#could not find meat thermometer

[hayakawalove]

A Spoonful of Medicine

Summary: After recovering from a brief bout of illness, you find yourself craving sex. Of course Satoru and Suguru come to your rescue.

A/N: I would definitely try to get myself to be sick so they could take care of me. Also cause I want them to fuck me but that's not the point.

CW: Smut, Polyamory, Fluff, Fluff and Humor, Sick, Vaginal Sex, Cunnilingus, Grinding, Hand Jobs, Spit Kink, Praise Kink, Dirty Talk, Top Suguru, Switch Gojo, Creampie, Fem Reader, AFAB Reader

W/C: 4,018

Soft. 

Soft fabric greets your skin as your body rouses awake. You were certain that you were laying on clouds among the gods until your eyes open. Your room fills your vision, your eyes slowly coming into focus. 

You check the bedside clock, the time being 11:00 am. 

Fuck. 

You had slept for 13 hours. 

You turn back to look at the ceiling, slowly waking up fully. Trying to recollect memories from the previous night you find yourself coming up empty handed. The farthest you got were bits and pieces of Suguru and Satoru, their warm hands gentle as they cradled you while you drifted in and out of consciousness. While your brain tries to gather the pieces together, a soft scent floats over to you, a mix of meat and spices. 

Wait. 

You can smell? 

It had been days since your nose worked, but now it felt suddenly clear, the scents of the room overwhelming you. You were able to smell Satoru’s cologne on the tshirt you wore, along with the detergent of the sheets below you. In addition to that, you were able to smell something coming from the kitchen. 

Suguru must be cooking. 

Where was Satoru? 

You had been sick for the past four days, nearly bedridden with a cold that hit you like a freight train. The two boys had been at your beck and call the entire time. You almost felt smothered by the amount of love they poured into you. It felt good though, to be cared for. 

You sit up and throw your legs off the side of the bed while stretching them, your joints cracking as you shake off the nearly day long slumber. Turning to the nightstand, you grab the thermometer that Suguru had left. With a beep you shove the stick in your mouth, pulling it out when the time is up. 99 F. No fever. You didn't feel sick. In fact, you felt refreshed. Better than you have in a long time. 

You crumble up the front of your shirt, bringing it up to your face. Several large whiffs later you feel your head swoon. It had been days since you were able to smell him. 

He preferred to wear woody colognes, the addicting cedar scent covering you entirely. 

Satoru comes in wearing a face mask, holding medicine in his hands. 

“Wake up bunny, it’s time for your next-“ he slides in the room, looking at you. 

“You’re up.” 

“I’m up.” 

He walks over to you, inspecting your face. 

“You don’t sound like a 70 year old smoker anymore.” 

“And you still sound like an idiot.” 

Satoru chuckles at your feistiness. He missed it. He knew to start getting worried about you when you didn’t bite back. 

Satoru sets the medicine on the bedside table. Now that he was up close, you were able to get a good look at him. He looked good. He usually did. Okay, he always did. His white hair was fluffy, with bright blue eyes poking out above the mask. He was wearing a black shirt and boxers. Fuck, he looked… 

“Hello?” Satoru’s bending over, waving in front of your face. 

You get even more flustered once he’s up close. The smell of his shampoo and body wash, an intoxicating mix, over flows your senses. You weren’t freezing from a fever anymore. No, you were hot. Undoubtedly, earnestly, hot. It was almost hard to breathe under the heat of his gaze. 

He lifts up a hand and grabs your chin, long fingers splaying on the side of your face. He tilts your head side to side, inspecting something, before facing you forward again. Your stomach burns with need, fingers tingling at the close proximity. You had been so sick you almost forgot what it felt like to be anything but ill. Even if you could forget it, your body hardly did. A familiar sensation builds up between your legs as your eyes lock with Satoru’s. 

Something comes over you, and you’re ripping off his mask. 

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise but he doesn’t have time to ask you what you’re doing as your lips are on his in an instant. You hold his shoulders tight, your lips melding to his. If you could fuse with him, you would. Satoru hums against your lips before pulling away, looking deep into your eyes. 

“What, are you trying to infect me? That’s low, even for you.” 

“Want you.” Your voice comes out soft. 

Satoru audibly swallows, face flashing as if he’s considering it. 

He always did give in faster than Suguru. 

“You need to rest.” 

“No, I need you.” 

It’s hard to not pick up on the desperation in your voice. If it were any other time, Satoru might make fun of you. He couldn’t bring himself to make a quip this time though. Not with the way your eyes dragged across his body, your mouth twisting and turning. 

Your pussy tingles, your body finally catching up to four days without sex. Yeah sure you were hungry and thirsty, but more than that you were horny. 

Satoru wets his bottom lip, stepping closer. His lifts his knee between your legs, towering over you. He was even more beautiful up close. 

“Yeah? Careful what you wish for, bunny.” 

You wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him down. Lips lock and tongues dance. He tastes like cereal, sugary goodness embedded in the plush of his lips. You move backward, allowing him more space. His body inches closer to yours as he crawls on the bed, his large body covering yours. Even though there are only centimeters between you two, you make up your mind that he isn’t close enough. Satoru is pliable, body easy to move as you throw him on his back, crawling on top of him. There’s a hunger deep in his eyes as he watches you take control. Your chest heaves as you stare down at him, not knowing where to start but knowing you needed to begin somewhere. 

You smash your lips against his, anticipation pouring from you. It had been days since you touched him, days since you tasted him. The second he opens his mouth, your tongue curls against his. You groan in response to the flavor of his spit. He feels like heaven beneath you, his muscles perfectly molding against yours. You grind your hips, searching for some sort of friction and his cock begins to harden underneath you. Satoru’s hands take hold of your hips, easily gliding you back and forth over him. 

Satoru didn’t think you were sick anymore, but even if you were he wouldn’t care. 

Each time the pressure of his cock nudges your clit, you let out a moan. There were layers of fabric between you two, but it almost didn’t matter. Your entire body was overtly sensitive, your skin tingling with excitement. You buck your hips back forth over him while your tongue explores his mouth. Satoru lets out soft grunts whenever your lips parts from his. 

You don’t pay any mind to the door creaking open, much rather focusing on the man below you. 

Suguru walks in the room with a tray of food in his hands, his long hair flowing down his back. 

“Is that your way of getting her to take her medicine? I guess that makes sense for you Satoru.” 

Satoru tries to pull away to bite back a smart remark but you aren’t having it, chasing after his lips with yours. 

Suguru walks in the room, setting the tray of food on the beside table. He didn’t feel like he was interrupting anything, so he made no move to rush out. If anything he was curious. Last night you could barely get up to go to the bathroom and now you were devouring Satoru. Above all else, he wanted to make sure you weren’t pushing yourself. 

The presence of Suguru didn’t deter you at all. You only had the man below you on your mind. Lips lock as you move your hips faster, the pleasure beginning to build in the pit of your stomach. 

Suguru slowly walks around the end of the bed, choosing to sit at the edge next to Satoru’s head. 

He speaks your name in a reprimanding tone, eyes narrowed in on your head. You whimper against Satoru, refusing to part from him until Suguru says your name again. 

It forces you out of your stupor, making you raise your head up to him. He looks weary, his eyes hollow with dull hair. Suguru hadn’t been sleeping much this past week. He wanted to be awake in case you needed anything. It was so very him. A pang of tenderness shoots through your heart at the sight of your other boyfriend. They were wearing themselves thin taking care of you. But all you could focus on was taking more. Your lungs pant as you look at him. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” A stupid question at best, he knows what you’re doing. 

Your teeth dig in your bottom lip while you try to move against Satoru again. 

“You’re sick.” The way he says it makes it sound like it’s the end of the conversation. 

“No I’m not, I feel okay.” Your voice catches him by surprise. 

You did sound better. 

He lifts a hand up and places it against your forehead, trying to check for any signs that you were still burning up. 

“Do you?” 

“Mhm.” You fidget beneath his watchful gaze. 

The way he was looking at you made you to feel so exposed. Like a live wire laying next to a puddle of water. 

“Alright I guess, as long as you don’t get Satoru sick too. I can’t handle two sickly babies.” 

It’s an attempt at a joke, one that would normally get you. You’re too needy to laugh, instead choosing to resume ministrations on Satoru. You press down until you feel his cock against you again. The pressure against your clit forces a moan from your throat. He felt so fucking good beneath you. You bury your face against Satoru’s neck, your breaths coming out in quick succession. Suguru places his hand on your head, stroking your hair while you rub against Satoru. He couldn’t keep his hands to himself. It was instinctual really, to keep his hands on you at all times. Satoru was the same way. Goosebumps crawl over Satoru as he feels your breaths against his skin. 

Your body moves faster, your moans sounding more salacious. Up and down. Up and down. You slide your pussy against Satoru, setting the perfect pace. Satoru’s hard cock presses against your nub, your soaked underwear clinging to you. 

More, just a little more… 

Satoru holds your waist, his long fingers digging into your tender skin as he drags you back and forth. It was almost embarrassing how fast you were able to make his cock hard. Honestly, he didn’t know how much longer he would last with the way you were going. Your whimpering floats over to his ears, immediately breaking any cogs that might have been working in his head. 

It doesn’t take long until you’re pushed over the edge, reaching a breaking point as you cum fully clothed rubbing against his cock. Your movements still while the noise dies down. 

“Did you just cum?” Suguru asks, disbelief highlighting in his tone. 

The boys know exactly what you sound like when you cum, they were just surprised as it had never happened so fast before. 

You nuzzle further into Satoru’s neck, trying to soak up his warmth. You groan against his skin, feeling the aftershocks rush through your body. 

“Felt good.” 

Your words are almost inaudible against him. Pushing yourself up on your hands you stare down at Satoru. His cheeks are flushed, eyes blown out. 

“Get on my face.” Satoru says, his words breathless and almost pained. 

