#and wet cheese soup when melted

[bumbalina]

mozzarella is the worst cheese it’s so wet and watery in flavor I hate ittt

[temptaetions]

the few things 🌠 b.cc

a/n: the photo above is from the stray kids' 5-star concept teasers. i do not own the media. this being said, i want to preface that this fic is very personal to me, and i felt that it would help me get over things faster if i wrote it. and it did. all of my fics are very personal, so i beg, please don't take them and claim them as your own. please. enjoy. thank you.

synopsis: when he knows you so well, you're like putty for him. when he loves you, when you think he hates you, and everything in between, you're putty for him.

genre: tumultuous situationship au | unrequited love | best friends to strangers | fem!reader | angst pairing: bang chan x fem!reader

word count: 2.9k | lowercase intended.

rating: 18+. minors do not fucking interact.

warnings: brief mention of appetite loss. please take care of your bodies, i love you. unrequited love/one-sided love, rejection. a lot of crying, a lot of overthinking and insecurity.

what to listen to: how high - ice spice ; is it a crime - sade ; con él - jenni rivera ; dive - luke combs ; tus desprecios - selena

being known by him pains you.

he knows you so well. from the way the light makes your eyes glow, to the chipped pedicure on your toes. he knows your ticks, what makes you jump, and which cheek you chew on when you're feeling anxious. he knows the tempo you tap your foot to when you're impatient, and which foot it is that means you're impatient. he knows how easily you swoon, for the smallest things, and how tender your emotions are. especially after fights with your parents.

he knows how to unravel you, to get you to bare your soul to him. he can get you to spill your beans by simply wrapping his arms around you, and letting his presence melt away at your coldness. he knows that just being there is enough for you, that just him existing within your own existence is enough to make you break. 

putting you back together is the hard part. he slowly had to piece everything back together, checking edges and patterns, dents and slices of your problems being scattered everywhere. he was the only one who did it well, the only one who paid attention to detail. the only one who cared enough to even unravel you in the first place.

seeing him do it for somebody else killed you inside.

granted, you and chan had tried to blossom your friendship into a relationship quite a few times. it made sense, you know? he remembered everything about you, and you made efforts no one else had made. you made the effort to soften him up. to show him not everything was set in stone, to show him that he too, could be loved. you watched movies you hated for him, you listened to songs he recommended, and you chose him. over and over, you chose him.

over your friends, over your family. at one point, you almost lost your job over choosing him.

you remember him calling you that day. it was summer. it was raining insanely hard, and he was stuck in traffic. you were worried about him, and stood outside your job waiting to see his car zoom by. your manager tried to pull you in several times, saying you were going to have to go home if you weren't inside in 10 minutes.

chan wound up picking you up, his car shielding you from the rain and his arms protecting you from the wrath of the world. you got sent home, you were soaking wet, and yet, you were so glad to see him. you remember him lightly rubbing your back, softly speaking in your ear that you couldn't jeopardize your job for him. you didn't hear a word, but 'i love you, silly girl.'

and that was the way it always was with chan. so many of your plans were canceled on a whim to talk to him, so many of your friends both envied and disliked him because your attention was always on him. 

"you've tried this relationship so many times. i will always support you, but just know that a girlfriend without the label, and without the same level of commitment is just an obsession, y/n." mina had said to you as she dipped her grilled cheese into her soup, and you sadly remember how quickly your appetite shrank. "chan loves me, mina. he wouldn't lead me on, he's the only thing i'm sure of in this life."

you never regretted being with chan, in any sense. you never felt that sense of dread when knowing plans with him were coming up, and seeing him never made you feel drained. seeing him made you feel like you were on cloud nine. hugging him and breathing him in was an addiction you never want to kick. you loved hearing songs about love and immediately thinking of him, you loved seeing something random he loved and immediately texting him about it.

you loved chan. and he assured you, he loved you.

so why did this feel different?

over the last few weeks, chan had been distant. you hadn't spoken much, and he was routinely in busan instead of seoul. he had no friends in that city, so there was no reason for him to be there, especially now since you guys were trying to jumpstart your relationship again. it seemed he was there almost every weekend, and your texts went unread (or simply, unanswered) for hours.

"hey, baby." his voice was tired, but you watched as the trees zoomed by in the window. he was driving home, from wherever the fuck he was. he only lived a few minutes from the company, so it was unlikely he was coming from work. it was also late, maybe three hours since you'd texted him last. "hey, chan. where are you?" "oh, i'm on my way home. what are you up to?" he answered far too quickly. it was rather avoidant. you scrunch your brows, sitting up on your couch. "home from where? did you work late?"

"what are you, the fbi?" he chuckles, and you hear the ticking of his turn signal. he didn't have to turn if he was going straight home from work, especially not to the left. "i'm just asking. are we still on for tomorrow?" you're picking at your nails, and he sighs.

"actually, no. i have an event at work i can't miss." he sighs, his eyes avoiding his phone. you sucked your teeth, an action not going unnoticed by him. "oh, okay. never mind, then."

you hoped he'd suggest a raincheck. you hoped he'd say, "how about thursday? we can go to dinner." or something along those lines.

"sorry."

bummer, you thought. the effort from chan had begun decreasing. he had originally been the one to ask if you could try and take the leap, one last time. you both knew that your friendship would be dead if one of you got into a relationship – no one wants to come second to their significant other's 'best friend.'

'best friends', that kiss when they're drunk. 'best friends' who have seen every inch of each other's bodies, 'best friends' who have told each other the filthiest things imaginable and have done little to hide that they yearn for the other. 

'best friends' who don't tell their friends when they're kissing each other again. when they're holding each other tightly under covers. when you're letting him tell you how pretty you are, when he's telling you that you're his. when you're letting him snake his hand under your blouse, goosebumps littering your skin.

"i'm home, i'll talk to you later. bye, baby." 

you don't even get a chance to say goodbye before he hangs up, and you feel a pool of guilt in your stomach, paired with the sting of (in your mind, unreasonable) tears. you roll your eyes, your tongue poking your cheek as the tears spill. tossing your phone to the side, you press the heels of your palms into your eyes, trying to take a deep breath.

"it's fine, y/n. he's just busy. he's just busy feeding berry. he's feeding berry, he's probably heating up dinner. he has to eat." you breathe in, a shudder wracking your body as the thoughts begin flooding in.

he's tired of me. he doesn't want to work things out this time. he just wanted to have fun. this is not about love for him.

you curl in on yourself, letting the sobs take over as you let the thoughts flow.

why did he start this again if he didn't actually love me? oh god, what if he has someone else? what if he has someone else entertaining him, holding his attention? what if he's not playing hard to get, i'm just playing hard to get rid of? 

"oh, god." 

you don't understand why you're crying. he hasn't even said anything about not loving you, or not appreciating you. he never said anything about just wanting to have fun, or having another girl waiting for his love.

but subconsciously, you knew a part of him would never tell you. he knew you, he knew how you worked. he knew you'd compare yourself - from creases on your forehead to the stubble on your legs. you knew you'd wonder what they had that you didn't, whether it was sharing his love of marvel movies or simply being a person who can carry conversation better than you could because they could sense something in him you couldn't after years of knowing him.

but if there was anything you were sure of, it was him. you wanted him, all of him, forever. you'd loved him, for many years. and in years past, you'd yearned for him, but never, ever like this. you craved his presence. you craved his attention, his love, his fucking scent, for fuck's sake.

you buried your face in your couch cushion, letting a sob get muffled. oh god. if he's not the one, after all of this? god, remove him. take him away. i can't keep doing this.

it was two in the morning and you couldn't sleep, the crying session from earlier having lasted far longer than you had anticipated. you even let mina come over and comfort you before she passed out on your couch because she had worked a double shift. you clutched your phone in your hand as your swollen eyes stared at the conversation you'd attempted to have with bang chan.

message to: channie 💘

[9:30pm] can we call? 10 minutes.

message from: channie 💘

[10:11pm] why?

message to: channie 💘

[10:20pm] i just miss your voice.

message from: channie 💘

[10:30pm] i'm really tired.

message to: channie 💘

[10:47pm] tomorrow, then? (read: 11:59pm)

chan hadn't spoken to you all day. it was well past lunchtime for you, and he usually had a lull at work at this hour. he usually called for a quick check-in, a chat about music, or whatever was on his mind at the moment. you loved seeing him in work mode, or how quickly he straightened his posture if a coworker acknowledged his presence. mina was sitting at your table, awaiting her breakfast-for-lunch grand cuisine.

"any man who can go twenty-four hours without talking to you, is not the man for you. anyone who loves you, would not put themselves in a position to lose you." mina said as you put a plate of eggs under her nose, her hand reaching for the hot sauce. "it hasn't even been twenty-four hours, mina. he'll come around. he always does, he's channie." "you ever consider there might be someone else calling him that? calling him baby? telling people he's the love of their life, and he might actually be?" she says, her eyes looking at you bluntly as you let the steam of your oatmeal hit your face. your eyes were still insanely swollen, and you had called in from your job to recover. you turned on your ringer, hoping you'd hear the bump bump of his text tone.

"i'm just saying, honey. don't put all your eggs in one basket." she licks her thumb of stray hot sauce, and you just sigh, pushing your oatmeal away, your stomach now full of unease.

it's been twenty-four hours. or, almost twenty-two.

he still hasn't messaged you, called you, or swung by. his instagram story was blank except for the selfie he took in the mirror at work, captioned mondays. 

message to: channie 💘

[9:22pm] hey! we haven't spoken in a bit. where's your head at? lmk, call or text <3

you stare at the text patiently, hoping you'll see read: 9:22pm. you're hoping you'll see the chat bubbles pop up. you're hoping he'll call, or swing by. but he won't, you know he won't.

it pains you to know him.

you couldn't sleep. you were used to chan holding you close to him. you were used to his calloused hand holding yours tightly, and holding it to your chest like it was your favorite thing in the world. but it was like holding onto something when it's not right. it felt good, it felt almost perfect, but it didn't feel the way it did this time.

things he said swirled in your head as you tucked your arm under your pillow, your shirt crumpling under you. you slept on your stomach, chan was a back sleeper. you remember his judgment of it, saying you would be a deer caught in headlights if someone were to break in. you remember laughing, saying that that was what he was for.

you remember asking him if he'd ever be tired of you, if he ever thought this cycle of trying and giving up would be done. he reassured you, that without a shadow of a doubt, you would never be done. you remember thinking he was the moon that night, and that you'd never want to lose him by counting the stars.

but it seems he was doing just that.

you'd called out from work again.

it was well past lunch time for you. almost four hours.

and you were glued to your bed, eyes rereading the message he sent.

message from: channie 💘

[2:48pm] hey, y/n. i think…we should just be friends. i don't want to do this anymore. we've tried this time and time again and it doesn't seem to work. maybe it's for the better that it doesn't. i didn't realize i felt this way until i went to busan last week. i feel better now. i hope you understand.

you couldn't stop reading it. your eyes scanned the screen, hoping you'd read it wrong. hoping somewhere, there was a subliminal message. hoping this feeling of feeling used would leave, this feeling of feeling stupid. you knew things that started fast, and it would end faster. you ignored all the warning signs. you ignored all your friends.

you wanted so desperately for this to work.

you wanted so desperately for him to love you back.

but you would never beg. no, you'd never beg for a man to love you.

staring at the message through blurry eyes, you held it down, your finger pressing the thumbs up reaction.

message to: bang chan

[6:30pm] you liked 'hey, y/n. i think…we should just be friends. i don't want to do this anymore. we've tried this time and time again and it doesn't seem to work. maybe it's for the better that it doesn't. i didn't realize i felt this way until i went to busan last week. i feel better now. i hope you understand.'

