coax me back into bed.

Something with pasta and some tomatoes. The real meat and potatoes.

I kept that in mind as I whipped up a big pot of angel hair and some tomato sauce—I wished for my mom's meatballs there with me, but it was either eat it there while it was all still hot or let it get cold (ew!)

I slung a dish towel over my shoulder even though I wasn't much of a cook so to speak, but it was good enough, though. I lingered over the top of the pot of sauce, and rested my hands on the edge of the counter, and took a whiff. I'm a simple Italian boy: I make something with tomatoes, I've gotta smell it. I closed my eyes and relished in that nice smell for a moment before I went to tell Lars about it. I still had the towel over my shoulder as made my way into the next room.

“Lars, I made some spaghetti—you want some?”

He still didn't reply. I finally buried my face in my hands and let out an exasperated sigh.

“C'mon, Lars, ya gotta eat!” I insisted, and I made my way into the next room. I stood over him with my hands on my hips. I wasn't much taller than him, but I was the one standing over him. I knew what he was feeling, but I needed him to eat, especially since he hadn't eaten anything or even so much as had a drink of water in the past two days alone.

“Lars,” I said in a firm tone of voice. “Lars!”

He parted his lips a tiny little bit and a soft mumble emerged from the back of his mouth, except I couldn't exactly hear what he said. I stopped in place, and then I wondered if he was saying something but his mouth was too dry. I crouched down next to him.

“What was that?” I asked him in a softer tone. He made the noise again: it sounded as though he had something stuck in his throat. I ran my tongue along my bottom lip and I realized that I needed a drink of water myself.

“What'd you say? C'mon, man, help me out here.”

Lars closed his lips and swallowed it down. He rolled his head to the side.

“Lars,” I said again; his eyes were closing. “Lars! Lars—hey, c'mon, man, wake up!”

He fell asleep right there.

“Lars... Lars!”

I reached for the sides of his face and patted him several times.

“Come on—come on!”

I reached down for the side of the blanket and gave it a good yank. Fell right on my ass and bumped my knee on the bottom of the couch.

“Ow! Damn!”

I looked up to find he hadn't budged or even so much as changed his expression. I fetched up an exasperated sigh and stood to my feet, albeit my knee and the lower parts of my legs all throbbing in pain. I fixed the towel on my shoulder and ran my fingers through my hair again. Yeah, I definitely needed a drink of water to go with my pasta.

I made my way back into the kitchen and served myself a plate, complete with lots of tomato sauce. My mom's meatballs definitely would have been the finishing touch on it, but I didn't have much other choice. I drank down a big glass of water to go with it, but I knew I would have to shower, too, seeing as I had no chance to do so yesterday or the day before when we made our return.

I had two helpings seeing as I wanted to give some to Lars, but he hadn't said anything about it so I helped myself. The second time I added some grated parmesan on top for a little more of a nuance.

Afterwards, I rinsed off my plate and put away the rest in the fridge. Since I had a two large helpings of it, my jeans were feeling a little extra snug than normal. In fact, my stomach had a little more tightness than usual. I was warm—a little too warm. And soft.

Granted, it wasn't that late, but my bed called me from the kitchen there. I ran my fingers through my curls again, but that time I reached over with my other hand to switch off the light. The whole place engulfed with dim light from the lights and the orange reflection of it all on the clouds outside. I lifted my arms over my head to let my belly hang out a little bit and then I made my way towards my room.

“Do you think I should call my mother?” Lars asked me, and the sound of his voice sliced through the silence so quickly, it made me jump. But I caught myself and fixed the collar of my sweatshirt. I looked over at him and his eyes staring back at me through the darkness.

“Well—do you need to call her?” I led him into it.

“I do not know. And I do not know what to tell her, either. Like, what am I supposed to tell her, 'hi, Mom. Is Dad around? Oh, nothing... just gone depressing and everything...”

I frowned at him even though I knew he couldn't see me.

“Is there still some pasta left?” he asked.

“Yeah, there's plenty. I was just about to go in here and chill for a little while before I go to sleep.”

“It's not even that late, though.”

“Yeah, but I'm very full and warm, so...”

“Ah. Feeling relaxed.”

“Besides, you gotta eat, man. I banged my knee and my shin on the couch tryin' ta get yer ass up.”

“I know you did.”

“Well, why didn't you?”

“'Cause I'm an idiot. That's why.”

“Lars, you're not an idiot. You're not. Trust me. I'm the idiot here.”

“You?” He seemed appalled by that.

“Yeah. The biggest idiot you've ever seen.”