You mean to question him, but there’s no room for debate, not with the way his eyes are trained on you.  

You shimmy off his body, swiping your clothes off. Even though you just came, your body was still hot, lust burning your skin as each second passed by. Suguru watches as you crawl on top of Satoru’s face, sticky cum covering your pussy. So swollen and needy, Suguru could feel his mouth start to water. Satoru sticks his tongue out and pushes it through your slit, relishing in the moan you let out. 

Suguru’s eyes are hazy when you look at him, desire pooling in the depths of his caramel gaze. Your pussy clenches when you meet his eyes. Satoru definitely noticed, as he lets out a groan into you. You look down and see Suguru’s cock beginning to harden in his pants. Fumbling with the zipper, you slide his cock out. 

Beautiful, every part of him was beautiful. 

It’s hard in your hand, drops of precum pouring from the tip. You wrap your hand around him, sliding down his cock. Suguru shudders at the motion, his abs tightening. He and Satoru didn’t get up to anything while you were sick as they were too busy doting on you. 

He didn’t realize how much he needed this until it was actually happening. 

Euphoria washes over him as your hand slides along his cock. He throws his head back with his eyes closed, enjoying how your skin feels against his. He loved Satoru’s skin and hands as well, but there was something different about the softness in your palms. He lowers his head and spits on his cock, body tensing once your hand pushes the spit down. 

“Just like that baby.” Suguru coos, lips barely parted as he stares down at your fist. 

You whimper, watching as Suguru’s spit covers his cock. It’s a filthy sight, the way his saliva spreads around. Heat rushes to your core as Satoru swipes his tongue through you. When you came in your pants, Satoru really had no other choice but to clean you up. His large fingers press into the soft skin of your thighs, leaving you no room to squirm around. His tongue grazes against your clit, forcing you back down when you try to jump away from the contact. Normally he would chuckle at your sensitivity. But he was incredibly serious right now. You started all this, so you were going to take it. 

Suguru groans softly as your hand glides against his cock, he was hard as a rock as your hand tightens around him. He really wanted you to rest all day today but fuck, he couldn’t complain with the way your fingers swiped his tip. 

You did seem better, he reminds himself. 

“Satoru, I can’t take it.” You murmur, his tongue dragging out a slew of moans from you. 

“Don’t focus on him baby, focus on me.” Suguru asks, trying to keep his composure. 

He tilts your chin to look at him, staring deep into your eyes while your hand strokes him. You had been with the two men for years, and been in love with them for even longer, so why did the intensity of Suguru’s gaze knock you off your feet every time? You dig your teeth into your bottom lip while letting out a whine, the suction on Satoru’s mouth only increasing as time passes. 

Suguru watches your face morph from pain to pleasure and back over, and he briefly thinks about asking Satoru to slow down. He doesn’t though, he would never admit it but he secretly gets off on the cruelty they show you. He likes the way you push them away, only to be begging for more moments later. 

Satoru isn’t prim and proper as he eats you out. Your room is filled with the sounds of his mouth laving your pussy, the noise embarrassing you. 

“So fucking noisy Satoru.” Suguru murmurs, reaching a thumb up to glide across your bottom lip. 

You grind your hips harder against Satoru’s tongue, letting out a moan once his lips wrap around your clit. 

“Does it feel good, baby?” Suguru speaks lowly, hypnotized with the way you were using Satoru. 

“Yes, fuck, yes.” 

Suguru hums at your answer, clenching his teeth while you rub his cock. 

“Think you’re ready for more?” 

You’re at a loss for words so all you can do is nod, very desperately. Suguru cracks a grin before deciding he can’t wait any longer, standing up and moving you off Satoru’s face. Satoru looks delirious under you, your cum smearing across his lips and cheeks. He looks like he wants to complain, but he keeps his mouth shut. Whatever Suguru says, goes, and Satoru is aware of that. 

Suguru lays you down on the bed, spreading your legs so wide it almost borders on painful. He slides in between your legs, giving you no time to catch your breath while he rubs his cock down your pussy. 

“You scared us princess.” He murmurs, pushing his cock inside you. 

Your eyes roll back in your head as you feel him stretch you out. 

Suguru’s face pinches as he bottoms out, your pussy giving him little to no room to move. You hadn’t been sick for that long, but it felt like it. His cock had begun to forget the shape of your walls. It seemed you did too, your pussy stretching far more slowly than normal. But that didn’t matter, he would mold you once more. 

Satoru pouts behind Suguru, briefly appreciating his form before scooting up beside you. He slides his clothes off and grabs your hand, guiding it towards his hard cock. 

Your body moves on impulse as you squeeze him, thoughtlessly guiding your hand up and down his cock. The both of you look like a wreck, while Suguru looks like he’s only getting started. 

Suguru watches the minuscule changes in your expression as he pulls out, before slamming himself back in. The moan you let out is pornographic. He almost blames you for how fucked you’re gonna get because honestly you gave him no choice looking and sounding like that. 

Your eyes feel droopy, but you refuse to shut them. The sight of the two men before you makes your mind run, your body already so close to cumming. 

Satoru, his head rung low, bangs obscuring his beautiful eyes as you pump his cock. His stomach tightening each time your fingers reach his tip before gliding back down. 

Suguru, whose face was the definition of sinful in the way he watched you, pressing his cock deep inside your pussy. 

It’s almost impossible to divide your attention between the two. Each time you slow down on Satoru, he lets out a begging shaking breath, but whenever you lose focus on Suguru he’s fucking into you faster. 

It’s like they were competing for your attention. 

Suguru grips your other hand and brings it to his mouth, pushing your fingers past his lips so he can suck them. The feeling only increases your sensitivity, making your moans come out louder. 

He pulls them out and you throw your head back when you notice the saliva dripping from your fingers. He was so fucking hot, and he didn’t even try. He guides them to your pussy, resting them against your clit. Your pussy was soaked already between your cum and Satoru’s spit, but that didn’t matter. You would gladly accept whatever Suguru gave you. You try to circle your clit, but you can’t. Not at the pace that would get you off. 

Suguru slams into you, tilting your hips in a way that makes his cock rub against your gspot. He notices that you’re having a hard time focusing on rubbing your clit so he slows down, pulling his cock out before pressing it back in.

Cute, he thought. Your poor little head could hardly focus on everything at once. 

Your legs trap his hips in, fingers starting to move faster. Both men have their eyes on you as you moan, body contorting as you inch closer to the high. 

Fingers skip along your clit as you feel yourself clench around Suguru. Desperate moans fall from your lips as your vision goes dark. It comes on suddenly, your body shaking beneath Suguru as you cum. They let out moans watching you, their bodies reacting to the way you sound. 

It hits Suguru harder than it hits Satoru. He can feel the way your pussy clings to him, the way your body trembles beneath his large frame. There’s no reason to take it easy on you anymore so he starts fucking into you more at a rough pace. His cock pounds inside you, teetering between pleasure and pain. Your hand flies up to grip his chest, fingers slippery from your cum. 

“Come on baby you can take it.” He finds himself saying, noticing the way you try to back off. 

“No I- it’s too much, it’s too much.” You plea, his cock penetrating you. 

He loves how pathetic you sound. 

Your pussy clings to his cock as his hips slow down, his cock jumping as he cums inside you. It almost feels like he’s suffocating with the way you grip him. He stills completely, relaxing in content. It felt like a weight was lifted off his chest when he came. 

Satoru shakes you both from your post sex bliss. He’s a mess beside you, body slick with sweat with a jutted out lip. 

“Aw, poor baby.” Suguru says, eyes glazed over as he watches Satoru. 

“Shut up.” Satoru has no bite to his tone. 

Suguru’s eyes narrow at the comment. He leans over, cock still plugging you up, and grabs Satoru’s face. 

“Watch your mouth.” 

Your pussy clenches at Suguru’s tone. His lip quirks up at your reaction before he trains it down. Your hand rubs Satoru’s cock faster now, body trembling at the idea of making him cum. The noises he lets out were a mix between hot and cute. He liked acting all tough, but you knew whenever he was in the sheets his voice betrayed him. 

Your hand tightens around his cock, brows furrowing when his hips jump to meet your hand. You were so eager to watch him fall apart in front of you. 

“F-fuck.” Satoru’s delirious as he murmurs to himself. 

His cock was so hard it hurt. From the taste of your pussy on his tongue to him watching Suguru fuck you, he could hardly take it anymore. 

“F-fuck, hah, I,” Satoru groans your name. 

Suguru watches your slippery hand tug Satoru’s cock. He did feel a little bad that Satoru hadn’t finished yet. Suguru leans down and lets his teeth dig into Satoru’s throat, sucking lightly. The mixture of sensations causes Satoru to hurl closer to the edge. He humps your fist pathetically as he grabs onto Suguru’s hair. 

“G-gonna cum.” It’s hard to hear him over the sound of his cock in your hand. 

Suguru reaches a hand down, covering yours, and starts to rub Satoru’s cock. The feeling of his palm pressing into yours makes you squeeze Satoru harder. He groans at the pressure, his stomach flexing. 

Satoru cums hard in both your hands, the white silky liquid overflowing your fingers. Suguru removes his hand first, licking his fingers as he slides out of your pussy. 

It’s hard not to complain at the feeling but you keep it in. You use a towel that Suguru provides to wipe up Satoru’s cum. Your body feels way heavier, sinking into the bed after everything. Satoru flops beside you, always extremely needy after sex. His arms wrap around you, pulling you into his body. 

Suguru stares at the tray of food, his brows pinched. 

“Guess I’ll have to heat that up.”

You chuckle. Eventually you would eat, but for now all you wanted to do was lay down with the both of them. 

“You don’t need to feed me anymore, I’m feeling better.” 

“I can tell.” Suguru murmurs. 

The boys laugh at you as you all push together, fitting together like a perfect puzzle, warmth spreading between you. 