you put your phone down on your nightstand, forcing your back to leave the mattress. you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror – your hair was tangled, and face was swollen. sighing, you rubbed at your eyes harshly, basking in the discomfort of their dryness.

this time, you were done. you were absolutely done.

you were tired. you knew this was a two-person deal, but this time, it felt like you were making ends meet. you were practically praying to make it work, you were reaching further and further for someone who did not want to be touched. you were giving him access to your heart, your body, your mind without any commitment.

it feels selfish, to be done when he's the one who has suffered in the past. it feels incredibly selfish to yearn for him now, when you failed to love him the way he wanted in the past. at least you're self-aware.

and it all rang in your head, once more.

a girlfriend without the label, and without the same level of commitment is just an obsession, y/n.

he's the only thing i'm sure of in this life.

without a shadow of a doubt, you would never be done.

you remember thinking he was the moon that night, and that you'd never want to lose him by counting the stars.

this time, it is him who is losing the moon, counting the stars.

being known by him pains you.

he knew you so well. from the way the light made your eyes glow, to the chipped pedicure on your toes. he knew your ticks, what made you jump, which cheek you chewed on when you would feel anxious. he knew the tempo you tapped your foot to when you were impatient, and which foot it was that meant you were impatient. he knew how easily you swooned, for the smallest things, and how tender your emotions were. especially after fights with your parents.

he knew how to unravel you, to get you to bare your soul to him. he could get you to spill your beans by simply wrapping his arms around you, and letting his presence melt away at your coldness. he knew that just being there was enough for you, that just existing within your own existence was enough to make you break.

putting you back together was the hard part, but it wasn’t his job anymore. he slowly used to piece everything back together, checking edges and patterns, dents and slices of your problems being scattered everywhere. he was the only one who did it well, the only one who paid attention to detail. the only one who cared enough to even unravel you in the first place, even if for his own benefit.

seeing him do it for somebody else killed you inside.

if you had been sure of anything in this life, one of the few things, it was him.

but he did not want you anymore. if he did, to begin with, this time around. and that’s okay. you’ll be fine. you’ll be fine.

temptaetions © 2023-2024. no translations, reposting or modifications are allowed. do not claim as your own. viewer discretion is advised. your media consumption is your responsibility.

[yalocalfanficaddict]

Hello, if you’re into MatchaBlossom would you be down to writing something Halloween related with them? 😊

I think Vampire!Kaoru/Werewolf!Kojiro would be super fun, but I also love Witch!Kaoru so it’s genuinely up to you dear author!

Thanks in advance and have a nice day 😘

I am so so so so so so soooo sorry for how late this was!, Annon! I've been fairly busy and so I never truly had a chance to write this properly and I hope I did this justice because it'e been a while since I've watched the anime!! Please do give me any feedback and I'll post this on my AO3 account if you wish to bookmark it there to read it again! It'll be titled 'Love Bites.'

Warnings: Blood and mild language

Word Count: 2069

With a pleased hum, Kojiro came from the kitchen to personally deliver the meals he had tossed together. “Alright, here's the Caesar salad, the house soup, and spaghetti with extra meatballs.” He purposefully gave Kaoru the spaghetti, almost as if to test him and his already thinned patience.

“You know how much I detest garlic, Kojiro,” Kaoru spoke and pushed the plate back to the chef, his words clipped with detachment.

A tight grin flashed over Kojiro’s face as he shrugged, stealing the plate of spaghetti and meatballs. “Oh well, maybe you shouldn’t come to an Italian restaurant, then.”

“Maybe you should try and shave your unruly body hair to not scare any of the ladies with them mistaking you for some sort of animal.”

“Maybe you should get some more sun, you’re looking awfully pale today.”

“Maybe you–”

“Uh, guys? I was the one that ordered the spaghetti…” Miya chimed in, causing the pair to snap from their passive-aggressive bickering. Kojiro slid the plate to the boy before tucking the large tray under his arm.

A softer voice joined in. “Can I still order poutine? I forgot if it’s also served in Italy.” 

Reki rolled his eyes with a groan. “Is that all you Canadians eat? I do not get how you stand that stuff when the cheese melts, and it gets all slimy,” he gags to add effect. 

Miya cackled before wolfing down on some of his pasta. “Y’know…that’s rich coming from you, slime-boy,” Miya spoke between mouthfuls.

Kaoru smacked the back of the cat-boy’s head, earning a wince. “It’s rude to speak with your mouth full, Miya.” As he struggled to hold his composed persona, Kaoru felt his stomach churn. The stench of garlic mingled with the sharp odor of silver from the woman a few booths down, not to mention the lack of blood he had made his head spin. Kojiro felt cruel enough that when Kaoru lost their personal beef, he was forced to go a month without it. Thankfully, in a few more days, it’ll all be over.

Kojiro must’ve noticed the faint sway Kaoru had as his brows pinched together. “Don’t you want something to eat, Pinky?”

He shook his head while simultaneously stuffing the bile that rose up in his throat back down deep into his stomach. He sipped of cool water to refresh himself, and condensation wets his hand and lips. “I’m fine. I had something else before heading out.” 

Kojiro grunted, unconvinced. “Just don’t pass out or anything. I don’t think your stupid robot could carry your unconscious fat-ass.”

With Kaoru on the outside of the booth and the closest to Kojiro, he not-so-subtly kicked him in the shin. Smirking, Kaoru savored how he yelped from the shock and hissed from the pain. “Maybe bumbling flea-bag also shouldn’t underestimate my capable Carla.”

“Hey!” He whined and placed a fist on his hip. 

“Father, Dad, please don’t have another one of your lover’s quarrels in front of me and my food,” Miya requested, mouth rimmed red with sauce. “Please just kiss and make up—for everyone's sake and their sanity.” As the grown men sputtered in protest and denial, Reki cackled and clung to Langa for support, who blinked in confusion.

“What’s so funny?” Langa asked. Even if it wasn’t specified, everyone knew the question was for Reki to answer. “Did Miya get adopted? Why did I not know about this until now?”

Reki patted his fellow skater reassuringly. “No, no, Langa. It’s only a stupid joke.” 

“Oh, okay.”

Kaoru felt terribly sick as he felt heat licked the back of his neck. The last time he checked, he didn’t see Kojiro that way…they always squabbled and taunted each other since Adam came along! But that was also the most recent time he had considered any...potential for them. No, don’t be ridiculous, he thought. That’s just the little brat talking.

All that overthinking didn’t help Kaoru’s unease, and this time Kojiro wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Okay, enough’s enough, precious. You need to eat something, and you’re not leaving my kitchen until you get something.” 

A large hand wrapped around Kaoru’s arms and tugged him out of the booth, ignoring his protest. Some of the complaints involved insults such as ‘Put me down, you mangy-mutt!’, ‘I said I didn’t want anything, you Loony!’, and so on. 

The rare chef glanced at the pair—one more than the other—but would otherwise not give them any attention. Kojiro tossed Kaoru into the freezer and locked it, shutting them inside. The sensor lights flickered on, casting a milky-blue hue along Kaoru’s cool porcelain and Kojiro’s warm bronze complexion. Puffs of vapor left their mouths, but only one started shivering. 

“What the hell are you doing?” Kaoru snapped as Kojiro pulled and tugged on his collar. 

“Well, how else will you bite my neck to get some blood?” 

Kaoru folded his arms over his chest and huffed, pivoting away from him. “That’s not how it works, you’d be dead you mangy cur!” 

He could hear the rustle of clothing and footsteps before being spun to face Kajiro. His chin is pinned between a thumb and an index. Kojiro faked a pout and planted his free hand on Kaoru’s hip. “Oh, come on, now. I’m trying to help you out, fang-face. Besides, I don’t want to have to take care of you if you go feral during the Halloween S race…there would be so much blood if someone crashed.”

With a grumble, Kaoru shoved Kojiro off and pushed him to the crate, where he sat on one of the chef’s thighs. “So is this your way of calling off my beef punishment?” He asked as he rolled the cuff of his sleeve. He shouldn’t be this desperate for some blood, let alone Kojiro’s, but he could practically smell each pulse under his skin. It made his nerves jittery, and his blood-lust hit harder than he thought. Kaoru’s mouth watered while his fangs grew more defined and sharpened with each anticipating second. 

“Woah, hold on there,” Kojiro chuckled. “Isn’t there like an important artery there? I thought you didn’t want to kill me.” 

Kaoru sighed but continued to yank his sleeve up his arm. “Ever heard of veins?” 

Before any more time could be wasted, he brought the bare forearm to his lips and searched for the safest vein to satisfy him. He sank his fangs into flesh, and satisfaction came in an instant. Would it be wrong to say that the soft grunt and shift of discomfort underneath Kaoru didn’t help him with his slipping control?

“K-Kaoru, are you done yet?” Kojiro asked. 

Not realizing how much blood he drank for how long, Kaoru took his last sip before pulling away, panting. “Thank you,” he mumbled, wiping his chin. 

“If you need more, you can take it, but I need a moment. Here." Kaoru reared back as Kojiro began to unbutton his shirt. “You’ll need better access...right? Well, I won’t exactly be able to go skating on Halloween, so do what you need to do.” 

Kaoru couldn’t tell if his face grew hot from his new blood intake or from seeing his shivering chest exposed. When his icy hands began to wander along Kojiro’s bare torso, he glanced into rusty-red eyes with great questioning. “Why are you doing this? I mean, I tormented you so much for the past week.”

“Pity isn’t the right word, but it’s something to that effect. I understand the struggle of being…different, so I want to help, I guess.” 

After silence settled in the frigid air, Kaoru began to drink his fill, careful not to latch onto the more lethal options along Kojiro’s body. Kojiro’s face pinched and twisted in unease when Kaoru sucked his more sensitive areas, so he would lick the marks to soothe him. They’ve done this before on rare occasions, but the comments from the restaurant booth plagued his mind.”‘Kiss and make-up?” Absurd. Well, they can and have made up now and then—especially after living two hundred years together—but kiss? No, vampires and werewolves don’t mix well in romance. He and Kojiro only became friends over their shared enemy, Adam. But Kaoru did enjoy the taste of Kojiro’s blood over others. Yet, it could be excused he’s a werewolf, making it something new and exciting instead of dull and bland.

“You done, flat-pulse?” Kojiro panted, snapping Kaoru back into reality. “You sorta stopped. Don’t tell me my blood doesn’t actually do anything, all because I’m a werewolf.” 

Kaoru shifted his balance on Kojiro’s lap and looped his arms around his shoulders. “You are such an idiot. I’m what Adam calls a defective vampire. Otherwise, he’d be able to drink your blood, too.”

He pretended not to notice the calloused hands that traveled to his hips and waist.

“Oh, my bad.” Kojiro chuckled, fog fanning their faces. “I’m probably also a little defective then, too.”

“What the hell do you mean by that?” Kaoru questioned, eyes sharp and narrowed. 

He pretended not to notice how the hands began to fist the navy-blue fabric of his kimono, just below his obi. 

With a huff, Kojiro angled his head upward to keep as little eye contact as possible. “Dammit, how do I say this?”

“With your words.”

“No duh,” he snarked, finally looking back at Kaoru again. “What I wanted to say…is that I think I like, like you?” 

Kaoru stumbled off of Kojiro’s lap and pressed himself against the bare wall nearby. It's mostly out of shock and surprise, but he also needed something to keep himself standing. “What the hell?! Why say that now of all times?” Kaoru shrieked. 