“Joey, you're a fucking badass, man. You're a hero.”

“A hero? No, no, no, nah, nah, nah, nah. No. No freaking way.”

“You are, though. You don't realize it right now, but you are in fact a hero.”

“Do you want some pasta or no?”

“I might as well.” Even though it was dark, I could smell the disappointment on him from there. I strode over to the lamp next to the chair and switched it on: golden yellow light washed over the room, and in time for his sitting up from the couch.

“By the way, I hope you can forgive me,” he started again. I turned around to face him with my eyebrows knitted together.

“For what?”

“Taking up your couch.”

“You're not takin' up anything, Lars,” I assured him.

“Really?”

“Really. Really, really.”

He groaned in his throat and he stood to his feet. I watched him make his way into the kitchen for a plate of pasta himself, and then I sank down on the couch myself. His laying there for as long as he did gave it an extra touch of softness. I heard him shuffling about in there but I found myself figuring out the cushions a bit more right then. I spread my legs and leaned back: softer than normal. Lars tenderized this thing. It helped that I was extra full so I could relax to of great extent right there.

Speak of the devil, he returned to the front room with a small plate of it in one hand and he took his seat next to me.

“It's not my mom's but—” I shrugged at him. “—what're ya gonna do.”

He once again stayed in silence. In fact, the whole entire time he ate it up, he was silent. I had one arm up on the back of the couch and my legs spread wide open.

At one point, he looked over at me with his mouth of those slender little noodles with a bemused look on his face. His eyes flicked down to my thighs and my crotch and then he examined my body. He swallowed the bite.

“What?” I asked him.

“Nothing. It's just—it's good to have a quiet moment for once.”

“I know, right?” I chuckled at that. “How is it, by the way?”

“It's delicious. Perfect, like it just... hits the spot.”

“I was in the mood for sump'n traditional,” I confessed with another shrug of the shoulders. “By the way, you gonna be fine out here? Y'know, sleepin' tonight? I know you did it the first night we got back, and then last night, too.”

“Actually, I was—I was wondering if—” He paused.

“Wondering if what?” He nibbled on his bottom lip.

“What?”

His face fell.

“Lars?”

The room was silent, save for the tiny beginning droplets on the roof overhead.

One of the best things ever, I don't care what happens to me in life, is falling asleep when your stomach is nice and full and the rain hits the roof in torrents. It will never get old and I was wishing for that right then and there: just take off my clothes and climb into bed and relish in the warmth while listening to the rain over me.

“I was wondering if you would—allow me—to—bunk with you tonight.”

“Like, in my bed with me?”

“Yes. We can sleep head to toe if you wish.”

“Uh—um—yeah,” I said, reluctant. “Yeah, we can do that. It beats sleepin' out here by yourself.”

“Exactly! I was feeling alone for a bit there before you turned off the light.”

“Well, why didn't you say somethin'?”

“I didn't know how to break it to you, especially after all that's happened.”

“Lars, look at me...”

And he did.

“I've got a feelin' that you and I are gonna be here a while,” I told him with a clearing of my throat. “That is until—sump'n happens. I dunno what, though.”

He set his fork down on the edge of the plate and took another look at me.

“You done?” I asked him and I held out my hand to take his plate.

“Yes, but I'll take it, though, Joey. Don't worry about it.”

He stood to his feet and I watched him make his way over to the kitchen. I stayed there on those extra cushions for a moment before I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I looked over at the mouth of the hallway and saw something moving over there. I fetched up a sigh and I knew it had to be either Vera or Mrs. Snow coming forth given the sun had gone down and the rain was falling over our heads. I had to find a sweet spot, a little pocket of time to tell Lars about the ghosts here, otherwise who knows how he would react?

He returned to the front room with his long hair tousled a bit and his face in a daze.

“You alright?” I asked him.

“Oh, yeah. I should ask you that, too, though.”

I nibbled on my bottom lip.

“Joey—? Is there something you want to tell me?”

“I live with ghosts,” I said up front, with no strings attached.

“Ghosts? Like—actual entities of the dead? You live with ghosts?” He chuckled a little bit at that.

“Yeah.”

He burst out laughing.

“What's so funny?”

“There's no such thing!” he declared.

“Yes, there is! I live with four of them!”

“I am sure you do, Joey. That pasta in your belly is starting to getting to you a bit, methinks.”

“Why would I bullshit about that sort of thing, Lars?” I demanded while keeping my arm up on top of the couch. “By the way, did you actually just say 'methinks'?”

“Methinks so!” he cracked, but I rolled my eyes at that.