Tag List: @tojislittleprincesss, @dinolvrrr, @kimi01985, @constawrites

If you want to be added to my taglist just let me know, specify what you want to be added to if it's just my gojo and suguru posts, or all my posts

[kondensaduhhh]

TF2 Mercs: Cooking HCs

all the mercs can cook, theyre all grown men ffs, but they're just better at certain things than the rest of them

this long as hell😭😭 good god, didnt expect it to be this long

first of all; Scout. Scout can absolutely cook, i personally think that a single mother who raised 7 sons is, first of all, a badass, and secondly, will not tolerate any of that "Women belong in the kitchen" bullshit, she taught her sons how to do basic life skills.

while, yeah, Scout can cook, he cooks breakfast foods best. sure, hes a little flinchy when the bacon starts poppin' but nothing he cant handle. He makes the best pancakes, toast, french toast, bacon, eggs, hell, the mercs don't get it but somehow even the way Scout makes cereal and milk in a bowl was better.

he doesnt measure either, he just eyeballs everything, which was one if the reasons he could bake for the life of him, no matter how many times his Ma and bros taught him. he makes killer milkshakes though.

Pyro!! idc idc hes a grown adult, hes not gonna burn anything, least of all the kitchen, he's too experienced with fire for such an imbecilic notion. Pyro's the best at making desserts, not really baking, he knows the basics, but not really his forte. Pyro made everyone's opinion on jell-o turn positive, theyre just that good. he can make flans, hard candy, ice cream, if its a dessert he can probably make it. everyone's favorite of his tho is caramel popcorn

Soldier usually either burns food or undercooks it but for some reason only when it's a shallow fry, he's great at deep frying and grilling, like hes super serious abt it, like he never lets whatever it is hes cooking out of his sight, he doesn't set up a timer or thermometer, its like he just knows when the food is fully cooked, he almost looks catatonic as he just stands there completely still watching the food cook but immediately starts yelling at his usual full volume when some tries to sneak in a bite of the food that IS finished cooking.

the demoman. most of Demo's food will usually have a very vague taste of alcohol in it, barely noticeable, the other mercs only realise it when they find out who cooked it. Demo's food always tastes great, unfortunately he can only make it once and he won't be able to recreate it, they're almost always just random ingredients that he somehow turns into a masterpiece.

although, there is one recipe he can make completely the same without fail, and it's his mum's favourite soup.

the engineer is the best at baking, with countless family recipes memorised and tweaked by his engineering prowess, it really is no competition. hes on par with Soldier in the grilling department, used to be a problem whenever they wanted to grill, and the two would butt heads, Heavy always put a stop to it before shit got too out of hand. at the end, it was Soldier who was the main griller, and Engie settled on making the casseroles and biscuits.

when it starts to get cold, everybody (ahemscoutahem) begs Heavy to make soup. While being in the mountains for 20ish years, Heavy found a lot of ways to make soup, from thin, brothy soups, to creamy, sticks-to-your lips soups. Fortunately, they dont have to beg for long since Heavy is always happy to cook his comfort foods for his friends, and while yes he does have to substitute most of the protein, the mercs dont see a problem with any of it, even though Heavy says it's not the same because it's not bear meat.

Medic can cook, it just so happens the only foods he can make without the aid of a written recipe are German dishes. He doesn't have much of a relationship with food, but can cook, but he does like to experiment which often gets tested out by either Pyro (bc he can stomach pretty much anything somehow), Sniper (bc Medic still wants to know if the food is edible and Pyro kinda doesn't count, and Sniper is the least picky with food), and Scout (this is mostly bc Sniper called him a pussy when he commented on the food)

Spy barely, very rarely will make food for the team, but if his ego was stroked enough he just might make a French dessert where he would pretty much blockade the kitchen bc French desserts are 'extremely fragile' hes exaggerating ofc, he just wants the kitchen to himself. while he does appear to be quite cold to the team, he does care for them and will, occasionally, not always, make them smth to eat when he notices smth amiss, he wont let them know its him (but they know, bc who else would elegantly plate smth as simple as frozen waffles?)

and finally Sniper. Sniper, if alone, would only eat what is necessary, not very picky either, has and will eat scorpions again if necessary. but whenever its his turn to cook for the team he always cooks family recipes, he has a box filled with index cards with his mum's handwriting, ranging from bread recipes, to a 3-day marinated beef stew. he usually just cooks the pasta soup and rice soups tho for stretchability of the dish

[desertdollranch]

Making Cheese with Josefina

Today Josefina learned how to make cheese! She's finally old enough to do the task with guidance from her older sisters. And she's here with me to teach everyone else how to do the same, following the directions contained in Josefina's Cookbook, which will be shared at the end of this post.

The Montoya rancho keeps a small herd of goats specifically to use for their milk. They use it in cooking and for drinking, and they preserve it by making cheese, which can be stored and used through the winter or other times when the female goats aren't lactating.

Cheese making is an ancient art, developed thousands of years ago. It was brought to North America by Europeans. It's done a bit differently now than it was in Josefina's time, and lucky for us, the necessary ingredients are easy to find.

The Montoya sisters take turns milking the goats. Then the milk is brought to the kitchen, where it is heated with a bit of cultured milk left over from the previous batch of cheese.

After the rennet is added, the milk is allowed to sit, until the curds (the solid bits of fat and protein) separate from the whey (the liquid).

Rennet is an enzyme that coagulates milk. In Josefina's time, it was obtained from the stomach lining of a young goat. When goats were butchered for meat, the stomachs were carefully cleaned and dried so the rennet could be used for making cheese.

Today, you can buy vegetable-sourced rennet that does not come from animals.

Then the curds are scooped into a straining cloth, and Josefina squeezes all the whey out of the curds until they're dry.

The cheese is pressed into small molds. Some of it is left to age and develop a richer flavor, and the rest is wrapped up and brought out to the fields for the laborers to eat with lunch.

Josefina always brings a bit of cheese when she and her sisters head into the hills to pick piñón nuts. She's carrying her lunch in a bag woven with wool produced by the sheep that live at the Montoya rancho. I made that as well as her little water canteen.

Recipe and directions are below the cut.

Before I get to the recipe (bear with me, this won't be long), I do want to verify that Josefina's Cookbook is legit and the cheese making method actually works. I first made it in 2006, and loved it so much that I moved on to more elaborate recipes and learned how to make mozzarella, feta, and a few other kinds of cheese! It's a lot of fun and very rewarding to master the art. So if you try this and enjoy it, you absolutely can turn this skill into a hobby of making cheese.

Thanks for reading my life story. Now on to the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

4 tablets of Junket rennet (buy this online if you can't find it at a grocery store)

2 teaspoons water

1/2 gallon goat's milk (not ultra-pasteurized)

3 tablespoons plain yogurt with live cultures (not low-fat or nonfat)

1/2 teaspoons salt

DIRECTIONS

Put the rennet tablets in the small bowl and crush them with the back of the small spoon. Add the water, stir to dissolve, and set aside.

Pour the milk into the large saucepan. Add the yogurt and salt, and stir to mix completely.

Clip the thermometer to the edge of the sauce- pan. The tip of the thermometer should not touch the bottom or sides of the saucepan.

Turn on the burner to medium-high to heat the milk mixture to about 90°, or "wrist warm"- warm, but still cool enough so you can stir it with your finger.

Turn off the heat and move the pan from the burner to a warm spot in your kitchen. Remove the thermometer and gently stir in the dissolved rennet and water.

Let the saucepan stand undisturbed for at least 1 hour so it can "set," or form a thick, stiff curd. This may take several hours longer if the room is cool.

As the milk sets, line the colander with 2 layers of dampened cheesecloth. Place the lined colander in the baking pan.

When the milk has turned into a custard-like curd, use the knife to cut the curd into 2-inch chunks. Use the slotted spoon to gently move the pieces into the colander to drain.

Let the cheese stand at room temperature for at least 4 hours so the whey can drain. Do not stir it, but from time to time tilt the colander or sieve and adjust the cheesecloth to help drain the whey. As the pan fills with whey, pour it out so the cheese is not standing in the whey.

When all the whey has drained, the cheese can be gently molded with your hands into a ball.

Serve the cheese immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

[sickiehugs]

Favourite sick fic trope?

AA DIDN'T SEE THIS i will answer now, will most likely turn into a very l o n g list bc i get carried away easily haha plus i am EEPY so i will ramble

so ya, my favorite tropes and also some random scenarios i came up with added to the mix

a is the sickie, i always make a the sickie i have no idea why

When they're on a date and B caresses A's cheek or holds A's hand or anything like that, and it's like so unnaturally hot that B stops being romantic, their expression shifts to one of concern as they move their hand up to A's forehead and feels burning heat.

Cool cloth being gently placed onto A's forehead as they're half asleep in bed, and like 10 minutes later the cloth is lukewarm because the heat from A's forehead warmed it up. B has a bowl of ice water on A's nightstand, they wring out the cloth and re-soak it in cold water and place the folded cloth back onto A.

B going to A's apartment in the afternoon because A hasn't responded to any calls or texts all day. They open the door to A's room and find them out cold on their bed, laying curled up on their side, a puddle of vomit on their mattress in front of their sleeping face. Oh, that's why...

"Guyss, I... p-promise I'm fi--" *collapses*

Every time A blinks, B is in a different spot above them doing different things; reaching to feel their forehead, holding a thermometer, measuring medicine... A starts to wonder if the brief moments their eyes are closed are actually a lot longer than they think.

Sick and overworked A is fast asleep at their desk, laptop still open, head resting on their arms. B takes off their jacket and puts it over A's shoulders. Bonus points if B mumbles "You work too hard..."

B is trying to piece together what on earth made A sick; there arent any bugs going around, neither of them ate any meat recently so it couldn't have been food poisoning, A already got their flu shot weeks ago... In reality, A has been hiding an infected wound from B this entire time.