Before he could utter another word, Kojiro had crossed the room and clamped the hand over his mouth. “Keep it down, please?” Kojiro wet his lips and removed his hand when Kaoru gave him a weak nod. “Listen, forget I even said anything. I know it’s stupid, but I don’t know how it happened, and I needed to get it off my chest.”

“What the hell, Kojiro? You don’t just dump that out of nowhere,” Karou spat. “And what about all the women you chase after? Don’t tell me that you randomly confess feelings after you pay for their dinner.” 

Kojiro winced at his words, almost regretful. “About that,” he awkwardly grinned. “I only went after them to make you jealous.”

“How cruel,” he mused.

“Unlike someone I know, I don’t eat people I’m interested in!” Korjio complained, throwing his arms defensively across his chest.

Karou chuckled in a rather cruel tone. “That was one time.” 

“Well, who knows if you’ll do it again—or if you’re telling the truth! I personally believe I’m sticking my neck out on the line by telling you how I feel.” Kojiro raised an eyebrow at Karou in a theatrical manner. 

“Was that pun intended?” He finally steps toward Kojiro, and a sly grin reveals his razor-sharp fangs. 

“Oh, fuck you.”

“Besides,” he continued, ignoring the crude remark. “It was a dare, and I was young and foolish back then, so I say it doesn’t count.” 

“You? Young?” Kojiro scoffs, finally letting his arms fall limp at his sides. “So that was when? The dark ages?” 

Karou threw his head back with a laugh. “Probably, I’ve lost count by now. Tell you what, you take me somewhere tonight, we can give it a go, and you’ll see for yourself if I still eat my lover-boy’s.”

Kojirou sputtered as he chased Karou out of the frigid room. “Hold on, now. Karou…you mean that?” 

He gave a one-shouldered shrug as they walked back to the booth. “Why not? If it doesn’t work out, it’ll only be a speck of dust in my lifetime.” 

As Karou was greeted by Miya and his eager waving hands, Kojiro grabbed him by the bicep and spun him around. Kojiro’s breath warmed the side of his neck as he whispered. “Would eight work fine?”

“Oh, how dramatic, you big brute,” Karou mused as he shoved him away. “Sure, that’ll suffice, but don’t be late and don’t be tacky.” 

“Tacky?! Me?”

Miya cleared his throat. “Everything’s fine now, dads?” 

“Just peachy, little dude,” Kojiro replied calmly before growing red. “Wait, we’re not your fathers! Oh my god, I—”

Everyone besides Langa and Kojiro erupted into fits of giggles and laughter. “I still don’t get how it’s funny,” Langa sulked.

[numberonecodwomenfan]

Konig is a bagel with ALL the toppings kinda guy. Cream cheese. Capers. Lox. A pickle if he's feeling fancy. Eats it like a sandwich. Horks one of these fucking beautiful breakfast masterpieces down every chance he gets (Horangi is ever so slightly disgusted by this but then he tries one and is Immediately Converted. Horangi eats the same thing except he delicate chews his way through every bite while Konig is very obviously having a religious experience per meal)

Yes on the gefilte fish being gross. Will absolutely knock your socks off with matzo ball soup. Konig's got the works. Chicken, carrots, onions, celery that melts in your mouth. Noodles. Massive matzo balls. Richest broth you've ever tasted. He makes a giant pot every Friday night for the KORTAC crew and you get to watch people literally draw blood in an attempt to score a bowl.

Somehow can eat his breakfast bagel sandwich without spilling a thing but tries to enjoy sufangoyit and is utterly unable to keep jelly off of himself. It'll be Somewhere. It's Inevitable. The price he must pay.

On his days off I know he absolutely fucks up a bowl of charoset. He's just munching and dipping with his left hand and in the other he's got the bottle of wine he used. Obviously manischewitz.

One time Horangi tried to give Konig wine bc Konig said he liked it and Konig just stares at the Distinctly Not manischewitz bottle in his hand like "oy vey what is this"

Keeps a mezuzah in the pocket most soldiers put alcohol or cigars. Taps it against the door of whatever barracks hes sleeping in when he enters the first time but never leaves it there.

Always has little tea lights that he lights on Fridays when he's deployed. Exceptionally gentle anytime a mission is on a Friday night or Saturday. He knows he has to do his job, but he's less... Bloody. On those missions. Something about putting enemies to rest rather than "taking them down" makes it. Easier.

His real name is like, something Obnoxiously Jewish. My personal true Konig name is Melech which means "king" bc it's funny if he just. Chose a codename that means his actual name.

Very rarely gets a chance to go to Temple because Job but always keeps his face Uncovered no matter how uncomfortable it makes him while there. All the Rabbi's love him because he's so willing to learn. His Babushka's rabbi refers to him as "my boy". Konig is a full foot and a half taller.

im sorry, a PICKLE???? i have never in my life seen someone put a PICKLE on a bagel. pickles are so wet??? wouldn’t it just make the bagel soggy???? i am baffled by this sorry. but also könig is a freak and a strange guy so he probably would put some crazy shit on his bagels. im a simple girl, cream cheese and lox for me (on the rare occasion i even have bagels in the house, honestly goldbergs is antisemitic for making bagels like 25 bucks a dozen. in this economy??)

gefilte fish they could never make me like you 🙏 my mom says its just a vessel for horseradish to her but then just find something better to put ur evil vegetable on

he’s so me fr (can’t eat food without spilling it because i have the coordination of a newborn giraffe)

also now im just imagining all the kortac operators fighting over soup 😭 i just know hutch is first in line, that man gives off major foodie vibes for some reason. and tbh theyre real for that, i too would fight a war for some good matzo ball soup

i didnt know people actually ate charoset (which btw i had to look up because i didnt recognize the spelling 😭 my family spells it with an h, why can none of us decide how to spell anything) outside of passover?? but tbf i dont like walnuts so i probs wouldnt anyway. but yes i agree. this man EATS. he is LARGE. HE EATS.

“oy vey what is this” HELP 😭 i think it would be so funny if someone wrote a fic where instead of randomly dropping german words into sentences, he just starts speaking yiddish 💀 i am not old enough to drink alcohol but my mom is a big fan of manischewitz so 👍

shoutout to the mezuzzah on my back door that at some point got the landlord special (we?? own the house??? and dont have a landlord???????) and is now just built into the wall. im sure thats Not Good but i didnt do it and also i never claimed to be a good jew lmao

the shabbat one :((( why would u say this to me now i’ll never get that thought out of my head 😢

i personally went with lukas for his name, but i was considering jacob before i chose (side note, can jewish parents be a LITTLE more creative when naming their kids??? i went to a jewish summer camp for a few years and you could yell “sam!” and probably 20 heads would turn). i love the idea of him having an obnoxiously jewish name though thats so silly 😭 especially because you KNOW no one would pronounce it with the throat sound at the end and it annoys him to no end

MY BOY IM SOBBINGGG 😭😭😭 i wrote a fic about könig’s childhood where i mentioned that i hc his dad left (L) so every time the rabbi calls him that he has an internal breakdown like “bro dont be weird this guy is NOT your dad”

thank u for these i have been FED

[noiselessbuck]

how to wash your dishes with autism/sensory issues

i live in an apartment and have to wash all of my own dishes by hand. this is what i have found helpful

getting started: i also have depression which often means dishes get left for a while. i have an agreement with my housemates about how long is ok for dishes to be left not done. everything about living with other people starts with communication but ultimately they are my dishes i have to do them no one else can.

starting: notice how you are doing sensory wise every day. if it's a day where i had to wear my weirdly texture rain jacket my socks got wet and the bus was loud then that means just as i come home is Not a good time to do dishes. i Will start flinching at every sound, hate everything i am touching, and feel gross for an hour afterwards if i do the dishes right now. so i'm going to wait.

when is a good time to do dishes? if today isn't a bad depression day i often say "im going to do the dish" as in: if i just ate cereal im only going to wash my bowl and spoon. it's not a lot of work, it hasn't been sitting in the sink, and the longer i can keep up doing exactly the dishes i just used the less dishes i have to do at once.

if there are dishes piled up i take note of that and find a time when say, ive been inside for a while, ive been just on my computer, or phone, or writing for a while, this means im not sensory overwhelmed.

what to do while doing the dishes:

no one said you have to only be doing the dishes. put on some music, an audiobook, call your friend, put on your favorite podcast or podfic. you distract yourself

how to leave the dishes:

the thing to me that makes or breaks how icky i feel while doing the dishes is how they are left. i personally hate touching cold wet things to i try to have as little water as possible in the sink while my dishes are sitting there. but i know that w something like peanut butter, melted cheese, oatmeal, yogurt, or dough from baking those things will cement to the dishes if you don't deal with them. you can either do a bit of cleaning right when you put them in the sink or let them soak. i try to leave enough dry edge so i can tip the water out later with a dry hand

sensory issues with dishes:

the main problem with dishes is that there are a lot of sensory things happening at once and they're all quite irregular.

sound:

music or even earplugs can help with the sounds of the sink the dishes clinking each other ect. but also running the water a little less and setting the dishes down slowly can do wonders for having less loud sounds. also if you have a garbage disposal doing that only at the very end.

texture:

dish gloves help some people with the textures but me personally i don't like the gloves because it adds another texture of the inside of the gloves and augments the texture of anything that i am touching. but someone else may love gloves for exactly the same reasons.

the other thing to note about textures is the tools you are using. i like to use a sponge for most things but for things i don't want to touch as much i use a scrub brush w a stick so i'm far away from whatever soup is still at the bottom of my pot or whatever.

temperature:

temperature is one of the more overlooked senses but with dishes its very prevalent. you never want the water too hot because you really can burn yourself but having the water at a good temperature and then letting it run over all the dishes will make it so each dish you are touching is a relatively uniform temperature instead of your tea cup being hot the dishes from this morning being cold.

soap:

you can try to find soap that has a scent that bothers you the least, you can find soap that comes in a container that makes sense to you and easiest for you. if the soap bottle is getting to be a weird texture you can wash said soap bottle to get it back to its original texture.

other sensory notes:

you can do any activity you want in less light, so long as you have enough to work safely.

you can do any activity sitting down. maybe for the sink you'll want a stool instead or a chair near by to take breaks in

if you have people who can help you, you can ask for help. you can ask for a buddy to do a task with, or someone to body double, or you can ask reasonably if someone else can do the dishes on a bad day. these are all tips for making it a not as bad of a time and for figuring out when are times it won't be really bad. but if it is going to be bad, or if say there's complicated dishes from baking or cooking, you can ask for help and it Makes Sense to ask for help.

where to put away the dishes:

if you notice that something sensory sucks about retrieving clean dishes you have the power to prevent that from happening. example: pulling a glass cup that is stacked inside another glass cup is squeaky and bad texture to me.

if drying dishes is hard for you maybe get a drying rack or lay down a dish towle and put them on there or put them away semi wet but keep the cupboards open so there won't be anything gross

really bad days:

you can keep some disposable plates and cups and silverware for bad days, there's nothing wrong with that. if you're worried about the environment get recycle-able or compostable ones. you can also see what kinds of food come with their own container or dont necessary need a second container. example: if you have your own personal container of take out or ice cream you can eat that from its container. or mixed together stuff box salads or premade stuff can be eaten from their containers

i hope this is helpful to somebody, these are all only from my personal experience, leave more tips in rbs if you have them

[a-world-of-whimsy-5]

Greetings M :) Sending you a request for the prompt: "Hot Chocolate and marshmallows - modern AU" with Fingon x reader please? Thank you!

Pairing: Modern! Fingon x Reader (second person POV)

Themes: Soft/Fluff

Warnings: None

Wordcount: 600+ words

Summary: Fingon looks forward to enjoying a cup of hot chocolate after coming home.  