“Lars, I'm serious. There are four ghosts here: a little girl, an old man, a nurse, and a woman about our age.”

“Why, of all places did they choose this little apartment, though?” he asked with another low chuckle.

“Hell if I know. They just kinda came with the place as far as I know.”

“There is an Indian reservation near here, though.”

“Yeah, I know there is. My mom and my grandma used to take me there when I was a little boy.” I hesitated for a second, and then I realized what he meant by that. “Wait. You don't think—”

“It's possible. You know the whole thing about building things upon an Indian burial ground and whatnot.”

“Yeah, but there's nuthin' upon the actual graveyard, though. It's just a blank stretch of grass with some open trenches and a couple of trees, but that's about it.”

“Oh, I see.”

“See what?”

“It's open air.”

“It's not open air.”

“Sounds like it, though.”

“But it's not!”

“Are we gonna go to bed or not?”

I opened my mouth to say something but no noise came out. The sole noise came from the rain on the roof, which then picked up. The best thing ever and I was squandering it.

“Yeah. Let's.”

I stood to my feet and I felt the pasta weigh down inside my stomach. I clasped a hand there to steady myself.

“And I thought I liked to eat,” he joked.

“Eat, sleep, kick ass, repeat,” I told him as he made his way into my room. He was first to switch on the light to which he laughed again.

“I'm afraid to ask,” I confessed to him.

“There's no ghosts in here, Joseph.”

I fetched up a sigh at that. They were reticent to come out because the light was on, I just knew it. In fact, once I doubled back to switch off the lamp in the living room, I was met with a slight chill, one that ran up my arms and my spine. I knew it wasn't from the window given I had closed it just prior to the rains entering the area.

“Joey?” Lars called.

“Coming.”

I returned to my room in time to find him crawling under the covers with no pants on.

“Okay, so how we gonna do this,” I wondered aloud.

“Head to toe,” he insisted.

“I know—I just don't know which way we're gonna have to lay here, though.”

“Here, I'll sleep this way—” He crawled towards the foot of the bed and lay down on his side. He lay the side of his head on the soft part of the mattress.

“You gonna be okay right there?” I asked him.

“Yes.”

I squinted at him, to which he lifted his head and gazed at me with those little eyebrows of his raised. I lifted a finger and doubled back to the front room once again for a pillow from the couch. I felt the chill once again, but it was the least of things on my mind at the moment. I came back to the room once again with it in both hands.

“You're not gonna suffocate me with that thing, are you?” he asked me with a look of fear in his eyes.

“Nah, you'd haveta beg me to do that to ya,” I assured him. “Lift yer head—”

He raised himself up on his elbow so I could slide the pillow underneath his head, and then he lay back down.

“That's better. Thank you, Joey.”

“I just didn't like the idea of you laying there with nuttin' to support your head. I mean you saw me gettin' up back there.”

“Yeah, but that's your belly. We're talking my head here.”

“Hey, if we were talking heads, we'd be in gray woolly suits and barefoot, mmkay?”

“Given it's the same it ever was, too,” he pointed out.

“Exactly!” I stripped off my shirt and folded it up before putting it away in the dresser drawer. My eyelids were feeling heavy and I was feeling heavy and ready for bed myself. It wasn't that late, but it sure felt like it. I crawled underneath the covers next to Lars—he had his back to me, which meant I would have the backs of his legs pressed against my chest. And then I reached up to switch off the light.

“Oh, damn,” he muttered.

“What?” I lay my head down on my pillow.

“Dark in here.”

“Dark and lovely,” I corrected him as I nestled down under the covers. I brought the blankets up to my ear and closed my eyes. Between the warmth in my stomach, having him next to me, and the rain on the roof, I was quick to fall asleep.

I found myself in the warehouse, the one down in the City where all of that butchering went down. I was laying on top of the table with my arms outstretched on either side of me. Someone stole my clothes: I looked down and saw a big light the size of a truck tire hovering over me. It took me a second to realize it was an x-ray machine. Someone was giving me x-rays without giving me some kind of protection.

I rolled my head over to see a guy hovering over me. I couldn't see his face given the sheer extent of the shadow in there. But I could see his hands, the size of dinner plates, and his fingers, long, spindly, and pointed with razor blades. I wondered what he would do to me, that is if he did anything to me.

I watched him linger closer to me.

“What're you doing?” I demanded. He didn't answer: I felt something brush against the sides of my neck. I looked on either side of me to find someone had also cut my hair at the roots. My hair! I had no mirror on hand but I knew didn't look right.

