#ft. daria rutherford

[riverjacksonx]

It had started as a joke, but now River found himself sitting in on a local cooking class that neither he or Daria needed, surrounded by the enticing aromas of various ingredients and idle chitchat from the other people in the room. To pass the time while waiting for the instructor to arrive, River had taken to tapping a couple of the utensils against the counters in time to Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson, the tune fresh in his mind from the drive over. "So," he turned slightly to Daria, a mixture of intrigue and mischief on his face. "What do you think they'll have us make and what are the chances it's something we've never made before?" He wasn't counting on the last bit being true, but it would be shocking.

@dariarutherford

[riverjacksonx]

Well, he sounds like my kind of guy. You'll definitely want to give that food truck a try, though. I hear the owner’s grilled cheese is legendary 😜 But seriously, a staycation sounds perfect. Sometimes staying local is the best way to recharge. Let me know when you're free, and I'll treat you to something from that amazing food truck.

Well thank you for the reassurance, sometimes even I need a little confidence boost. And I am staying home, just having a little staycation and relaxing around town. You know, maybe hitting up this hot new food truck I keep seeing people talk about, though I hear the owner is pretty cheesy.

[riverjacksonx]

text 📲 river & daria

River: Okay, don't judge me too harshly for this one… I may or may not have binge-watched The Ultimatum in one sitting. It was like a train wreck I couldn't look away from!

[charlierhodes]

Yeah, the whole publicizing your name thing is a double-edged sword for sure. On one hand, it's exciting to share your good fortune with the world, but on the other hand, it opens you up to all sorts of unwanted attention and potential risks. It's definitely something to consider before buying that lottery ticket. As for reaching out to Netflix, I'll have to do some research and figure out the best approach. Tagging them on social media is a good idea, maybe I'll start there and see if they notice. Who knows, maybe I'll catch their eye and become the official Netflix hype woman! I can see it now, "Charlie, the ultimate binge-watcher, sponsored by Netflix."

And sadly, we live in one of the states where you have to come forward with winning and let your name be publicized. Though, I'm sure there are some instances where some people can live in peace after winning. So long as they don't let it go to their head. Oh, it definitely couldn't hurt to try. Not sure exactly where to start in terms of reaching out to them, but I've seen where people tag the brands on their socials and then next thing I know their posts and videos are sponsored.

[riverjacksonx]

Oh, absolutely! We do have our own version of the buffalo chicken grilled cheese, and it’s become one of our popular items. We use a blend of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and a touch of ranch dressing for the perfect kick. I think you’ll love it, especially if you’re a fan of that Disney version. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure to have it ready for you when you swing by. As for the apple one, it's better than it sounds. Kind of like putting a slice of cheese on apple pie. You think it's weird, but then you try it and wonder where it's been your entire life. It's definitely the thing to try if you're looking for something different.

You got your own take on the buffalo chicken grilled cheese like the one they have at Disney? I've been dying to try that recipe, but I never think about it when I'm getting groceries or when I actually sit to think about what I'm making for dinner. And a trip to Disney hasn't really been in the cards lately. So if you have one, I'll definitely make that my first purchase at the truck. Apples in a grilled cheese does sound pretty good, though.

[gabrielcohen-chang]

Gabe chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, haha, you're funny," he said with a playful roll of his eye. He eyed the jugs of refreshers, considering his options. "Let's see," he said thoughtfully. "Peach is always a solid choice, and blackberry sounds interesting. But I'm really curious about the raspberry and the watermelon. Watermelon juice is bomb as hell, no reason it wouldn't pair with iced tea." He pointed at the watermelon-themed desserts. "And those definitely look tempting. I think I'll go with a whole watermelon theme today, why not?" After a moment, he added, "You know, why not toss in a couple cake pops too. Looks like those are a hit, as always. I'd hate to miss out."