Bilingual!A is quite delirious and is having a hard time remembering different words in the language they're speaking, and they keep tiredly replacing those words from one language with the other.

It's the middle of the night, and A tried to run to the toilet as fast as they could, but they weren't fast enough. With shaking hands, they open the door to the bedroom and sheepishly wake up their partner and mumble, "B... I c-couldnt make it *hic!* to t-the bathroom..."

A curling up into a tiny little ball in bed, they look so small and B's heart sinks to the floor.

B's eyes widening as they read the number on the thermometer; "Jesus, 104!?!?"

A sending hundereds of delirious, nonsensical texts to their friends, none of which they remember sending.

B entertaining A's delirious rambles, no matter what silly bs is coming out of A's mouth B is like "Yeah...? Mhm...?" with an exasperated smile on their face.

B carrying A to bed, tenderly placing them down as if they're the most fragile thing in the world, like they'd just break if B wasn't as gentle as possible.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1153: See Him Again (Sonic)

12:12 p.m. at the Crocodile Residence's Kitchen...........

Espio: (Grabs his Chin While Examining Directly at the Turkey in Front of Him) Hmmm.............

Vanilla: (Nervously Grabs Onto her Knuckle Placed on her Chest) Give it to me straight, Espio. ('Gulp') I-I can handle it........

Espio: Well...The color and texture of the skin is rich brown......The seasonings are in place.....(Sticks the Needle Point of the Meat Thermometer onto the Middle of the Turkey as He Watches the Device Calculate it's Temperature) And from the looks of it, the temperature is very close to actual heat temperature. (Takes the Thermometer Out of the Turkey, Forming a Proud Smile on his Face) With that being said, I am happy to announce that our turkey this year is in near perfection.

Vanilla: (Gasps Before Happily Clapping her Hands Rapidly) It's even better than last year!~

Espio: (Happily Nodded in Agreement) Indeed. You went all out this year around and it definitely shows- (Immediately Gets Pulled into a Tight, Loving Hug)

Vanilla: (Happily Hugging Espio) WE went all out this year alone!~ Our Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't nearly be as spectacular as it is now if it weren't to your help and guidance!~ Thank you!!~

Espio: (Winces in a Bit of Pain) Don't....mention it.....Happy to help, Mother!......

Vanilla: Oh. (Lets Go of Espio with a Sheepish Smile on her Face) S-Sorry about that, dear~ The excitement got the better of me again....

Espio: That's alright, mother. (Picks up the Lit and Place it Over the Newly Cooked Turkey) Master would get ecstatic too if he was here to see all of this.

Vanilla: I've been meaning to ask you about him. Was he the one who taught you how to cook in the first place?

Espio: Somewhat. His favorite meal growing up would always be any bowl ramen you could think of. So when I was younger and with the help from a few of his peers, I was able to learn how make one for ourselves to enjoy on many occasions. (Smiles Fondly at the Past) And every time, he would always put on a delightful smile on his face, praising me for a job well done.

Vanilla: (Giggles Softly) Can't say I blame him. Your ramen are worth the praise and admiration~

Espio: (Happily Bows at Vanilla) Thank you. I'm glad you guys like them. But anyways, it wasn't until I grew up and left out of the dojo on my own a few years later that I've gradually started to learn how to cook various other meals from every cookbooks I could get my hands on at the time. It always makes me wonder what master would think if ever tries them out for himself. (Slowly Starts to Frown a Bit) If.....he's okay that is......

Vanilla: (Frowns a Bit as Well) You still haven't heard back from him yet?

Espio: ('Sigh') I can't say that I have unfortunately...... I know it takes time for a letter to reach it's destination in a long distance, but it's been so long since either of us seen each other face to face. I couldn't help but to worry about him.....

Vanilla: (Gives Espio a Reassuring Smile on her Face) Have more faith in him, dear. I'm sure you two will see one another one day.

Espio: (Simply Nodded) I hope so. (Smiles Softly at Vanilla) I have yet to introduce him to wonderful folks i considered my family.

Vanilla's heart starts to melt in pure happiness by Espio's comment. It makes her happy to know Espio and Charmy see her as their mother, let alone have them and Vector apart of her family to begin with.

Cream: (In the Other Room) ESPIOOOO!~ A LETTER HAS ARRIVED FOR YOUUUU!~

Cheese: (In the Other Room as Well) CHAO CHAO!!~

Confused and curious, Espio and Vanilla decides to head into living room to find out.

Vanilla: (Walks into the Living Room Along with Espio) The mall man came by our house on Thanksgiving Day?

Vector: Nah, it was a while Flicky that flew by

Charmy: With this really cool looking scar on the right side of his eyes.

Cream: It must've so hard for that poor little thing to see properly.....

Espio: A scar on his.....(Eyes Suddenly Begins to Widened at the Realization) Wait....That Flicky....It doesn't happen to belong to Master, does it?

Vector: Only one way to find out.

Espio catches the scroll Vector tossed to him before giving a silent nod,, opens it up, and, begins to read it out loud for everyone to hear.

Dear Espio,

Hello! Its been so long since I heard from you these days. I apologize greatly for not being able to write a letter back sooner. I have been a lot busy training with newest recruits nowadays that I don't quite have much freetime on my hands as I used to in the old days. And before you start to worry, yes, I am doing fairly well these days. I might have gotten older, but my guidance and unyielding spirit has not died out just yet.

On a brighter note, I have read each letter you have given thus far, and while it pains me that you are not with us these days, it also makes me incredibly happy to hear that you not only found a profession that tests your skills and intelligence flawlessly, but you also found those whom you formed an unbreakable bonds with. Those you considered as your very own family.

You've grown a lot since then and as such, words cannot describe just how proud I truly am of you and your progress thus. I still hope for the day we cross paths once more soon, even meeting the love ones you've talked so much about, but until that day comes, all I can do now is to wish you the best of luck to what life has in store for you next and pray that one day, you will strive to become a better man than I could ever hope of being.

Until we meet again, take care, my prized student.

Love,

Hoshimaru Hasashi

Tears begins to flow down from Espio's eyes as the melting feeling of his heart starts occur within him. It's been a long time since he feels the need to cry. But as emotional as he is now, he's extremely happy to know that one and master is not only alive and well, but that he's proud of him. Proud of the young man he spent all these years training and raising worked his way up to becoming what is now: a Chaotix Detective and a full-fledged shinobi.

Cream: (Starts Getting Worried) Espio? Are you okay?

Espio: Yeah.....('Sniff') (Uses the Back of his Knuckle to Wipe the Tears Away) Everything is fine.......

Vanilla: Do you wanna group hug by an chance?

Espio: Yeah....('Sniff') (Turns to Everyone with a Teary Smile on his Face) A hug....would be nice about now.......

Vanilla: Oh baby!~ (Rushes Over to Give Espio Another Loving Hug) It's okay.

Cream: (Joins in on the Hug Fest as Well) There's no need to cry~

Cheese: (Joins in) Chao Chao Chao.

Charmy: (Joins in) Yeah, It's okay.

Vector: (Joins in on the Group Hug) We got you, man. We stick together no matter what.

Espio: (Hugs His Family Back) ('Sniff') I know.....('Sniff') I love you all so much.....

Cheese suddenly notices a folded up piece if paper on the ground before floating himself over there, picks it up, and unfolds it for himself.

It didn't take long fornthe young Chao's eyes to widened at what he saw before rushing back to the family.

Cheese: (Starts Tapping on Charmy's Shoulder) ('Psst') Chao. Chaochao Chao Chao.

Charmy: (Turns to Cheese) Hm? What's up, Cheese?

Cheese: (Shows Charmy the Picture) Chao!

Charmy: (Eyes Widened at What he is Seeing Right Now) NO WAHAYAYAYYYY! (Starts Bursting Out Laughing)

Vanilla: (Quickly Turns to the Bee Along with Everyone Else) Charmy?

Vector: What gotten you more noisy than usual?

Charmy: (Flailing his Hands amd Feet Around Before Taking the Picture From an Already Snickering Cheese's Hand) Guys, guys, you gotta see this! Chese found one of Espio's baby picture sitting on the floor!

Espio: (Eyes Widened as He Turns Directly at Charmy) Who's baby picture?

Charmy: (Points at Espio) Yours! (Forms a Teasing Smirk on his Face) Apparently Master Hisashi's Prized Student just so happens to be a famous Lil' Ninja Star~ See? (Shows Everyone a Picture of a Baby Espio Happily Holding up Kunais Up in the Air with the Captions 'BABY NINJA STAR' Written Below the Picture Itself)

Espio: (Eyes and Mouth Widened in Complete Shock and Silence)

Cream/Vanilla: ('Gasps') Oh my gosh!~

Vector: (Starts Laughing as Well)

Vanilla: (Clasps Her Hands Together as They Begin to Gush About thr Picture in Question) He's looks so adorable!!~

Cream: AWWWWWW!~

Espio: N-N-No!.....(Starts Blushing) D-Don't tell me.....

Vector: Hey, Ninja Star! Your master wrote a note for you behind the photo. Says he hope we could savor your cuteness for generations to come!~ (Continues Laughing with Charmy and Cheese)

Espio: (Crunches Up the Letter in Complete Anger) Damn you.....Master Hisahi!!

Cream: (Gently Grabs Hold of Espio's Other Hand) Espio, are you okay now?

Espio: (Takes a Very Deep Breath Before Looking Down at Cream) Well, other than my immense embarrassment, I say I'll do just fine for now.......

Cream: (Smiles Softly) That's good. (Hugs Espio) Please don't be mad. We only laugh because we care.

Espio: ('Sighs Heavily') I just hope no one else sees th-

?????: ESPIO!~

Espio's eyes starts to widened yet again as he turns to see his girlfriend abd boyfriend, Blaze and Silver, joining in on the sightseeing crowd.