But that was the least of my problems right then.

The man moved in closer to my stomach, right underneath the x-ray light. Those fingers shone bright like shiny brand new knives underneath that pallid light. The pointed tips grazed against my skin: light as feathers but sharper than any knife I had ever encountered. A gentle caress was enough to break the skin.

I didn't feel any pain. At first.

And then he caressed me again.

It was enough for my chest to rise but I couldn't make a sound.

He did it again, and that time he used both hands. He sliced me open with no anesthesia and no regard for my body. I could feel those claws tearing into my flesh and my organs. I could feel him messing with it all. I looked down without moving my head to find my skin fanned out from my midsection, each layer spread out like lace.

“He's perfect,” said a woman next to me.

“I'm glad you brought him in,” he told her in a soft voice, “this is what he gets for being such a little play thing. The outsider looking in. This is what he gets.”

I writhed in pain but it was useless, especially since I had been strapped down to the table.

“Such gorgeous flesh,” said the nurse. “Perfect for clones.”

“I almost don't want to clean it,” said the man as he sawed through my hip bones. I was wide awake and hemorrhaging, but I witnessed the whole entire thing. Every slice. Every hole made by the points of his fingers in my intestines and in my stomach. I could feel my organs oozing out with each puncture. Sawing through my bones felt like sawing through something celery. Or a raw potato. I had become both meat and potatoes to this guy.

Cutting me open without any remorse for what he had done to me.

“Poor beautiful little boy—thinks he can get away with being so rude,” the nurse taunted me; I had no idea if she was Mrs. Snow or not, but who gives a shit. I felt him slicing down my legs, and in between my legs. It was like one of those slicers you'd see at the meat department in the grocery store, except I was on the slicing end.

“Take his flesh,” he told the nurse. “It's delicate and lush and healthy. He's perfect for cloning.”

“What should we do with his blood?” she asked him.

“Save it. It's been caught here, see? As for his hair—those black curls—take it to the seamstress for some sewing. We can't let any part of him go to waste.”

“But what about the rest of his corpse, though?”

I couldn't hear what he was saying because the pain was so monumental, so overwhelming, that I couldn't scream. I had been torn open and torn apart. Sliced apart and butchered like a carcass. My blood spilling over the edges of the table and down into buckets because they knew what would happen. My insides mutilated and used like they were nothing. Torn to shreds for nothing more than being me.

I couldn't scream given he was about to tear into my lungs and my throat. But I screamed anyway. I screamed as he broke through my ribs and punctured my lungs.

I was a dead man but I was screaming at the top of my lungs anyway.

If Charlie could hear me scream from miles away, then surely the dead would, too.

I shook myself awake and I stared into the darkness. I was met by the sound of the rain on the roof and Lars' gentle snoring. It took me a second to realize he pressed his heels against my stomach, which still felt very full. Careful not to wake him, I shifted over onto my back. I rested my hands on my stomach to feel the warmth and also if I was still intact.

The whole image of it haunted me to no end. Every time I closed my eyes I envisioned... that.

That warehouse. That everything about it inside of it. The things and stuff and stuff about things. Tearing my body apart for the sake of making clones.

Clones. Maya. Everything going down in ruins.

I lay there flat on my back and stared up into the darkness. I wondered if the clones had backed off a little bit because I needed to rest for a little bit. And I knew Lars wanted to, too. But then again, they were clones. They went haywire after a day and neither of us knew why.

I was too tired to ruminate over it so I relaxed a little bit more. I kept picturing it on the backs of my eyelids. The blood, the guts, the bones breaking and splintering apart with each cut of those knives, everything. At least it was a dream.

I felt something brush against my foot. I figured it was just Lars' hair as it fanned out from his head, but then I felt it again, and that time I felt it on my right foot rather than my left. I opened my eyes and glanced down to my feet. Even in the darkness, I made out sight of her head and shoulders as they rose up over the edge of the bed. She had this faint silvery glow to her that wasn't too bright, but bright enough for me to realize what she was doing.

Her gaping eyes. Her hair in the form of streamers behind her head as if she was underwater or caught up in a strong breeze. Her tattered dress, which made me think of girls who went to a girl school. She raised a finger to her lips and the black holes making up her eyes bled like mascara.

I ran my tongue along my bottom lip. It was the first time I had ever really gotten a good long look at Vera, given she always spooked the hell out of me. But even just laying there, I still felt spooked within her presence. I watched her fade away into the darkness.

I was alone again with the sound of the rain on the roof and Lars snoring. And at some point, I managed to fall asleep again.

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