"Lemon blueberry," Daria replied with a smirk on her face. "No, kidding. I mean, that is available in muffin or scone form back at the cafe." She took out a few small cups and opened up the cooler that had the refreshers each in their own gallon jug. "Alright, so I went with peach of course, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry - which may stick as a year-round flavor, just like the lemon-iced tea. And then, the mango I just couldn't get to turn out, so I went with watermelon. Surprisingly, it mixes well in both the lemonade and the iced tea." She gestured to the watermelon themed desserts. "Figured, it'd be good to pair up with these for the summer, too. So," she looked at him with a grin, "What'll it be?"

[charlierhodes]

Charlie: you actually nailed it on the vanilla, funny enough. call me basic or whatever, but it's just such a great scent. my favorite is the warm vanilla sugar from bath and body works. Charlie: Plus, vanilla's timeless. It's like the little black dress of scents—never goes out of style. Charlie: and thank you for the compliment! maybe i can work that sunshine comment in my bio -- though i think you might be a little biased considering i visit your cafe literally every day for my daily caffeine intake Charlie: speaking of, congrats on the rebrand! how's that going for you?

Daria: you smell like pine needles and you have a face like sunshine! Daria: okay maybe not the first part, you're probably more of a vanilla scent if I had to guess, I've never taken the time to smell you when you're in. but you do have a face like sunshine that can light up a room!

[charlierhodes]

"Oh my god, a donut sounds amazing right now... you haven't seen any have you? I don't think I saw any at the buffet," Charlie tried to see if she could see what all was still available, however she wasn't sure how safe a buffet was the longer the evening went on. Some of the food had to be getting stale tasting by this point, perhaps she was better off waiting until the next day when she could get a fresh dozen. At the posed question, Charlie did a quick glance at her makeup as best as she could in the reflection of her phone screen. "I think we're okay on the makeup front. If anything it should give me a smokey effect?" That was the hope anyway, she was just thankful that the other woman had thought to ask. It was late enough and dim enough that it would likely go unnoticed if her makeup was a little smudged either way. Tucking her phone away, Charlie took a blindfold and moved to tie it around her head. "It's been so long since I've played this kind of game. Like I think I was in second grade the last time."

"Yeah, I mean if they insist on a game where someone makes a fool of themselves trying to grasp at an object that's floating around aimlessly, using just their teeth, they could have just spent the money on plain donuts and did that string game," Daria suggested, at least that game the donuts would get changed out and it'd be more sanitary. "But hey, I'm not on the town committee, so who's gonna listen to me, right?" She shrugged, as she lead the way to the station where the werewolf game was set up. Looking at the blindfolds, her brows furrowed a bit, suddenly remembering the blindfolded part. Holding it up, she looked at Charlie. "This isn't gonna mess with your makeup being tied up over your eyes is it?"

[gabrielcohen-chang]

Smooth? Who, me? I'm just offering my invaluable expertise in the field of taste testing, you know, for the greater good of your cafe's summer menu. But sure, I'll gladly accept the role of the official summer flavor consultant. As for other fruit flavors, I'm all for strawberry and peach. They scream summer vibes and would pair perfectly with your refreshing beverages. Maybe some raspberry or mango could also add a nice twist. But honestly, whatever you come up with, I'm sure it'll be a hit.

It's cute how you think you're being smooth with this, but of course Gabe, I can arrange a taste test for you. That being said, before I even dive into any recipe testing first, any other summer-y fruit flavors that you'd like me to do the same with? Strawberry, any of the berries really, pineapple, peach? I figure it'll be good to offer with my fruit infused iced teas and lemonades.

[jacksonrose]

Oh yeah, he knows the difference between food and most inedible objects. To be honest, we're still working on the whole "paper is not food" thing, but he doesn't seem to get it and rips up any roll of paper products he can get his teeth on. I've lost many rolls of paper towels that way. Plastic is a different story though, he did leave that behind for me to clean up. And a little bit of pizza too, one tiny slobber covered corner. Thankfully I had sandwich stuff too. Grilled cheese makes a good backup plan.