Blaze: (Smiles Brightly) You didn't tell us you had an precious baby photo lying around here~

Silver: (Clasps his Hands Together as He Starts Gushing) You look so cute and squishy, I could just pinch your cheeks just thinking about them!~

Espio: (Squats Down on the Ground and Lowers his Head onto his Knees) My life is officially over.....

Cream: No, your life is still continuing. (Hugs Espio Yet Again) And we're here to see it through the very end. (Gives Espio a Kiss on the Head)

Espio: ('Sigh') I know.

Happy Late Thanksgiving, Everyone!!

@cyber-wildcat

@rechicken-and-waffles

@caleb13frede

@albion-93

[kevin--of-desert-bluffs]

WTNV quick rundown - 161 - The Space Race

Read the rest here!

Space, the final frontier. The womb, the first frontier. Somewhere between those two, the ocean. Welcome to Night Vale.

Cecil is devoting this entire episode ('as he always does on this day every year') to the Children's Fun Fact Science Presentation. This year it's about the Space Race.

The Space Race, Cecil begins, in 1782 at a garden party hosted by the first Duke of Luftnarp in July. All the nobles declare how much they hate the moon and the first Duke of Luftnarp and the Prince of York decide that the first person to find a way to get to the moon to hit it directly would show they hated the moon the most.

Sometime in the 18th or 19th centurary the Archduchess of the Motley Meadow learned to go into a meditative state where she could lucid dream about flying to the moon believing that when she reached it in her dreams so too would she in real life but apparently she was in such a meditative state she didn't notice she died.

In 1953 the North American Slap-the-Moon Agency and the Russians, descendents of those first nobles, are still fighting to be the first to get to the moon and hit it to prove their hatred of it. Neil Armstrong reportedly was a test pilot with the strongest hatred for the moon.

When they reach the moon they find a secret lost pet city hidden by a grey and black mesh from the Earth. A grey cat called Barb. E.Q. Sauce asks him to keep the secret of their city and he agrees, flying back to Earth. Cecil ends by saying that he never did tell anyone, so nobody has ever heard this story before.

Weather: “Have a Smoke” by Head Portals

NV is not unaware of the presidental debate and many spirited debates go on in the Compressed Spine Amateur Boxing Gym. Winner being by knockout or sometimes points. Candidates include; Old Towel Leonard (who everyone hates, according to Cecil), Heartbreak Maggie (she has the most number of arms, the most number of eyes, and her singing voice literally kills) and Cecil's fave Spotless Tony (whose positions include banning guns, legalizing writing utensils, and Medicare for Spotless Tony, a program that would provide comprehensive healthcare to himself).

The lawsuit against NV for the mishandling of Frank Chen's death is still ongoing, made difficult by the absence of Hiram McDaniel's and how difficult and deadly it is to access any NV records.

Cecil signs off quickly after the story this episode.

Proverb: Correct placement from right to left: salad fork, soup spoon, salad spoon, bread knife, bowie knife, meat thermometer, entree fork, and finally, the dessert claws.

[emcant]

Sorry to whine on main but I feel like I've broken my nose

Had my first ENT appointment on Monday. They wanted to see the eustachian tubes, which required a light that looks for all the world like a meat thermometer... shoved quickly up my nose five or six times. With a numbing agent, yes, but at the time I could feel it in my teeth.

They didn't find anything conclusive (and said I did great), and even my glasses resting on my face has been painful ever since. Couldn't get a day off until today; the pressure of wearing a mask has been enough to make me hold in screams.

Idk. Do you ever get hurt and then have a newfound appreciation for stories about it? My only real fandom is in capeshit; I can't focus like this. Shoutout to the blorbos who can.

I'm reading a very long thriller and got to a part earlier this week where an ex-LAPD officer (of course) waterboarded a guy with a bottle of carbonated water. I'm drinking some right now. I can't imagine... but now I can imagine a little bit more

[n-r-drafts]

These aren't really recipes — more methods — because uhhh I don't have them written down anywhere.

(added after I typed this all up: I went and checked OP's post, and the tags said "no red meat." I'm not sure if pork counts... if it does, well, perhaps this will help someone else who can eat pork? Otherwise, turkey-ham can be substituted for ham, and chicken or turkey can be substituted otherwise.)

Cornbread muffins with cubed ham and corn kernels added are pretty good, and they keep well frozen. Jiffy corn muffin mix works great, but you can also google for copycat recipes if you can't get that; it just means more measuring, though you can do that part ahead of time. You could throw in some cheese and/or chopped jalapeno, too, if you wanted. If you don't want to bother with muffins or don't have a muffin tin, you could also make it in a casserole dish and just cut it into squares. I think it would be good served with greens (collards or turnip greens) on the side, if you like those.

The "leftover frittata" is another classic:

Basically, cook/heat up/combine whatever ingredients you like in a skillet with seasonings and then pour a bunch of beaten eggs over them. Add cheese if you want. If your skillet can go in the oven, the whole thing can be baked until the eggs are cooked through, or you can just leave it on low heat on the stove, same idea, and maybe flip over some sections carefully. The idea is to have it turn into something you can serve in slices, more or less, but it doesn't have to be pretty. Whatever you put in shouldn't be very wet or oily, but otherwise just about anything goes; it's just up to your taste.

Possibilities for ingredients to throw in include...

Proteins: ground meat of choice (browned with garlic, salt, pepper), cubed rotisserie chicken, ham or cooked bacon ...or honestly you can leave it out because all that egg is plenty.

Vegetables: broccoli (steam in the microwave first), chopped bell pepper (frozen works), chopped onion, or spinach/other greens.

A starch: cubed potatoes (good use for leftover hash browns or french fries), perhaps squash? or if you don't put a starch in the frittata, just serve it with toast or something.

It's basically an un-fancy quiche without the crust.

One of my favorite and very simple dinners is:

pan-fried pork chops (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic)

baked whole sweet potatoes (with butter), and

brussels sprouts (steam-in-bag, tossed with butter and some garlic+paprika-based seasoning salt after cooking).

It helps to have an instant-read thermometer for temping the pork chops, so you'll know when they've reached a safe temperature without overcooking them. We usually use pork loin, cut into thick steaks, since it's cheap and also boneless. All of it makes for really good leftovers. The sweet potatoes are basically hands-off once you wash them, so there's plenty of time to get the pork chops cooked, and then the brussels sprouts take hardly any time at all, so it's pretty easy even if there are multiple dishes. If you don't bother with a baking sheet and just use aluminum foil under the potatoes to catch the drips, then there's only one pan to wash, too.

If you wanna, you can also serve the pork chops with apple sauce or cranberry sauce, but I don't find it completely necessary.

edit: the sweet potatoes take MUCH longer than the specified 45 minutes total cook time, oops! So that's something you'd probably want to make ahead to have later. They DO keep very well - about a week in the fridge! - and you can cook a bunch at once.

White bean chili is also delicious:

ground turkey (or pork)

chopped onion

canned beans (whatever kind you like as long as it's not red or black, could be a few kinds for variety)

canned green chilies (the milder kind, can also add jalapeno or serrano if you like more spice)

canned corn

chicken broth

lime juice

spices (garlic, salt, white pepper [or black pepper if you only have that], cumin, paprika, cayenne I guess if you like spicy?, and some recipes I've seen call for cinnamon, which is interesting, but I've never tried it)

Sweat/saute the onion in oil until translucent; add ground turkey and spices, go until just cooked; add the canned stuff (beans, corn, chilies) and just enough chicken broth to let it simmer without burning; simmer ~30 minutes, stirring periodically, or longer if you want a more broken-down texture on the beans. Adjust seasoning to taste. You can mash some of the beans also to thicken it. Add lime juice to taste. If you are up to it, a garnish of fresh cilantro and green onion in each bowl is a good finishing touch.

Optional: You can serve it with tortilla chips if you want; maybe sour cream? avocado? pepper jack cheese? idk I'm not the boss of you.

Also works well for using up leftover chicken (shredded) if you don't want to bother with raw meat; just put the cooked chicken in toward the end instead.

If you have an Instant Pot, this dish could probably be adapted for it to reduce the simmering time.

Do any of u have decent recipes that are like 5 ingredients (not including spices) and take 45 mins or less to prepare i gotta stop eating sandwiches for dinner

[bestshopping2025]

Thoughtful Valentine's Day Gifts for Men in 2025: Personalized, Practical, and Unique Ideas

Find the perfect thoughtful Valentine's Day gift for him. From personalized keepsakes to hobby-based surprises, discover ideas he'll truly appreciate.

Today is the perfect day to tell the special man in your life, ‘I appreciate you’. It does not have to be a nightmare when selecting the appropriate gift. If it’s gadgets, hobbies or offbeat adventure, my dear friend, there is something for him out there somewhere. Here’s a list for you in case you need ideas on what gift to give him this Valentine’s day out of his interests and personality.

Top Personalized Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

In some occasions, an individual addition makes a gift more amazing than one could think of.

Customized Leather Accessories

Leather accessories for individuals remain gifts of value that can be used forever. There are engraved wallets, belts, and a slim key chain that can either have his initials or birth date inscribed. The items are useful, fashionable, and carry significant cherished association values. The elegance of a well-made leather piece is magnified known if it has a previous history of use.

Personalized Tech Gadgets

Tech enthusiasts would prefer a personalized case for the phone, an engrave stand for tablets and even engravable wireless earphone. It is useful, but can also be personalized if you want to include favorite quote or design that he likes.

Memorable Keepsakes

Make a moment he will always remember in his life. This has personalized star maps for a special date, engraved photos for a special memory or a cartoon drawing of the two of you.

Practical Gifts He'll Use Everyday

Gifts that combine utility with thoughtfulness are always winners.

Smart Gadgets and Tools

If he worships technological advancements, then and can’t go without smart meat thermometers for the grill master, a gaming dock for his favorite console, a multi-tool for daily usage. All these items create fun and utility out of life.