Minors DNI

Divider by @estrelinha-s

Fingon peeled off his wet jacket and hung it on the wall-mounted rack by the door, looking about as miserable as he felt. The weather was particularly vicious this evening, with snow falling relentlessly and the wind having a sharp bite to it. All in all, it was a most wretched journey home.

At least the water ran hot while he showered, and the soap smelled faintly of orange while it glided over his skin. Ten minutes was all he took, but those ten minutes were glorious. When the last of the icy chill was driven out of his body, he stepped out of the shower to dry himself off and put on a pair of jeans and a comfortable sweater. And while the scents of fresh flowers on the mantle and the pine from the Christmas tree were invigorating, it was the scents from the kitchen that truly enticed him.

“Ah, what scents.” Fingon made himself comfortable in his usual seat at the breakfast nook. He took a deep breath and sighed dreamily. “Tomato soup. Grilled cheese sandwiches. Chocolate?”

“Hot chocolate and marshmallows for later.” You set his dinner on the counter and took your place beside him, giving him a discrete, measured look. Even in a pair of old jeans and a sweater, everything that was Valinorian about Fingon shone through. Tall and sharp, and with that sleek, waist-length dark hair of his, he stood out wherever he was and in whatever he wore. “I swear you are as skilled at sniffing things out as that beast your cousin calls a dog.”   

“Tyelko will not take kindly to Huan being called a beast.” Fingon swallowed the first spoonful of soup and closed his eyes. Fresh tomatoes. Herbs. Spices. It was just what he needed after a long day at the office and a miserable commute by train. “And you are an angel for making this for me.”

“I will make sure to remind you of that when we go gift shopping,” you remarked merrily. 

Soup went down the wrong way when he laughed. “Make sure that you do,” he managed between a fit of coughs. It cleared soon enough, and he returned to his meal. The soup continued to be a feast for the senses, as were the sandwiches that followed. The bread was crisp and warm, and the cheese melted in his mouth with each bite. Fingon then helped himself to more soup, and brought a second serving for you as well.

Dinner passed in companioble silence for a while. You then asked Fingon about his day and about his journey home. He grumbled about work and about the new troubles with his half-uncle. Then he complained about the project that had to be completed before he left for home. Finally, he turned to the weather.

“It started snowing an hour before I left work,” he continued, “and it continued to snow during the train ride home, and it was still snowing when I walked here. And it looks like it is going to keep snowing until tomorrow morning. At least I do not have to worry about going to work tomorrow or the days after that.”

"Well, I know of something that could put you in a much better mood than the soup,” you decide and return to the stove. The smell of soup slowly gave way to the sweet redolence of cocoa and chocolate and milk. Fingon pushed the bowl away from him, so eager was he to accept the steaming mug of hot chocolate you poured for him. He clapped his hands with glee when you sprinkled tiny spheres of white marshmallows on top, then grated nutmeg over them.

“Hot chocolate,” you smiled indulgently, “and marshmallows. Just like I promised. Because I am, as you say, an angel. Remember that when we do go gift shopping.”

A great deal wiser this time, Fingon waited till his laughter died before taking that first sip.

[this-is-a-love-story-isnt-it]

As requested by @stephaknee here is the recipe for the soup I was talking about a few days ago.

This is Home Chef's recipe with some changes made by me, and apparently it's based on a soup from Olive Garden.

----------------

Italian-Style Sausage Zuppa Toscana:

Ingredients: -2 oz Kale (or however much you like)- coarsely chopped (i just stem it and rip it into pieces). -1 tbsp shredded Asiago cheese -1 oz. seasoned small croutons (I didn't put these in because wet bread is my nightmare) -1 Yellow Onion (1/4" dice) -2 cloves of Garlic (minced) -1 tbsp flour -4 fl. oz heavy cream -1 c diced carrots -2 c Chicken Broth -8 oz Italian sausage

Directions: -In a large pot over medium high heat, add 2 tsp olive oil -Saute onions, carrots, and garlic for 5-7 minutes -Add the sausage and break into pieces, cooking for 4-6 minutes until no pink remains -Add in the flour, stirring until no dry flour remains -Add chicken broth and kale to the pan and bring to a simmer -Once simmering, stir occasionally until kale has wilted -Add heavy cream and cheese -Stir until cheese has melted -Add croutons when you serve the soup, if desired

I added a little extra water and cream at the end because my package of sausage was more than 8 oz. I didn't measure how much I added, though. I just wanted a good soup-to-sausage ratio.

And you're done! This makes about 3-4 servings

I believe the Olive Garden version has potatoes in it. This recipe just didn't call for potatoes.

[ajoytobeheld]

Food review: North America, volume one, part one

May 6th, 2010

So we have finally reached America and its time to taste its culinary delights.

23rd April. Hoboken, New Jersey.

Maxwell’s does good food.  It was great to play a show and then sit down to a meal.  I had the chicken and cheese burrito.  It was massive and packed with lots of chicken, cheese, beans and rice.  It could have done with a bit more spice, and it could have been served wet instead of dry.  There was some salsa, which I used to add a bit of extra flavour.  It was served with some olives, which was slightly unusual.

24th April. Boston, Massachusetts.

British pub food has such a bad reputation.  Many places “serve” food but its basically a microwave, enabling people to soak up the alcohol with terrible burgers and carry on drinking.  I had been to the sports bar next door to the Paradise Club and thought it was pretty good.  It has an open plan kitchen so you can actually watch the chef preparing your meal.  You wouldn’t find this in a Scream brand pub!  I opted for the Salmon dinner which I had with a salad and fried Green Beans.  The salmon had been grilled and was pretty flavourful.  It was served with a sweet chilli dip and it was pretty spicy.  The salad was massive and full of a lot of fresh vegetables.  I was surprised by the fried green beans.  I assumed that they would be just raw green beans fried in some oil.  But they were actually deep-fried.  They were nice but there was so many of them that the batter soon became over-powering.

Perhaps one day high street pubs will turn their backs on the microwave?

25th April. New York, New York.

So we decided to go for pizza before the show.  Asking the crew is always a good idea, so we asked their suggestions for pizza.  They directed us to a place just round the corner from the venue.

I had a slice of cheese and a slice that was called a granny slice.  The granny slice was a deep pan and the tomato sauce was on top of the cheese.  It actually worked; biting through the sweet tomato sauce to hit the salty cheese and then the dough.  It was pretty filling and quite enjoyable.  The cheese slice was good, it was good New York style pizza, and a lot cheaper than Lombardi’s.

26th April. Washington D.C.

The 9.30 club feed you so well.  Pizza, soup and salad on load-in, loads of snacks, dinner and their famous cupcakes.

The pizza was cheap and greasy, but it was good after carrying in heavy gear.  They even did a vegan pizza.

For dinner I chose the vegetable chilli with brown rice.  When it came there was no rice, but tortilla chips.  It was a chilli but it seemed like it was more like nachos especially with the melted cheese and sour cream on top.

Their cupcakes are very good, but very rich.  I ate two, and felt very sick afterwards!

[milwyn]

Delicious and Nutritious Meals for the Whole Family

Introduction

When it comes to feeding your family, you want to ensure that each meal is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. After all, a well-balanced diet is crucial for everyone's health and well-being. But finding recipes that are both tasty and nutritious can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Fear not, for we have gathered some tried and tested meal ideas that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. So, let's dive in and discover some mouthwatering dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds!

1: Breakfast Bonanza

Mornings can be hectic, especially when you have a family to feed and get ready for the day. But starting the day off with a nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day. One family-favorite breakfast idea is a hearty vegetable omelet. Begin by whisking together eggs, a splash of milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. In a separate pan, sauté a medley of colorful veggies such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Once cooked, pour the egg mixture over the veggies and cook until the eggs are set. Top it off with a sprinkle of cheese, and you have a protein-packed breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunchtime.

If your family prefers something sweeter in the morning, try making a batch of fluffy whole wheat pancakes. In a bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a touch of sweetness with some honey or maple syrup. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and a bit of melted butter. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Cook the pancakes on a hot griddle until golden brown. Serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for a delicious and nutritious start to the day.

For those busy mornings when time is of the essence, a make-ahead breakfast casserole can be a lifesaver. Prepare it the night before by layering whole wheat bread, cooked sausage or bacon, and a mixture of beaten eggs and milk in a baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake until golden and bubbly. This convenient and nutritious dish will have your family excited to jump out of bed and enjoy a hearty breakfast together.

2: Luscious Lunch Ideas

Lunchtime can often feel like a rushed affair, especially during busy weekdays. But that doesn't mean you have to compromise on flavor or nutrition. One quick and easy lunch option is a colorful and refreshing salad. Start with a bed of leafy greens such as spinach or mixed greens. Top it with an assortment of vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and grated carrots. Add a protein source like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a satisfying and filling meal. Drizzle with a homemade vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and your choice of herbs and spices for a burst of flavor.

If your family prefers something warm and comforting for lunch, a hearty soup is always a great choice. Whip up a batch of homemade chicken noodle soup by simmering chicken broth with diced chicken, chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Season with herbs like thyme and bay leaves for added depth of flavor. Once the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through, add cooked noodles and let them absorb the delicious broth. This soul-soothing soup is not only nutritious but also perfect for those chilly days when you need a little extra warmth.

For a fun and creative twist on the classic sandwich, try making a homemade wrap. Start with a whole wheat tortilla and spread a layer of hummus or creamy avocado spread. Add a variety of fillings such as sliced turkey or chicken, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. For an extra pop of flavor, drizzle with a tangy dressing like yogurt and dill. Roll it up tightly and slice into bite-sized pinwheels for a lunch that is not only delicious but also easy to eat on the go.

3: Dinner Delights

Dinner is the perfect time to gather the whole family around the table and enjoy a wholesome meal together. One crowd-pleasing dinner idea is a flavorful and nutritious stir-fry. Start by sautéing your choice of protein, such as chicken, beef, or tofu, in a hot pan with a splash of oil. Once cooked, remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, stir-fry a colorful array of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. Return the protein to the pan and toss everything together with a homemade stir-fry sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. Serve over steamed brown rice or whole wheat noodles for a satisfying and well-balanced dinner.

If your family loves Italian cuisine, why not make a homemade pizza? Start by preparing the pizza dough by combining flour, yeast, salt, and warm water in a bowl. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size. Roll out the dough into your desired shape and thickness and top it with a flavorful tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and an assortment of fresh vegetables and lean proteins like grilled chicken or turkey pepperoni. Bake in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This homemade pizza is not only a fun family activity but also a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious dinner.

For those evenings when you're short on time, a simple yet satisfying pasta dish is always a winner. Cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté a medley of veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil until tender. Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed veggies and a dollop of pesto or marinara sauce. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a quick and nutritious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

With these delicious and nutritious meal ideas, you can ensure that your family enjoys every bite while getting the essential nutrients they need. From a hearty vegetable omelet for breakfast to a flavorful stir-fry for dinner, there's something for everyone. So, grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create memorable meals that nourish both body and soul!

[anasophiacueto]

Food Diary #1: SUNDAY is a family and food day! (05/21/23)

As college students, we are aware that it can be challenging to effectively handle our time since we may even neglect to have meals due to the urgency of completing our assignments or opt to review for the test or exam the next day. However, what about Sundays? Do you also opt to dine and bond with your loved ones or opt to be alone to work on pending assignments or review for upcoming exams? Let me share with you all the foods that I ate last Sunday. I hope that it may find you some motivation or perhaps a wake-up call to initiate quality time with your loved ones.

NOTE: As I have shared some webpages or hyperlinks on this blog, you may simply remove the initial "href.li" to access the desired websites.

BREAKFAST

For me, this Sunday is a splendid day since it's the only day I don't have any classes or clinic. Every Sunday, my younger sister and I take turns assisting our mother in going to the wet market. On this particular Sunday, it was my sister's turn. Once we've purchased all the food we need for the week, my father would treat buy us pancit palabok, while my mother would purchase one plastic of chicharon to be sprinkled on top of the pancit palabok. This has become our staple breakfast.

To me, the pancit palabok tastes average, but it holds sentimental value because my father would buy it every time, he ate breakfast at the nearest carinderia in the wet market. So, to make it more flavorful, I always heat it up in the microwave, mix it thoroughly, and add the chicharon on top. The dish also contains boiled eggs. Then, I cut up some calamansi and squeeze its juice on my pancit palabok, giving it a tangy and citrusy taste. With every bite, I hear the chicharon's crunch and enjoy its saltiness blending with the calamansi's zestiness. In case you're curious about pancit palabok and interested in sampling the most exceptional pancit palabok in the Philippines, just click on this link for more information: https://www.tasteatlas.com/pancit-palabok

Of course, we would not forget this little pandesal that was also purchased by my father from the local market. This specific pandesal holds a special place in my heart as it is one of my all-time favorite pandesal. Despite its small size, this pandesal is incredibly moist and not too fluffy. When it comes to baked goods, I prefer moistness over airiness. I typically spread some Dairy Cream on my little pandesal, which melts after a few seconds and tastes deliciously soft and buttery.

To me, both pancit palabok and pandesal with butter are like heaven as they complement each other perfectly. I often prepare this combination for breakfast, and my mother and little sister join me at the round table where we eat and exchange our recent events. I usually ask my little sister about the Filipino drama she is currently watching, which is Dirty Linen. She either shares her insights or complains about the show with us. If you are interested and want to know the entire storyline of Dirty Linen, you can watch it on this website: https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/hero/dirtylinen

LUNCH

Our Sunday lunch menu was always different. For the previous Sunday, we had pork, but this Sunday, my mother decided on a seafood feast. Unfortunately, my parents had to attend to some business, so my younger sister and I were in charge of cooking. My mother assigned us the task of preparing crab Rangoon and shrimp in tamarind soup (sinigang na hipon). My sister took care of the shrimp soup while I worked on the crab rangoon.

To make the crab rangoon fillings, I combined cream cheese, thinly sliced crab sticks, green onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Then, I folded the wonton wrappers by moistening the edges and shaping them into small purses. I deep-fried them until they turned golden brown, and then I drained the excess oil using paper towels. Finally, I served them with sweet and sour sauce. In case you're inquisitive and interested in preparing crab rangoon, simply head over to this website to acquire the recipe: https://christieathome.com/blog/crab-rangoon/

The crab rangoon was extremely tasty and my mother, who arrived home at the time, praised me for my excellent cooking skills. It had a slightly sweet flavor with a cheesy taste and was filled with tiny pieces of crab sticks and green onions. The wonton wrappers that covered the fillings of the crab rangoon gave a satisfying crunch sound when bitten into. While my mother and little sister preferred sweet and sour sauce with their crab rangoon, I opted for chili oil sauce. This dish was definitely a 10/10 and I will surely make it again in the future.

Moving on to the soup, my little sister received compliments from my mother for her superb cooking skills. The soup had a sour taste, similar to tamarind soup, which perfectly complemented the Crab Rangoon. Fun fact about myself, I am not a fan of seafood, including crab and shrimp. Although I eat seafood, I do not indulge in them because I do not appreciate peeling off the skin or shell of the seafood just to eat a small amount of meat. It seems like a lot of work for very little reward. Were you aware that consuming shrimp in tamarind soup can provide you with advantageous effects such as averting heart ailments, safeguarding the digestive system, enhancing immunity, aiding in shedding weight, and stimulating sound mental well-being? If you want to know more, you can read on this site: https://panlasangpinoy.com/shrimp-nutrition-facts/.

During lunchtime, we often dine together at the round table, sharing and discussing our happenings in the past week.

DINNER

As the clock struck 5:20 PM, the pattering of raindrops filled my ears, creating a soothing ASMR-like effect. It was the perfect moment to indulge in one of my all-time favorite dishes - rice porridge (goto). This warm and comforting meal is especially satisfying on rainy and chilly days, and my mother's version never fails to warm my entire body. Were you aware that there are various kinds of rice porridge in the Philippines, depending on the ingredients used? If you want to know more, visit this link: https://www.explained.ph/2021/04/pinoy-food-crawl-get-to-know-favourite.html

My mother spends around an hour and a half cooking the rice porridge, and she also fries some tofu until it turns a golden brown color, before cutting it into square pieces. When it comes to toppings, I like to add sliced fried tofu, cooked garlic from the local market, green onions, mixed soy sauce with red onions, pepper, and sugar (a sauce for the fried tofu), and a generous drizzle of chili oil to finish it off.

It was incredibly tasty, steaming hot, and had a slight zing from the chili oil. Each mouthful makes me nod my head in appreciation, as the flavor of this rice porridge, which my mother used to make, has been sorely missed. It had a pleasing thickness to it, which I adore, but my mother would add water to thin it out. The fried tofu was delightfully crispy, and the pre-made sauce had a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. As rice porridge is one of my all-time favorite dishes, I typically go for seconds because of how delectable and irresistible my mother's rice porridge is.

After sharing all the foods that I ate last Sunday in this blog, I came to the realization that each time I dine; I have the opportunity to keep my parents informed of my recent happenings in school. These conversations hold great significance to me as I am aware of the difficulty that other college students face in being separated from their families and residing in dormitories.

I want to know your stories on how you usually spend your day during weekends. Do you eat with your friends, family, or yourselves? Comment and share your experiences with me because I would love to interact with you guys! 💖 See you on my next food post

SOURCES

Christieathome. (2022, November 23). Crab rangoon. Christie at Home. https://christieathome.com/blog/crab-rangoon/

IWANTTFC. iWantTFC. (n.d.). https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/hero/dirtylinen

Merano, V. (2020, December 11). Shrimp Nutrition facts. Panlasang Pinoy. https://panlasangpinoy.com/shrimp-nutrition-facts/

Pinoy Food Crawl: Get to know the favourite Lugaw in the Philippines. Explained PH | Youth-Driven Journalism. (n.d.). https://www.explained.ph/2021/04/pinoy-food-crawl-get-to-know-favourite.html

TasteAtlas. (2016, December 7). Pancit palabok: Traditional noodle dish from Philippines: Tasteatlas. World Food Atlas: Discover 16698 Local Dishes & Ingredients. https://www.tasteatlas.com/pancit-palabok

[chelleztjs18]

Hello you mrs. nutella eater, allergy sufferer, story writer lefty eyebag 😌

Good morning, hope you slept well! How are you?

I just finished eating breakfast. Made a bagel sandwich, that had an egg and hashbrown. What do you usually have for breakfast? Do you like oatmeal?

I think I know what you're talking about. Are they like thicker sprinkles too? I might have seen some tiktok videos of people eating that! It looks good, but I'm weird. I don't think I'd eat it because its sprinkles lol I don't even like sprinkles on donuts.

I like honey wheat. But then I found butter bread, and that's all I like now for sandwiches except when I make subs or reuben sandwiches. But my favorite is french bread, garlic bread, and sweet rolls. I could eat those anytime lol

There's this one restaurant here in Omaha where they serve fresh baked bread before the meal, and the first time I had it, the waitress showed us to have olive oil and parmesan cheese on a plate, then dip the bread..ohmygosh it was amazing. Especially since it was so fresh and hot! But the taste of the bread and oil and parmesan together..it just melted in my mouth. Maybe I'll go there this weekend...🤔🤣😅

Ah I see, so he loves to fish?

When I read the part where you called the fish ugly, I died laughing. Poor fishy lol but I know what you mean though. When I was younger, my grandma would take me with her to the market. And in the Philippines, they have like a fish market and it's open and you can smell all the fishy that they just caught for the day. The smell was so crazy and to see the fish just laying there with the tongue out like a dead person..the eyes looking at you, saying "why did you let them take meee".

Yeah I also can't eat fish with the bones. My bad experience was with sardines. I used to love sardines when I was younger, but then one time, I don't know if I got the wrong brand or something. I made it, started eating it, then felt a piercing on my gums, then something cracked between my teeth. I was surprised, and scared cause I though it was eating my own tooth or something. Then when I spit it out, it was a bone. Blegh.

No, I have not seen a shooting star either. When I go camping I always try to check the sky for it though lol

What do you do when you can't fall asleep?

-CuriousGeorge

Hello hello you bread lover little john righty eyebag!

ouh sounds like a good breakfast. wait so u put the hashbrown between the bagel? what kind of bagel u like?

i rarely have breakfast but when i have breakfast i like to have bagel and cream cheese with iced coffee. that's for the quick breakfast but if i have time to sit down and eat, i usually have either sausage patty or ham with over easy egg and bacon. or just oatmeal with raisin, almonds and brown sugar. so yes, i love oatmeal.

yes i think it's a thicker sprinkles. it's different from sprinkles here. i think u will like this sprinkles.

i dont like sprinkles on donut either. what kind of donut u like?

honey wheat and butter bread are good. i love french bread if i dip it with creamy soup. i dont like garlic bread especially if it's too strong. i like garlic only in certain food.

haha yeah maybe u should go there this weekend. then u can take a pict for me if u go. hahah. last time i went to a italian restaurant n they serve their garilc bread with olive oil and some vinagret they even put some italian herbs and u can taste the basil.

basil is one of my favorite herbs. have i asked u what's ur favorite herbs? i think i did. lol.

yes, he likes to fish.

hahaha yeees some market in indonesia are like that too. i really dont like it when my mom took me there. it grossed me out. the floor were wet and the market smell from the fish and meat. n i remember all the fish were lined up. they all looked ugly. n the life chickens n stuff. i feel like the air there is not safe to breath. hahaha. n what concerned me the most is the wet ground. some puddle probably from the seller rinse their stall. i dont know, only god knows. it stressed me out when i got splashed even just a tiny drop from whatever water whereever it comes from.

also i'm glad u died laughing when u read my comment about the ugly fish n i'm glad that u revived. lol. i laughed when u mentioned about the fish tongue. ahahhah. It makes me think something like this:

yeah we experienced kinda similar things with fish bones. hahahahaha. n it's scary for me.

u like to go camping? i don't. i had bad experience in camping when i was in girlscout.

when i can't sleep, i will write or browse the internet like instagram or tiktok or just try to sleep, tossing n turn. either way i end up got headache n i will take tylenol n fell asleep. what about u?

next question?

Cheerio!

[alulaspeaks]

Happy Wincest Wednesday, Z. Hope you feel better. Here’s a silly little scenario that popped in my head.

So, I’m picturing Sam and Dean in the post 15x19 glory days returning from a hunt somewhere south and running into a freak Kansas snowstorm. They weren’t watching the weather because why would they? It’s Kansas; the worst that happens here is a couple inches and having to dodge the idiots who don’t know how to drive in the snow.

So when they run into the first few flakes, who really cares. They’ve been on the road all day; they’re tired and hungry and verging on grumpy and they just want to get home. But as they hit the edge of Lawrence, things are getting steadily worse. The storm started out as freezing rain and now it’s those tiny fast-falling flakes that accumulate quickly and the roads are turning into a slushy shit show. Still they’re so close to the bunker that neither of them wants to stop. They’ll white knuckle it the whole way if they have to.