Cozy Apparel and Accessories

Replace his regular wear with better quality sweatpants, a relaxation weighted blanket, or a designer winter knit cap. This make the casual days even more interesting through the following gifts.

Work and Travel Essentials

To choose gifts for him, you should consider what accessories he could use in his daily activities; bags, charging devices or good diaries. If he travels a lot, he would look classy carrying a small leather passport holder.

Special Items Related To His Hobbies and Interests

Giving him goodies pertaining to his hobbies proves to that you are in touch with him in deed and not in just the abstract.

For the Gamer

What else does he need that would complement and add to his gaming? These are things like gaming chairs designed for ergonomic comfort, special, numbered, or collectible games and, for fun, artwork that is inspired by games. A gift that will reciprocate his setup will be welcomed.

For the Chef or Food Lover

If he rules the roost in the kitchen, then you can consider an upgrade to his chef’s knife, or a state-of-the-art cookbook or gourmet cooking kit for evening cooking frenzy. Bonus: You also get to enjoy the fruits of this gift!

For the Outdoorsman

If he likes hiking, think camping cutlery and kitchenware, an multi functional tool, a travelling flask or a hiking rucksack.

Valentine’s Day Special Experience Gifts

Just as often as tangible gifts which is not always true, they also involve commonalities.

Romantic Couple Activities

Try to take him out on a winery tour and tasting, on a dance lesson for two or go for a couples massage. These activities help in a building of common experiences as they bring a little extra romance to the day.

Subscription Services

Make it a point to give him something he will like every month. Some of those are monthly subscription for his favorite playlists, a food delivery kit for a fun evenings of cooking something new together, or hobby-based boxes like Vinyl Me Please for him, if he is a fan of records.

Adventurous Experiences

If you are up for an adventurous life, then go further. Riding a hot air balloon or Zip lining or participating in those imaginative activities including map making or pottery making are some ways that would make this Valentine’s Day special.

Conclusion

It is important not to regard the gifts for a man on Valentine’s day as gifts in the ordinary sense of the term in that they can be cheap, but the important aspect is to show some thought. With as little as a pen, a mug, or a photo, the impact of choosing the right gift that he will like depends on how closely it relates to who he is. Do not procrastinate it is a deadly sin! Do not wait for tomorrow to plan for this occasion, it is high time you make this valentine special.

[hazelgazebo]

Discover the Perfect Barbeque Grill in Dubai: Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking Experience

Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, breathtaking skyline, and an affinity for outdoor living. With its warm climate and beautiful evenings, it’s no wonder that barbeque gatherings are a popular choice for many residents and visitors alike. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking experience, investing in a high-quality barbeque grill in Dubai is essential.

At Hazel Gazebo, we understand the importance of enjoying the finer things in life, especially when it comes to outdoor cooking. That’s why we’re here to guide you in choosing the perfect barbeque grill that suits your needs and enhances your outdoor living space.

Why Choose a Barbeque Grill in Dubai?

Dubai’s climate is perfect for outdoor activities, and barbequing is a favorite pastime for many. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a casual get-together with friends, or a special event, a barbeque grill is a must-have. It’s not just about cooking food; it’s about creating memorable experiences. The aroma of grilled meat, the sizzle of vegetables, and the joy of cooking outdoors add a unique charm to any gathering.

When it comes to selecting a barbeque grill in Dubai, there are several factors to consider. From the type of grill to its size and features, making the right choice can significantly impact your overall experience.

Types of Barbeque Grills

Gas Grills: Gas grills are one of the most popular choices for many barbeque enthusiasts in Dubai. They are easy to use, heat up quickly, and offer precise temperature control. If you’re someone who enjoys the convenience of quick cooking, a gas grill might be the perfect option for you. It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy outdoor cooking without the hassle of managing charcoal or wood.

Charcoal Grills: For those who love the traditional barbeque flavor, a charcoal grill is the way to go. Charcoal grills take a bit longer to heat up, but they offer that unmistakable smoky taste that many barbeque lovers crave. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, the results can be incredibly rewarding.

Electric Grills: If you live in an apartment or a place with restrictions on open flames, an electric grill could be your best bet. They are compact, easy to use, and perfect for small spaces. While they might not offer the same smoky flavor as charcoal grills, they are a practical option for those who want to enjoy barbeque in a more controlled environment.

Portable Grills: For those who love the idea of barbequing on the go, portable grills are a fantastic choice. Whether you’re planning a picnic at the beach, a camping trip, or simply want a grill that you can easily move around, portable grills offer flexibility and convenience.

Choosing the Right Barbeque Grill for You

When selecting a barbeque grill in Dubai, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Cooking Space: Think about the number of people you’ll typically be cooking for. If you often host large gatherings, you might want a grill with a larger cooking area. On the other hand, if it’s just for a small family or a few friends, a compact grill might suffice.

Features: Modern barbeque grills come with a range of features, from side burners and rotisserie attachments to built-in thermometers and storage options. Consider which features are important to you and will enhance your cooking experience.

Budget: Barbeque grills in Dubai come in a variety of price ranges. It’s important to set a budget and find a grill that offers the best value for your money. Remember, a more expensive grill doesn’t always mean better quality, so take the time to research and read reviews.

Brand Reputation: At Hazel Gazebo, we pride ourselves on offering only the best products. When choosing a barbeque grill, consider the brand’s reputation for quality and customer service. A good warranty and after-sales support can make a big difference in your overall satisfaction.

Maintenance Tips for Your Barbeque Grill

Once you’ve chosen your perfect barbeque grill in Dubai, it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure it lasts for years to come. Here are some simple maintenance tips:

Regular Cleaning: After each use, make sure to clean the grill grates and remove any leftover food particles. This will prevent buildup and make it easier to use next time.

Protect from the Elements: Dubai’s weather can be harsh, so it’s important to protect your grill from the sun, wind, and rain. Invest in a good-quality grill cover to keep it in top condition.

Check for Gas Leaks: If you’re using a gas grill, regularly check for any gas leaks or hose damage. Safety should always be your top priority.

Season the Grates: For charcoal and gas grills, consider seasoning the grates with oil to prevent rust and ensure a non-stick surface for cooking.

Conclusion

A barbeque grill in Dubai is more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a gateway to creating unforgettable memories with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, choosing the right grill can make all the difference in your outdoor cooking experience. At Hazel Gazebo, we’re here to help you find the perfect barbeque grill that meets your needs and enhances your outdoor lifestyle. So why wait? Start planning your next barbeque gathering today and enjoy the delicious flavors of outdoor cooking in Dubai!

[coreycrigler]

Tips for Cooking in Large Quantities

When looking for a chef to manage cooking large quantities for any type of occasion, it is crucial to find an individual skilled in handling sizable food preparations. Equally important is their knowledge of safety protocols when executing such tasks. Taking on the task can feel daunting and difficult to manage without proper preparation.

Before cooking in large quantities, determine how much food you need. Consider using approximately half a pound of meat, four to five ounces of pasta, and three to four ounces of vegetables for each person, adjusting to their appetite preferences.

It is important that you have a working or game plan before you start the cooking process. For instance, you should try to determine beforehand the order in which you would like to prepare and cook your recipes. Also, you should confirm that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients before the cooking starts. Doing this a day before the cooking starts makes sure that you do not forget any essential ingredients due to distractions from the cooking process.

Another thing to be aware of when cooking in large quantities is to cool down food temperature safely. Splitting them up and placing them in multiple shallow or wide receptacles (with a depth of two inches or less) instead of large, deep bowls is advisable. Even when the big bowls are in the fridge, the center of the food will cool down slower. You can also reduce the food temperature by placing the container on a cooling rack (excluding large bowls). The air circulation around and beneath the container facilitates even cooling of the food inside.

When cooking in large quantities, try to use less fat. Avoid increasing the amount of oil when not necessary. When cooking food in a skillet, apply only a thin layer of oil to cover the surface.

Appropriately sized pots and pans ensure that your ingredients have ample cooking space, avoiding mashed food. Doubling a recipe might require using additional burners and placing multiple pans on the stove to brown the mushrooms, cook the onions until translucent, or sear the meat.

When cooking large quantities, all of the food must be well cooked. For instance, if you're cooking chicken thighs, issues such as uneven heat distribution could cause some pieces to be undercooked. Use a meat thermometer to assess each thigh separately.

You should also be aware that storing food in the refrigerator doesn't completely stop it from spoiling; it just delays the process. Consequently, if food remains refrigerated for more than three to four days, it will deteriorate, leading to a decline in quality. Considering the need for preservation when dealing with large quantities of food, it is crucial to factor that into your planning process.

When reheating food, do not use a slow cooker. The prolonged time it takes for the food to reach safe cooking temperatures can lead to bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. Some believe partially cooking food and finishing later is an effective approach, but this method poses significant risks. Foodborne pathogens thrive when food temperature falls from 40°F to 140°F, commonly called the Danger Zone.

When saving large quantities of leftovers, safely reduce the food temperature by dividing it into portions. It will take more time for a large portion of food to cool down properly for storage. An effective method is splitting the food into multiple small containers for refrigeration.

[cuisinecravings]

Did you Know Can Chicken be a Little Pink?

Did you Know Can Chicken Be a Little Pink? You might be wondering if it's still safe to eat chicken if it appears a touch pink while it's being cooked. Because so many people are afraid aofundercooking their chicken, this is a frequently asked subject. Undercooked chicken is one kind of meat that should never be consumed. Unlike other meats, which can be served rare and still be tasty to eat, this type of meat cannot.

Did you Know Can Chicken be a Little Pink Due to their fear of making a mistake, people may find cooking chicken to be extremely scary. As a result, you might find yourself examining your chicken too closely to see whether it is cooked through. Being able to identify when chicken is undercooked is a smart practice if you want to cook chicken frequently. Find out if ca hicken can be slightly pink in spots and yet be cooked through by reading on.

Even After Cooking, Chicken May Turn a Light Pink Colour

If you've never cooked chicken before, you might be curious about whether or not it's okay for the inside to be a little pink. This is a valid question since, contrary to popular belief, the chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°. If it does, it is not done. The chicken is deemed done and perfectly safe to eat when its internal temperature reaches 165°. Even when chicken is cooked all the way through, Can Chicken be a Little Pink it's normal for the inside to still be a bit pink. Under the correct cooking conditions, it's not uncommon for the chemicals in chicken to give it a pink hue. Discoloration may also result in bfromboiling a portion of the chicken that still has bones in it. For this reason, paying attention to the interior temperature of chicken is more crucial than its appearance. Although chicken that appears cooked may still be undercooked, a pink ccolormay not indicate this. It is preferable to rely on the inside temperature of meat rather than your eyes when making this decision. Because you don't want to inadvertently eat undercooked meat, particularly chicken.

How Can You Tell If Chicken Is Done Too Soon? Can Chicken Be a Little Pink?

If the internal temperature of your chicken reaches 165°, that's the only way to be positive that it's done. To check the internal temperature of ca hicken while it is cooking, you can purchase a meat temperature tool. The best method for ensuring that your chicken is cooked through without going over or undercooked is as follows. Because completely cooked chicken can still have some pink within, Can Chicken Be a Little Pink appearances can be misleading? Even while you may believe your chicken to be cooked through, it may still be somewhat underdone. To ensure that the internal temperature of the meat is at the proper level, it is therefore preferable to have a meat temperature tool. Another method you could try is tapping the top of the cooked chicken. When the chicken is fully cooked, it should be extremely solid and not move at all in the church. Its interior may have a hint of pink, but it shouldn't appear sallow or damp. This could indicate that the chicken is undercooked rather than simply slightly discolored

Meat's Appearance Doesn't Always Mean It's Done

When cooking meat, it's crucial to keep in mind that doneness isn't necessarily indicated by how the flesh looks. Many home cooks make this error Can Chicken be a Little Pink because they focus mostly on appearances. Nevertheless, there are many situations in which it is impossible to determine from sight if the meat has reached the proper doneness. Because of this, it's critical to always have a meat thermometer on available so you can verify this for yourself. MUndercooked meats should not be consumed as they pose a health risk. Particularly based on the type of meat and its degree of undercooking. Chicken One type of meat that should never be served undercooked is chicken. It should be well cooked before serving because it is unsafe to eat uncooked. When chicken is cooked through, it should have a firm texture and a white or brown hue. The interior flash should be brilliant white when cut, however it might have some pink undertones. It should never appear overly wet or pink on the interior, Can Chicken be a Little Pink as this usually indicates that the cake is not done enough. Read More : Jimmy John’s Smokin’ Kickin’ Chicken Chick-Fil-A Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Is Burger King Spicy Chicken Sandwich is Good? How Long is Chicken Salad Good for? Buffalo Wild Wings Classic Chicken Sandwich Can You Cook Chicken and Beef Together? Is it Good? Pork If you prefer your pork slightly underdone, fresh pig can be served that way. When you cut into the meat as a result, it will be lighter in color but still pretty pink within. When fresh pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°, it is safe to consume. However, for ground pork to be safe to consume, it must reach 165°. If the pork is rare to medium-rare, it will likely be firm to the touch but still have a tiny bounce. When it is cooked through, it turns white and becomes considerably firmer and drier. Steak Another type of meat that's frequently purposefully undercooked because it's a personal preference is steak. Additionally, this type of meat may be safely undercooked to a considerably rarer level, allowing consumers to enjoy a lot more delicious slice of steak. As a result, a rare steak will probably appear quite red inside and may even bleed when sliced. Can Chicken be a Little Pink Even yet, the exterior will probably feel both rigid and pliable to the touch.

What Takes Place If My Chicken Isn't Done Enough? Can Chicken Be a Little Pink

It is best to avoid eating undercooked chicken at all times because it is highly unhealthy. Chicken contains a lot of dangerous bacteria that can be present if it is not cooked through, unlike other rare meats. Although this bacteria is destroyed during cooking, it may still exist if a portion of the chicken is left raw and not entirely cooked. It may cause you to contract food poisoning, a foodborne ailment. If you eat a lot of raw chicken or very raw chicken, this might get serious. making you quite ill for a few days. How Can Undercooked Chicken Be Corrected? Can Chicken Be a Little Pink? The best course of action is to cook the chicken for a little while longer if you cut into it and find that it is still raw within. Can Chicken be a Little Pink To do this, return it to the oven and cook it for a few more minutes, or until the meat thermometer reads 165°. You could return it to the pan, cover it, and cook it for a few more minutes if you cooked it on the stove. It usually just takes a minute or two more for chicken that is slightly underdone to cook through.

Conclusion

If you've never cooked chicken before, you might be concerned that a pink hue indicates that it's not done. The good news is that chicken just needs to reach an internal temperature of 165° to be properly cooked; it can be slightly pink. It doesn't matter how your chicken looks as long as it's cooked through—you can't always tell by looking alone. This is especially true if the internal temperature of the bird is correct. Read the full article

[25mn]

The best way to cook pheasant

Of the multitude of game birds that can be found across the UK in pre-winter and winter, fowl is the most widely recognized. Yet, while we could consider the fowl to be an image of the Incomparable English open country, it's really a local of Asia. They were acquainted with Europe (and ultimately the UK) by the Romans, and began to become famous in England from the 11th century onwards. They breed effectively and adjust to environments well, making them the ideal game bird - today upwards of 35 million fowls are delivered into the wild every year.

Fowl is a little, lean bird that is inclined to drying out, so it merits additional consideration and consideration during cooking. The taste is contrasted with chicken and guinea fowl, with changing measures of 'unpleasantness' relying upon how matured the bird is.

warming some oil as well as margarine in a container over a high intensity. Add the filets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until just cooked through then cover and rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.

To pan sear fowl bosoms, cut them into strips and cook in a hot wok with oil for something like 3 minutes until cooked. Put away in a warm covered dish while cooking vegetables and different fixings prior to returning the bird and blending through.

The most effective way to cook fowl The best way to cook pheasant is to broil it in the stove.

While simmering a fowl, you need to add a great deal of fat to the bird. This will guarantee that it remains delicate and delicate, and that it has sufficient juice to keep up with its flavor.

Here is a bit by bit guide on the most proficient method to effectively broil a fowl:

Remove the bird from the ice chest about an hour prior to you intend to cook it. Preheat broiler to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Put an enormous broiler safe skillet on the oven and set over medium intensity. Add your preferred fat to the skillet. It very well may be unsalted spread, pork, duck or goose fat, or a blend of your top choices. When the fat is hot, place the fowl tenderloin side down in the dish and permit to sear for 3-5 minutes prior to turning to brown on the opposite side. Leave the bosom side down to brown for around 3 minutes. Salt and pepper the fowl prior to placing it in the stove. Following 15 minutes, utilize a thermometer to check in the event that the fowl is sufficiently cooked. The leg ought to learn about 176 degrees Fahrenheit and the bosom ought to find out about 145 degrees Fahrenheit. On the off chance that the bird has not arrived at this temperature, cook it somewhat longer.

Ways to cook fowl Bird can be utilized in a wide range of recipes that call for pork, turkey, or chicken. The regular Fowl flavor is flexible and fits various food varieties. Fowl contains minimal fat, so it is important to add fat to the bird while cooking it. In the event that you cook the bird, you need to ensure it has sufficient additional fat to hold dampness. The bird ought to arrive at an interior temperature of around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, at that point, you need to cover it and pass on it to arrive at an inside temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. You need to allow the bird to rest subsequent to cooking to permit the juices to sink into the meat. This guarantees that the meat stays succulent. Bird is best presented with basic sauces or marinades, for example, cranberry sauce, which is both sweet and exquisite. This works out in a good way for the game bird. You can serve the fowl with ordinary sides like green beans, pureed potatoes, natural corn, wild rice, and salad. There are numerous ways of cooking fowl. It very well may be broiled, stewed, grilled, sautéed, and cooked in a sluggish cooker. You can cook bird practically a way.

[crystalgood]

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking chicken on your George Foreman grill. These tips can help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time! First, make sure your grill is preheated before you begin. This is especially important if you’re grilling larger cuts of meat. [caption id="attachment_1473" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts on George Foreman Grill?[/caption] Chicken Breasts Nutrition Facts Chicken breast is a delicious and healthy protein option that’s packed with nutrients. It’s low in calories, fat, and sodium and contains a good balance of vitamins and minerals. It’s also a great source of amino acids, which the body doesn’t produce on its own. It’s a high-quality protein that helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes a strong immune system. As a rule of thumb, chicken breast should take no longer than 20 minutes to cook on a George Foreman grill with a surface temperature of 450 degrees. Smaller breasts may take less time than larger ones, and you can always check the meat’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer before serving. The chicken should also be allowed to rest for 5-10 minutes after it’s finished cooking on the grill so that the juices redistribute themselves evenly throughout the meat. This makes the meat super tender and flavorful. What Is a George Foreman Grill? A George Foreman grill is a versatile cooking appliance that can be used for grilled meats, fish, and other foods. Its unique design allows you to grill on both sides simultaneously while the slanted surface drains excess grease away from food. The George Foreman brand originated in 1994, when a grill was sent to heavyweight boxer George Foreman by inventor Michael Boehm on a hunch that Foreman might be interested in endorsing it. As he was known for eating a few hamburgers before his fights, Boehm knew that Foreman could help him promote the grill and boost sales. Since then, George Foreman has endorsed the brand in infomercials, QVC spots, and appearances on late-night television. In return, Salton, the manufacturer, gave him a 40 percent stake and monthly checks in the neighborhood of $4.5 million. As a result, the brand has evolved to include four categories: Basic, Indoor/Countertop, Outdoor, and Portable Propane Camp & Tailgate Grills. Each has a different range of features, so you should be sure to find one that suits your needs. Benefits of Cooking with a George Foreman Grill? One of the most important benefits of cooking with a George Foreman Grill is that it reduces fat and calories in your food. While traditional grills can add extra oil to foods, the George Foreman Grill’s design allows excess fat and grease to drain away into a drip pan. This means that your food is less fatty in the end, and it also reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals in open flames or charcoal that can cause cancer. Another benefit of cooking with a George Foreman grill is that it can help you save time in the kitchen. Since you don’t need to heat up a pot or pan for your food, it can be a fast way to prepare meals for the entire family. Many of the top models from George Foreman can accommodate up to nine servings, and they are ideal for large families or those who want to cook for more than a couple people at a time. If you need a smaller model, however, there are plenty of choices. How to cook Chicken Breast on Grill? Cooking chicken breast on the grill can be a fast and easy way to prepare your meal. However, it is important to keep a few key tips in mind to ensure that the meat is cooked perfectly. One of the best ways to keep chicken moist during cooking is by brining it. This simple brine solution of salt dissolved in water will help the chicken absorb enough moisture to stay moist during grilling. Another great way to keep chicken breasts moist is by using a dry rub to season it. Almost any seasoning will work, but saltier seasonings can dry out the meat, so you may want to use something that has less salt.