But it’s accumulating faster than the realized and the bunker is on a barely used road outside of town so no one’s been down it in hours and there aren’t even anyone else’s tire tracks to help them along. By the time the bunker is in sight, the Impala’s tires are spinning uselessly and it’s all Dean can do to keep her straight. He hops on the breaks and thunks his head down on the steering wheel. This frigging sucks. They don’t want to deal with this.

“Maybe it’ll be better in a few hours and we can come back for the car,” Sam tires. But it’s already dusk and it’s just going to get colder and Dean is NOT leaving his car where it can chewed up by some underpaid plow driver.

It’s only another 50 yards or so to the garage, so they decide to try pushing the Impala through the worst of it. They roll down the windows and get to it. It’s tricky getting the impala in neutral and keeping her from sliding back while Dean gets into position, but they manage it. The only good thing about pushing the car while their boots are skidding around in the slush, is they’re both too focused to complain about it.

They stop pushing just long enough to get the garage door open, and they’re in the home stretch when Sam’s feet go out from under him and the Impala hits the little hill down into the garage and starts picking up speed and pulling away from Dean. Dean curses and dives through the window, and uses his hand to hit the breaks, most of his legs still sticking out the window. The Impala rolls to a stop in the garage, miraculously unharmed.

Dean wriggles himself out of the window just in time to see Sam, whose whole backside is soaked in slush, come sliding into the garage and watches the worry in his face start to transform into something else entirely.

Dean points an indignant finger at him, says, “It is not funny!”

But it’s too late, Sam is gone, full on hands-on-the-knees, watery eyed laughter. And the annoyance and the adrenaline melt away in the relief of being home and the car being fine, and Sam doubled over with laughter while his ass drips globs of slush onto the garage floor and then Dean’s gone too. Then they’re both standing there, looking like soggy messes, flushed and laughing so hard they can’t breathe.

Eventually, while making a barely passable attempt at bedroom eyes at Sam because his face is still crinkled with laughter, Dean says, “You know we should probably get out of these wet clothes. I heard skin to skin contact is the best way to prevent hypothermia.” Sam rolls his eyes, says, “We were outside for 15 minutes and it’s like 31 degrees out. I think we’ll survive.” “Better safe than sorry,” Dean says and waggles his eyebrows. Sam doesn't tuck his smile away fast enough for Dean not to see it, and they both know it.

They have tomato soup and grilled cheese and boozy hot chocolate for dinner and later they brush up on some winter survival skills. After all, hypothermia is no laughing matter.

happy wincest wednesday (in your timezone)

buds, I hope you're feeling the holiday vibes regardless of whether it's actually Wednesday. Unforch I am Sick and so I can't be a good participatory bud and send fun asks back and forth this week -- like I doubt the ol' brain will be much up for that -- so I encourage you guys to do it up with sending asks and reading wincest fic and reblogging wincest art, whatever floats your boat.

and if you want to be nice to me this wincest wednesday, maybe you can rb this post with a wintry wincest headcanon (silly or angsty or sexy, whatever you want)!

[liaromancewriter]

Perfectly Imperfect

Premise: Sienna teaches Max the fine art of making a grilled cheese sandwich.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Sienna Trinh x Max Valentine (M!OC) Rating/Category: General. Fluff. Words: 905

A/N: Requested by @trappedinfanfiction for Maxenna from @creativepromptsforwriting food prompts list (“How did you go through life so far without knowing how to make a grilled sandwich?” “I don’t know, but thank God, I have you now.”). I changed the prompt slightly, just fyi. Submitting for reblog to @creativepromptfills​. 

Submission for @choicesmonthlychallenge May day 31 prompt ‘smile’.

Max Valentine waited for the water to finish boiling before pouring it over an herbal tisane he’d prepared for Sienna. She had caught a head cold earlier in the week and wasn’t feeling quite herself.

It was funny, he thought absently, how much one learnt about another person when they were sick. He’d found her to be unsurprisingly self-sufficient despite his desire to take care of her.

But she had also been downright stubborn, relegating him to the guest bedroom because she felt gross and didn’t want him to catch her cold. Clearly she’d forgotten that marriage was about being there for each other in sickness and in health.

Well, he’d played along when it suited him to do so and ignored her edicts otherwise.

He’d banished her from the kitchen after he caught her trying to make soup as she hacked a lung away. Figuring he couldn’t trust her to know that rest was the best thing for her, he decided to work from home and keep an eagle eye on one Sienna Grace Valentine.

The tisane had steeped enough by his measure and he put a tray together to take into the bedroom when he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” he asked when Sienna shuffled towards him

“Better today,” she replied, taking a seat on the bar stool at the kitchen island. “Still have that annoying lingering cough.”

She lifted an arm to cover her mouth as said cough escaped, but he noticed that her color was improved and her face had lost the pinched look. She must have showered as her hair was wet and she’d exchanged her robe for a loose dress with a cardigan.  

“Here,” he handed her the tisane, “this should help.”

She made a face in distaste but took the cup anyway. “I hate herbal tea. I want coffee.”

“I know, but you know this is better for you,” he said unsympathetically, pouring a second cup for himself.

“Which of us is the doctor?” she whined, but he just ignored her. He might not be a doctor, but he owed his health to natural remedies and herbal concoctions.

They finished their tisanes in silence. He was secretly amused at Sienna pouting the whole time while she forced herself to finish the hot drink. At one point she eyed the kitchen sink and he laughed inwardly at the thought of her likely pouring it down the drain if he hadn’t been there.

“Since you’re feeling well enough to complain,” he began, taking the empty cups to place them in the dishwasher, “why don’t I make you something to eat. What’s your favorite sick day indulgence?”

“Grilled cheese sandwich,” she said, her voice perking with interest.

“What’s your second favorite sick day indulgence?” he asked.

“Why?” she said suspiciously as he continued to watch her neutrally. “Max, do you not know how to make a grilled cheese sandwich?

“Of course, I do,” he said, offended, folding his arms across his chest and then he unfolded them as his shoulders deflated. “Okay, no I don’t. Nine times out of ten I will burn the darn thing or the cheese doesn’t melt and it tastes like plastic.”

“But you’re a gourmet cook!” she sputtered in shock. “How did you go through life so far without knowing how to make a grilled sandwich?”

“I don’t know, but now you know the truth,” he told her defensively. “I’m a phony.”

She watched with amusement marveling how he always managed to surprise her when she least expected it. Her perfectly imperfect husband.

“I can teach you,” she said magnanimously. “It really is quite simple.”

He gazed her at warily and then unbent enough to nod. “Teach me.”

She walked him through the process, showing him the right cheese to use for the ideal melt, elevating the simple sandwich with red pepper jam and pickled onions. And the pièce de resistance, a combination of mayonnaise and butter to slather on the bread.

“Mayo has a higher smoke point,” she explained as he followed her instructions. “This way you don’t have to worry as much about the cooking temperature. But I like the taste and fragrance of butter, so this approach is the best of two worlds.”

She kept an eye on the sizzling skillet, covering his hand with hers when it looked like he might turn it too soon.

“Patience,” was all she said, nodding a few minutes later to give him the go ahead to flip the sandwich.

Delicious smells filled the kitchen and her nose twitched in appreciation. He wrapped an arm around her waist, one hand resting on the side of her hip while he held a spatula with the other. She smiled up at him and he smiled back.

Soon the sandwiches were ready and he removed them from the skillet, cutting them into triangles and plating them with a flourish. She took an appreciative whiff of the perfectly toasted sandwich in front of her before biting into the crunchy bread, savoring the combination of gooey melted cheese, sharp red peppers and sweet caramelized onions.

“Marrying you was the best decision I ever made,” he said with gusto, finishing off one sandwich and reaching for a second.

She laughed uproariously at that and leaned forward to kiss his jaw.

“Always happy to educate you on the error of your ways, my love.”

Perma-tags: @jamespotterthefirst  @genevievemd  @forallthatitsworth  @queencarb  @potionsprefect  @quixoticdreamer16  @schnitzelbutterfingers   @bex-la-get @headoverheelsforramsey @dorisz @custaroonie @takemyopenheart @jerzwriter @a-crepusculo @rosebudde @lucy-268 @crazy-loca-blog @writer-ish @wanderingamongthewildflowers @rookiemartin @anonymousrookie @natureblooms24 @coffeeheartaddict2 @mysticalgalaxysstuff @lady-calypso @sincerelyscarring @beezybean

Max & Sienna only: @gryffindordaughterofathena @utterlyinevitable

@choicesficwriterscreations​ @openheartfanfics

[fruitcoops]

Cake Off

Happy birthday, Finn O'Hara! Here's to hoping all your wishes come true <3 SW credit goes to @lumosinlove!

Marlene waved to the camera as she wove a small whisk into her bun; behind her, five young men sat in front of a well-lit industrial kitchen. “Hello, Lions, and welcome back to Lion Pride! I’m your host, Marlene McKinnon, and we’re here today to celebrate someone we all love very much.”

“Some more than others,” Leo corrected.

“Today is Finn O’Hara’s 25thbirthday,” Marlene continued. “And my gift to him was letting him pick what our next video was going to be. Being the agent of chaos we know and love, he chose to force his friends to make him birthday cakes. Cap, Knutty, I know you two are feeling pretty confident about this. Tremzy, Kasey, and Loops, how are we feeling today?”

Logan’s expression was rather pained. “Can I apologize in advance?”

“I have…a history with ovens,” Kasey said carefully. “Kind of like Britain’s history with the rest of the world, except I’m the rest of the world and the oven wins nine times out of ten.”

“I don’t bake,” Remus sighed. “This is going to be an adventure. Can I leave if I already got him a present?”

“Nope!” Marlene chirped. “To your stations, everyone!”

The five of them trooped to the countertops, which had been covered with a colorful assortment of baking supplies; Logan’s smile grew even more nervous. “Is there a guidebook, or something?”

Marlene ruffled his hair as she passed. “Where’s the fun in that? You have two hours to make a unique birthday cake. On your marks—”

Kasey went pale. “Wait—”

“—get set—”

“Marlene, please,” Remus begged.

“—go!”

“Oh my god,” Logan muttered. “Uh, I don’t have a recipe.”

Marlene’s grin was wicked. “That’s the extra bonus fun.”

Leo paused from where he was measuring flour into a sifter and raised his hand. “Finn’s not actually tasting everyone’s cakes, right? ‘Cause making him sick on his birthday seems a bit mean.”

“He only has to try one bite of each,” Marlene assured him as she stopped by Sirius’ station, where he was gathering his ingredients in a line. “Cap, what are you making today?”

“Vanilla with chocolate frosting. I know the recipe by heart, but I only make it when I’m stressed.” A furrow appeared between his brows before he straightened up and raised his voice. “Hey, someone stress me out!”

“Playoffs!” Kasey shouted from across the room. All five men immediately hurried to knock on the wooden cabinets.

“Thanks!” Sirius gave him a thumbs-up and Kasey winked.

“And somebody won’t be sleeping tonight,” Remus muttered, flicking sugar at Kasey. “Thanks, Bliz.”

Logan was still bracing himself against the countertop when Marlene arrived at his table. “How’re you feeling, Tremz? I see you haven’t chosen any ingredients.”

“There’s a very fine line between making your boyfriend a birthday cake and poisoning him,” Logan said after a moment. “And I think I’m about to find out where it is.”

“What are you making?”

“I don’t know yet. Whatever happens, happens.”

“Fair enough,” Marlene laughed as she moved on. “Leo?”

“I’m gonna make a lemon cake,” he said with a proud smile as he mixed the dry ingredients. “And it’s going to be delicious.”

“Do you bake at home very often? You sound confident.”

He shrugged one shoulder. “For special occasions, yeah. I vaguely know what I’m doing, so I feel pretty good.”