Finally, it is important to grill the chicken for just long enough so that it is tender and cooked through. Generally, a fully cooked chicken breast should register 165 degrees Fahrenheit with an instant read thermometer. Once the meat reaches this temperature, it is time to remove it from the grill. Once removed, it should be placed on a plate and let rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the interior juices to redistribute and prevent them from rushing out of the meat when you cut it. How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts on George Foreman If you're looking for a fast way to cook chicken breasts, the George Foreman Grill is a great choice. It's designed to cook food evenly and quickly without causing it to dry out or burn. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to cooking chicken on the grill. For example, you should use a medium-high heat (375 degrees Fahrenheit). Another important tip is to marinate your chicken before placing it on the grill. The marinade will help to seal in the juices and create a flavorful, moist dish! In addition, you can use a dry rub to add extra flavor to your chicken. Just be sure to rub the dry rub on the meat right before placing it on the grill. Once the marinade has been applied to your chicken, place it on the grill and close the lid. You'll want to cook it for about seven minutes per side. After that, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. This is a critical step in making sure your chicken is cooked through. Cleaning & Maintaining Your George Foreman Grill Keeping your George Foreman Grill clean and well-maintained is important to extend its life, prevent rust, and maintain optimal performance. This is especially true for grill plates, the main unit, and the drip tray - all of which should be cleaned after each use to remove food residue that can accumulate over time. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth should suffice, but baking soda can also be sprinkled on surfaces that need extra attention to loosen stuck-on food. After that, the drip tray should be rinsed with a little water to wash away any remaining residue. Advanced George Foreman grills and Panini presses are often equipped with nonstick removable plates, which can be removed for easier cleaning. These should be cleaned just like normal plates, which means filling a sink with warm water and adding a bit of dish soap to soak the plates. Once they’ve soaked, remove them and give them a good scrub with a sponge. Rinse them off and let them air dry before reattaching them to the grill. This method is a great way to keep your Foreman grill looking and working its best! Tips to Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken Breasts When cooking chicken breasts, it is important to avoid overcooking the meat. This can result in dry and tough chicken. The best way to prevent this is by using a thermometer. Seasoning the meat is a great way to enhance its flavor. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential, but you can also use garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, paprika, and dried herbs like basil or oregano to add more depth of flavor. Poaching the meat is another good option to get juicy and tender chicken. Simply place the meat on skewers along with cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and peppers and grill them over medium-high heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally. While this technique can take a bit of time, it is a simple and delicious way to cook chicken. It also helps ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly. It’s especially helpful to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking it so that the juices redistribute and keep the meat moist. Conclusion: The key to cooking chicken breasts on a George Foreman Grill is ensuring that they are not dry or overcooked. This is possible by using a few simple steps. One of the best ways to avoid drying your chicken out is to pound it to an even thickness before cooking. This will help it cook evenly on the grill and cut down on cooking time.

Another way to keep your chicken moist is to marinate it. Adding a citrus base like lemon juice, garlic powder or fresh herbs can help your chicken retain its moisture. You can also add a flavorful sauce such as soy, BBQ or a combination of brown sugar and lime juice to your chicken before grilling it. Once your chicken is seasoned, add it to the preheated George Foreman Grill and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to turn it halfway through the cooking process to get those nice crisscrossed grill marks on both sides of your meat.

[betterbemeta]

If you struggle maintaining a stable food bill and reliable diet on your budget here are some things you can do:

really AND TRULY research any public food resources in your area. Don't be like "nnnooo, there aren't any that apply to me, I am not worthy, I am not a homeless person, I am not a soot covered victorian street child", SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO IT. replace 25 minutes on this website with researching this. Even if you don't find a food bank in your local area, you may find something like grocery routes for busses, shuttles for seniors and disabled people, co-ops, local people who run charity kitchens out of their home, or even local politics motions to address the critical lack of support

Grocery shop with your friends. Get together with whoever you know who has a car and is your friend, split the gas if needed and make it a hangout. You can help each other adhere to budget goals. and it's so much nicer to shop with friends and more brains = more knowledge to plan what's possible as a food to eat. If you're scared like "I can't admit I need help with this, they'd see me as a moocher and hate me forever," UNTRUE. a good friend can accept you in a moment of genuine vulnerability. We can help each other.

Broaden your food experience in general. This can be hard! But if your parents couldn't cook and therefore defined your knowledge of 'home cooked food' as horrible gray green beans or rubber pork chops or the slimiest chili in the west, your food imagination will be limited. and yes, I know, some of us have strong routine dependence, or are supertasters, or are socially scared of having to say they don't like what they've been served, and other people have been abused for not eating Everything on their Plate... but your new favorite thing could be waiting out there, cheaper than takeout to make yourself or even just in a frozen food aisle. There's no shame! Order something new when you're taken out for dinner and ask to also get fries in case you don't like it. if you see something interesting in the grocery store, search on your phone how its prepared. the more flexible you become, the more options you have.

plan your meals! This can be as laid back as, "for breakfast I want to eat... for lunch I want to eat... for dinner I want to eat..." If all else fails, there's usually a sale in the grocery store that can be a starting point: "ok, what kind of dinner can I make with..."

get the grocery store membership if its offered. Most of them are free and require no fee to maintain, unless you shop exclusively at costco or something. Coupon clipping is kind of a thing of the past, most discounts are offered on the basis of some kind of card or membership account associated at a grocery store. Some things may be on sale you don't even see until you get to the register.

set aside time every day to prepare your food. I KNOW. it's hard. But even if you don't need all your allotted time on days you only "microwave a soup", you have made room for that soup in your life. sit for the half hour you set aside for prep with your quick soup and relax. there is a voice like, "you didn't have to get up and disrupt what you're doing" or "this soup is a chore, we hates this," and that is the devil speaking. His stupid hungryroot chicken sandwich requires time too, but it'll be his time and not your time.

look up simple techniques even if you don't plan to cook EVERYTHING. Why do some dishes go in the oven at one temperature, and others go in at another? what shape to cut veggies in to help them cook? Buying a cheap cooking thermometer and knowing what temperature 'done' is for different foods. Understanding wet vs dry heat. Learning what temperature different cooking oils burn at. Learning about different cuts of meat and their properties, or different veggies and their properties. A little bit at a time. how to make this simple thing you can do in a microwave better. a nicer grilled cheese. improving what you already do, at the level you're at. the less we feel like a passenger to our basic needs the less willing we are to let something else take the wheel, and the less intimidated we are by the commitment of taking care of ourselves for the rest of our lives.

I have said it before and i don't care how many youtubers advertise hello fresh or hungryroot to make a living

meal subscription services are not worth it.

Not a single one of them is actually cheaper in the long term than planning and buying your own groceries.

many of them have initial discounts to sell you the service and then hope you are just too busy or too tired to unsubscribe. almost ALL people who sign up for a meal plan will unsubscribe within the first year because they were only there to access those early discounts BECAUSE THEY NEEDED CHEAPER FOOD IMMEDIATELY.

Your normal grocery store probably does have a few dark patterns but not nearly as many as even the 'nicest' meal subscription service.

There are articles out there like "I did the math and the groceries and meal services are the same price mostly!" but if you pay attention, there are massive holes in their thinking:

the meals or plans that track closest to grocery store prices are ones that adhere to special diets. Eating vegan, keto, etc. can be more pricey to shop for. This is a known part of the strategy for meal kits and delivery services-- they can't compete with the price of typical groceries, but just like some people will shop at an expensive Health Food store, others will be willing to pay a premium for luxury or diet-specific products. And chances are if you're a regular person keeping a special diet with a limited amount of disposable income you probably have already made compromises for your budget and don't need a for-profit service to pry away that money you're trying to save.

These articles frame, 'you don't have to buy oil, seasonings, vinegar, or staple ingredients' as a cost saving or even food waste saving measure... but that's also true if you just eat regular TV dinners from the grocery store freezer aisle, many of which offer the same or better prices per serving. But really, is this not just a grocery shopping version of 'Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness'? Exploitation of those who can't invest in the cost of things upfront results in poor people spending more money for worse outcomes?

If I can't make a restaurant's exact same fish sandwich for the same price, I can just make a chicken sandwich or a grilled portobello. Or buy a box of frozen dumplings. Saving money on Grilled Trout Over Wild Rice shipped to my door makes no sense when I simply wouldn't choose to cook something like that without a special reason.

if these meal kits and delivery plan services really WERE cheaper than groceries, grocery stores would be losing money to them and they're mostly losing money to people buying less food in general.

[toyherb]

i hope this chicken rice porridge doesnt have e coli