“How do you think Logan’s cake will turn out?”

Leo paused and glanced up. A beat of silence passed before he bit his lower lip. “I think it’s a really good thing that Finn has two boyfriends that are making him cakes.”

“Rude,” Logan grumbled as he dumped another cupful of flour into a bowl to Sirius’ obvious horror. He stuck his tongue out. “Don’t give me that look, Cap, this cake is going to be fucking amazing.”

Sirius raised his eyebrows and turned back to his own batter. “If you say so.”

Logan stood on his toes and poured the next cup directly over Sirius’ head in a poof of white. The studio went silent. With a cough, a bit of flour puffed from Sirius’ mouth. “Cap?” Kasey ventured.

“Hmm?”

“You okay?”

“Mhmm.” He slowly took a towel off the oven door and wiped his face with it, then whipped around and snapped it at Logan’s thigh—it connected with a sharp sound, followed by a yelp as Logan shoved Leo in front of him as a makeshift shield. “You can’t hide behind him forever!”

“Remember, you only have two hours!” Marlene called as she dodged a patch of flour on the floor. Sirius scowled and put the towel back down on the counter; Logan backed away to his station with a suspicious glare. “Loops, how are you?”

“I’m minding my own business,” he said innocently. “Staying in my lane. Paying no attention to the idiots behind the curtain, if you will.”

“Impressive. What are you making for our wonderful Harzy?”

“Spite cake.”

“What?”

“Spite cake,” he repeated with a shadow of a smile. “It’s carrot cake, but with no special ingredient of love or appreciation, because he knows how much I hate baking and he’s been making fun of me over text all morning.”

Leo frowned. “Weren’t you two bonding over how much you hate carrot cake when we went to lunch yesterday?”

“Hence the name,” Remus said as he pulled a cheese grater out of the lineup.

“And last, but certainly not least, Kasey.” Marlene leaned against the edge of his table. “How’s it going over here?”

“So far, so good.” He eyed his batter and poked one of the lumps with a fork. “Does this look ready to you?”

“Seems a bit wet, to be honest.”

“Yeah, I thought so. Do people put milk in cake batter?” On the other end of the kitchen, Sirius and Leo shared a look.

Marlene patted his arm. “Good luck, Bliz.”

The camera cut for a moment—when it returned, the three bakers on the far end seemed to be even more flustered than before. “You have one hour left!” someone off-screen announced.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.” Logan held his spatula up. The batter remained stuck to it in a doughy lump. “Is this supposed to happen?”

Leo’s eyes flickered between Sirius, who was clearly shocked into silence, and Logan, who was growing more distressed by the second. “Sure, honey.”

“Baby, it looks like jello,” Remus called as he shook his mixing bowl with a nervous glance to Sirius. “Why does it look like jello?”

“Mon dieu,” Sirius muttered as he crossed the room; the second he looked over Remus’ shoulder, his eyes widened. “How did you…?”

“I don’t know.”

“You put flour in, right?”

“Hey, no helping!” Kasey protested, swatting Sirius on the shoulder with an oven mitt. “We all fail on our own merit here. Tremy’s making concrete, Loops has jello, and I’ve got soup, so you and Knutty can fuck off back to your perfect batter and let us suffer in peace!”

“Jesus, Bliz, did you put water in that?”

“No! I put butter and milk in!”

“Why?”

“Because!”

“One hour left!” Marlene shouted.

“Fuck it, it’s good enough.” Remus grabbed the nearest cake pan and dumped his batter in, then put it in the oven. He turned the heat on and faced the camera guiltily. “Harzy, I know this was meant to spite you, it really was just meant to be a carrot cake. Not…that.”

Logan sprinkled a handful of chocolate sprinkled into his mixing bowl. “I don’t know what I’m doing,” he singsonged. “But I know I’m doing it poorly!”

“Oh my god,” Remus said suddenly as he licked some of his batter off his finger. “Oh my—oh my god.”

Kasey looked up from pouring his batter into a pan in mild alarm. “What?”

“Oh my god, that’s terrible. Here, try it.”

Kasey put his cake in the oven before swiping a bit off and tasting it. His whole face scrunched. “What?”

“I know,” Remus laughed, passing the spatula to Logan. “It’s like getting punched with a cinnamon stick.”

“I can feel it in my nose,” Logan coughed. “Here, try mine.”

Leo regarded them with a healthy amount of disbelief. “Why are you all tasting it if you know it’s bad?”

“Because Marlene needs workable content.”

“Do it for the vine.”

“Because I’m a dumbass, rookie.” Kasey lifted the spatula up. “Cap, your fiancé made toxic sludge in cake form. Want some?”

Sirius hesitated, then sighed and headed over. Leo threw his hands in that air. “You, too?”

“What else am I supposed to—” Sirius faltered with a harsh exhale and braced his hands against the counter, licking his lips. “How many eggs did you put in that?”

“Four? Five?”

“How much cinnamon?”

“A teaspoon?”

Sirius took a fortifying breath through his nose. “Teaspoon or tablespoon?”

“Tablespoon,” Kasey answered for him. “Definitely a tablespoon. Try mine.”

“You two are never allowed in a kitchen again,” Sirius said, though he swiped his finger along the inside of Kasey’s bowl and tasted his batter with a grimace. “Ugh. It’s just melted butter.”

“How did you make it taste like salty butter and nothing else?” Logan asked, sounding genuinely interested.

“Well, Tremzy, I put salt and butter in it.”

Leo’s phone timer went off and he opened the oven door; four faces turned toward him in shock as he pulled a golden cake out and checked the center with a toothpick. Logan closed his eyes and bent closer, taking a deep inhale. “I wish the viewers could smell this, because it’s heaven.”

“Can it be my birthday instead?” Kasey asked. “Please?”

“Get back, you hyenas!” Leo whacked him lightly on the hand with a spoon when he reached out to poke the cake. “That oven was 350 degrees!”

Sirius glanced up at the camera. “That’s 177 degrees, for all you smart people out there.”

“Boo, Celsius.” Remus kissed his cheek. “You smell like sugar.”

“How much time do you all have left on your cakes?” Marlene asked from her perch next to the sink.

Logan, Remus, and Kasey shared a look before Logan turned back to her. “I don’t know?”

“You can’t answer that with another question,” she laughed.

“Ten minutes,” he guessed.

“Whenever it starts to smell good,” Remus said. “Though I doubt that’s going to happen.”

Kasey cocked his head and scanned Leo’s cake for a second. “When it starts looking like that.”

“It won’t,” Leo informed him.

“Damn, Knutty, okay.”

Marlene shook her head. “We’re going to cut filming until everyone’s cakes are out of the oven, but in the meantime we’ve got some special messages for our favorite redhead.”

A banner reading Happy Birthday, Finn! appeared on the screen with a burst of confetti before the usual studio replaced it, with its white walls and folding chairs. Dumo crossed one leg over the other with a soft smile. “One thing I admire about Finn is his tenacity. When he wants something, he’ll go for it with his whole heart.”

“I love his humor,” Leo said in the next short video. He was smiling as well, and had a faint blush on his freckled cheeks. “And the way he makes breakfast in the mornings. All the little things he does to make the people he loves happy. And he really does love with his whole heart. There’s no holding back with him.”

“Finn?” Sirius thought for a moment. “He’s a good person. I know that might sound lame, but he’s one of those people that you meet that always makes you feel happy, and confident, and supported. Anyone who meets him should count themselves lucky.”

Logan’s face was filled with nothing but affection. “I love his patience and his kindness. Whether that was helping me work on my English in college, or making the rookies feel welcome, or even the way he talks to complete strangers when they ask for directions on the street. Everything about him is kind.”

“Ah, jeez.” Remus bit his lower lip. “I think—I think what I admire most about Finn is that he never lets anyone else define who he is. He’s comfortable in himself and makes everyone around him feel safe. It’s sappy, but it’s true. He’s one of my best friends and I’m grateful for him every day.”

“He’s one of the most reliable people I’ve ever met,” James said. “Both on and off the ice. He will be there to support his friends in any capacity and I think we all need to be a little more like Finn that way.”

“Great player.” Arthur nodded. “Great player, and an even better teammate. I can put O’Hara anywhere on the ice and he’ll throw everything he’s got into doing his best. I can’t think of a single Lion who doesn’t love being on the same shift as him.”

Talker grinned, leaning back in his chair with a shake of his head. “Finn just loves hockey. He takes it seriously, of course, but he loves being out there with us and I’m always happy when we’re on a line together. He goes out there every night and has a blast. I admire a lot about him, but especially that.”

“It’s hard to pick one specific thing that I admire about him,” Kasey said, shifting in his chair. “He’s Finn. He’s annoying as all hell, and I love him for it. I’m not sure. Can I make a list?”

“Harzy is very cool,” Olli laughed. “Very cool and very fun to be around. He has a quick wit and truly cares about all of us.”

Kuny raised his eyebrows. “What I like about Harzy? Oh, everything. Everything. He is good friend, good teammate, always there when we need him. Good for Tremzy and Knutty, too. He would turn red like fire engine if he heard me. Don’t tell him I say that.”

The video changed to a wide view of the whole team as they waved to the camera. “Happy birthday, Harzy!” they chorused. “Bitch ass moves!”

The kitchen was much cleaner when the video resumed; all the cooking supplies had been taken away, leaving five hockey players with their cakes in front of them. Leo’s cake was a bit lopsided, though the yellow frosting was cheerful and even—next to him, Logan’s cake looked more like a squished loaf of bread. Sirius’ was plain and elegant, while Kasey’s frosting was still dripping as the camera zoomed in on it.

“Wow,” Finn said after a moment of silence from his seat at the main table, where five slices of cake had been placed on small plates with a label for each name. “Just…wow.”

“You can start with whichever one you want,” Marlene told him.

“I think I’ll save Cap and Leo’s for last. Uh, Kase, what happened here?”

Kasey sighed. “I wish I knew.”

Finn gave it a wary look, then took a bite; his chewing slowed to a stop almost immediately and Logan’s shoulders started to shake from his suppressed laughter. “You know it’s burnt on the outside and not cooked on the inside, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Just checking.” With great effort, he swallowed. “Why is it wet?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, man.”

Finn took the next plate, then paused. “Re, I love you, but…”

Remus shook his head. “I know.”

“I’m genuinely afraid to try this.”

“You should be.”

The second it touched his tongue, Finn started laughing. “Jesus, it’s a straight shot of cinnamon. Why is it crunchy?”

“It’s carrot cake!”

“You know I hate carrot cake!”

“Look, I gave it my best shot. It really wasn’t supposed to do…” He gestured at the plate. “That.”

“Lo, baby, please tell me yours is better than the last two.”

Logan thought for a moment. “It was made with love and that’s all that matters.”

Finn took a deep breath before taking a bite. A range of emotions washed over his face—pleasant surprise, then confusion, then horror, and finally disbelief. “I…what?”

“I don’t even know.”

He swallowed, then ate another bite. “Oh, bad idea. This—are there chocolate chips in here? And almonds?”

“Yeah. You like those, right?”

“Usually, yes. It’s kind of got the texture of fruitcake, but—” Finn broke off and picked the slice up, giving it a shake. Not even a crumb fell out of place, and the rest of the boys burst out laughing. “Lo. Logan. Light of my life, what the fuck?”

“Happy birthday?”

“This is the best birthday present ever. Alright, Cap, your turn.” He took a piece of Sirius’ cake and nodded. “Yep, that’s cake.”

Sirius blinked at him. “And?”

Finn shrugged. “It’s cake. Classic flavors, good texture. I like it. Definitely tastes like a cake you would make.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“He’s calling you basic,” Kasey said, patting Sirius’ shoulder sympathetically. “But hey, at least yours was cooked all the way.”

“And now for boyfriend number two,” Finn continued.

Leo rolled his eyes. “Boyfriend number two.”

“Oh, that’s so good,” Finn groaned around a mouthful of cake. His eyebrows pitched. “I love it.”

“What about it?” Marlene prompted.

“For starters, it’s cooked all the way through. The lemon is freakin’ amazing, and the frosting isn’t melting off the sides or anything. I can’t even taste everyone else’s anymore. It’s a helluva cake. Happy birthday to me. Will you make this every day?”

“No,” Leo said, though there was a pleased flush on his face. “But maybe on the weekend.”

Finn scraped the last of the crumbs off his plate. “Alright, everyone, come get a piece of this magic. Thank you for doing this, by the way. I know three of you hate baking.”

“It wasn’t that bad,” Logan admitted as he settled himself on one of Finn’s thighs with a slice of his own and kissed his temple. “Sorry for almost poisoning you. Oh, that is tasty.”

“I love you anyway. I think Loops and Bliz were actually the closest to doing that, so you’re all good.” Finn raised his eyebrows and craned his neck over Logan’s shoulder. “Speaking of…”

“Lasagna or chicken piccata?” Remus asked. Sirius took advantage of his moment of distraction by stealing a bite off his plate and received a playful glare in response, though it was soothed by a kiss on his cheek.

“Lasagna, please.”

“Does Friday work?”

Finn gave him a thumbs-up. “Sorry, Harzy,” Kasey said as he carefully got the last bits of frosting off his fork. “I have no marketable skills to apologize with. You don’t want me anywhere near a stove or an oven.”

A gleam lit in Finn’s eye. “Will you get in all your pads and play chicken with Knutty and I?”

“For the twentieth time—”

“It’s my birthday,” he wheedled, pouting his lower lip out with the Bambi eyes turned to full blast.

Kasey sighed. “Fine.”

“Hell yeah.”

“Thanks for joining us for our birthday celebration,” Marlene said with a smile. “The best estimations of these recipes are linked on our website, with a few tweaks to make sure none of your loved ones get food poisoning this August. Have a great day, Lions!”

[michaelkeenan]

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat in under 1500 words

Here's my under-1500-word summary of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, a book about the skill of cooking by Samin Nosrat.

There are four basic factors that determine how good your food will taste: salt, which enhances flavor; fat, which amplifies flavor and makes appealing textures possible; acid, which brightens and balances; and heat, which ultimately determines the texture of food.

Salt

Salt amplifies other flavors, except bitterness; it reduces bitterness.

Fine salts can be up to twice as dense as course salts, so measure salt by weight, rather than by volume. Better yet, measure by taste.

It's usually best for food to be salted from within, rather than sprinkled with salt at the end.

In many cases, salt is best added before cooking so it has time to diffuse through the food. For meat (but not fish), salt hours (or days) before cooking. For vegetables (but not mushrooms), salt 15 minutes before cooking.

Taste often while cooking, and add more salt if needed.

Fat

Fat plays three distinct roles in cooking: as a main ingredient (e.g. butter in a pastry or olive oil in pesto), as a cooking medium (butter to sauté vegetables), and as a seasoning (e.g. sour cream in soup, mayonnaise in a sandwich). Knowing which role fat will play will guide you to choose which fat to use for your purpose.

Fat carries flavor. It coats the tongue, allowing aromatic compounds to stay in contact with taste buds for longer periods of time. Take advantage of this by adding aromatics (e.g. garlic) directly into the cooking fat. When baking, add vanilla extract and other flavorings directly into the butter or egg yolks for the same result.

Fat also enhances flavor another way. Cooking fats can withstand temperatures well above the boiling point of water (212°), so they can do what water can't: facilitate browning (which begins around 230°). Browning can introduce entirely new flavors.

An important factor, when choosing a fat, is to match it with the culture of the food you're creating, otherwise it won't taste right. e.g. don't use olive oil in Vietnamese food, or smoky bacon fat in Indian food.

Which fats we use primarily affect flavor, but how we use them determines texture. Depending on how we use fats, we can achieve one of five textures: Crisp (e.g. fried food), Creamy (e.g. chocolate, ice cream), Flaky (pastries), Tender (shortbread), and Light (whipped cream).

Foods that are too dry, or need just a bump of richness, can be corrected with a little olive oil (or other oil), or another creamy ingredient such as sour cream, crème, fraîche, egg yolk, or goat cheese. Use vinaigrette, mayonnaise, a spreadable cheese, or creamy avocado to balance out dryness in a sandwich or atop thick, crusty bread.

Acid

Like salt, acid heightens other flavors. But while the salt threshold is absolute, acid balance is relative. If you add too much salt to a broth, it's unsalvageable, except through dilution. But if you add too much acid to something, you can add sugar, salt, fat, bitterness or starch to change it from unpalatably sour to pleasant. (For example, if you make lemonade from lemon juice, water, and sugar, try tasting it before and after you add sugar, and what was unpleasantly sour becomes good.)

Let geographic tradition guide your choice of acid to use: wine vinegars in Italian, French, Germany, and Spanish cuisine; rice vinegars in Asian cuisine; apple cider vinegar for British and southern American food; lemon and tomatoes in Mediterranean food, lime in tropical climates like Mexico, Cuba, India, Vietnam, and Thailand; dairy can fit in most cuisines.

Acid dulls vibrant greens, so wait until the last possible moment to dress salads or squeeze lemon on cooked green vegetables.

Acid keeps reds and purples vivid, so add acid before cooking purple cabbage, red chard stems, and beets.

Raw fruits and vegetables vulnerable to oxidation, like apples, avocados, and bananas, will retain their natural color if coated with acid or kept in water mixed with a few drops of lemon juice.

Acid keeps vegetables and legumes tougher, longer. Anything containing cellulose or pectin will cook much more slowly in the presence of acid. Fifteen minutes of simmering in water can soften carrots to baby food, but they'll still be somewhat firm after an hour stewing in red wine. If you've ever cooked something with onions and been perplexed at the onions not cooking, it could be that an acidic ingredient - perhaps tomatoes, wine, or vinegar - is interfering.

As in general with cooking, the best way to optimize acidity is to taste during cooking and adjust.

Heat

To determine whether the heat level is correct, the best cooks look at the *food*, not the the heat source. They listen for the changing sounds of a sizzling sausage, watch the way a simmer becomes a boil, and taste a noodle to determine whether it's al dente. Is the food browning, firming, shrinking, crisping, burning, falling apart, swelling, or cooking unevenly?

Food is primarily made up of: water, fat, carbohydrates, and protein.

Water can be a medium in which we cook other foods. At low temperatures, water is particularly gentle. Simmering, braising and poaching provide foods with the sustained low heat they need to develop tenderness. Heat water to 212° at sea level and it boils, giving us one of the quickest and most efficient ways to cook food.

Beyond 212°, water transforms to steam, a valuable visual cue: as long as food is wet and giving off steam, its surface temperature probably isn't hot enough to allow browning to begin. Caramelization and the Maillard reaction don't begin until food reaches higher temperatures.

Make decisions in relationship to steam. Encourage steam to escape if you want temperatures to rise and food to brown. Contain steam with a lid to allow food to cook in a moist environment if you want to prevent or delay browning.

Food piled in a pan can affect steam levels by acting like a makeshift lid; both entrap steam. Trapped steam condenses and drips back down, keeping food moist and maintaining a temperature around 212°.

Control steam in the oven when roasting or toasting food similarly. Spread out zucchini and peppers so steam escapes and browning begins sooner. Protect denser vegetables that take longer to cook, like artichokes, from browning too much before they can cook through by packing them tightly to entrap steam.

At high temperatures, sugar melts. At very high temperatures (340°), sugar darkens and caramelizes, producing hundreds of new compounds with abundant new flavors: acidic, bitter, fruity, caramel, nutty, sherry, and butterscotch.

Cooking fruits, vegetables, dairy, and some grains releases their sugars. As heat penetrates a boiling carrot, for example, its starches break down into simple sugars, and the cell walls enclosing the sugars disintegrate, making a cooked carrot taste sweeter than a raw one.

Heat proteins in the presence of carbohydrates, and the Maillard reaction occurs, heat's most significant contribution to flavor, with notes like floral, onion, meaty, vegetal, chocolatey, starchy, and earthy. It's often accompanied by dehydration and crispness, so the texture is also often improved.

Browning begins around 230°. The temperatures required to achieve this tasty browning will dry out proteins, so beware. Use intense heat to brown the surface of meats and quickly cook tender cuts through. After browning a tougher cut such as brisket, on the other hand, use gentle heat to keep its interior from drying out. Or cook it through with gentle heat first, and brown the surface at the end.

Brown with care; it's easy to burn.

Cooking sometimes continues after removing the food from the heat source, as the residual heat continues cooking. Proteins in particular are susceptible to carryover.

The primary decision is whether to cook slowly over gentle heat, or quickly over intense heat. For some foods, the goal is *creating* tenderness; for others, it's *preserving* tenderness. In general, foods that are already tender (some meats, eggs, delicate vegetables) should be cooked as little as possible to maintain their tenderness. Foods that start out tough or dry and need to be hydrated or transformed to become tender (grains and starches, tough meats, dense vegetables) will benefit from longer, more gentle cooking. Browning, whether for tender or tough foods, will often involve intense heat, so you'll combine cooking methods. For example, brown and then simmer meats in a stew, or simmer and then brown potatoes for hash to ensure browning *and* tenderness in both cases.

Gentle cooking methods (for creating or preserving tenderness)

Simmering, Coddling, and Poaching

Steaming

Stewing and Braising

Confit (poaching in fat)

Sweating

Bain-marie

Low-heat Baking and Dehydrating

Slow-roasting, Grilling, and Smoking

Intense cooking Methods (often for browning)

Blanching, Boiling, and Reducing (an exception to this list - these, of course, don't brown foods)

Sautéing, Pan-frying, and Shallow and Deep-frying

Searing

Grilling and Broiling

High-heat Baking

Toasting

Roasting

[adoriels-tears-if]

Arielle I hope you're feeling OK. We all feel weird sometimes... The important thing is to not let this get the better of you! You're strong you're powerful, YOU'RE ADORIEL!

Kill depression, slay anxiety and sit upon your throne victorious once more! 👑

The rest of the fandom and I will provide backup!

It's important to stay busy so that your brain doesn't get any funny ideas and starts making you think about stupid stuff that gets you down so here are some very important questions to occupy yourself with:

If you're sitting at a restaurant and the waiter takes a long time to come to your table, are you the waiter?

When you clean your vacuum cleaner, are you the vacuum cleaner?

Is water wet?

Is fire burnt?

Is cereal just cold soup?

If you put lasagna on top of another tray of lasagna is it two lasagna or one?

If swimming helps keep you lose weight, what are whales doing wrong?

Is grilled cheese melt just a grilled cheese sandwich?

Does a straw have one hole or two?

Are boneless chicken wings just chicken nuggets?

Joking aside I really hope you're feeling OK 😊 whenever you feel down you just have to remember it's a phase, but this too will pass. Stay positive and keep trying to be happy, you'll get there eventually you just to keep trying! Don't give up! You've got this! 🥰

Aww, I can always count on you to make me smile! Thank you !

Also

1/No, you are hungrier, nuance.

2/No, you're a slave !

3/Yes

4/Yes

5/No, the soup has to be creamy with nothing in it, no chunks. Yuck.

6/One, sadly.

7/They eat secretly.

8/No

9/We've had this discussion before, dear.

10/Yes!