Well that's a relief, sorry I can't always be too sure with your bigfoot hunting ways. Oh yikes, did he end up eating it plastic wrap and all? I hope that's digestible. Although I've seen some videos of dogs who were pretty smart and got into treats without managing to eat wrappers or anything dangerous to them. Guess you've learned your lesson for next time, though, right? I mean, I've never seen the whole set up of the inside of your van, but maybe keep the wrapped, unthawing pizza stored in a cupboard of some sort where hungry, hungry puppies can't get to it.

[gabrielcohen-chang]

Oh, no, I'm with you on that front. I'm glad we haven't gotten hit with any snow, and I hope it's a long time before we are. I hate driving in snow, it's actually the worst. And yeah, working in a bakery when it starts getting cold sounds amazing, honestly. You get to stay all warm and toasty, surrounded by delicious smelling baked goods. I'm actually a little jealous now. All I have is the smells of the food court. And let me tell you, that's not always pleasant.

I know so many people are going to disagree, but I've gotta say I'm thankful the weather has not been all that freezing cold yet. Granted, I know the worst winter months are yet to come, and it is sad when we don't exactly have a pretty and snowy, white Christmas. But I'm a summer girl and I just do not fair well in the freezing temps, so I will take these few days that we have where the highs are in the 50s. Probably a good thing that I'm a baker and work primarily in the kitchen of my own cafe, right?

[jakepuckrman]

Jake: tell me about it. it really throws me off how quickly time goes by sometimes. like i swear it was just the beginning of summer, like, yesterday.

Jake: okay, so we're just gonna pretend that was the plan all along? got it, i can roll with that lol so how did that practice go? make perfect yet?

Daria: alright so I may have blinked and suddenly august is almost over, I thought it was still the beginning of the month 😳

Daria: but hey still better for me to practice with them first and give the first batch out to friends for free, right? And then I'll have them in the cafe and for special orders by next weekend, hey perfect timing since that Friday is sept. 1st! See I'm a genius. 💁🏾‍♀️

[gabrielcohen-chang]

Gabe: um, i can share the video i'm watching for it? because no way in hell am i trying this lol i'm not a baker, that's what you're for 😝 Gabe: if it's half baked already though, does it really count as a batter? i'm really just asking because i have no idea. you can absolutely ignore the question, i was just curious! also between you and youtube i'm extremely hungry. i might just have to brave the kitchen and try to make something

Daria: nice try with the rhyming on that first one there though 😜

Daria: basically I'm gonna smash the muffins all back up together and chill the mixture to reuse basically as a new batter....it's a shot in the dark but I think it'll work. It's kind of like how I make cake pops in a sense but not since it's muffins. Very much a trust the process situation. Let me know how that steaming thing goes though, maybe I'll try that on a future recipe sometime.

[riverjacksonx]

Oh, okay, you're going even easier than I thought. I guess I've seen too many videos of the plate lollipop things I just assumed that's where you were headed. See, now that I can manage. Less chance that you'll have to go back and have someone re-do my work if it's just tying ribbons. And now you mention singing? Wow, way to play dirty, waiting until the last minute to rope me into things. But I'm game. And hey, I'm not awful at singing, so count me in.

Relax, I'm only teasing you. Oh god, even I was thinking of getting that fancy with stuff, I mean using colorful cellophane, yes. But more so laying a plate or whatever is holding the cookies on top of it, then you wrap it up around it and tie a few different colored ribbons around in bows. And I have some mini breads already placed into decorative glass containers and I'm pretty sure I bought some decorative bags to match them that they will fit in. Again, just tying up with the ribbons. Okay, all of that that you just mentioned sounds amazing and super tasty, so I cannot wait to try them. I mean, especially the potato things, you cannot go wrong with anything made of potatoes. Looking forward to seeing you then, be sure that your voice is warmed up too, I participate in what I like to call holiday baking karaoke and I expect you to join in.

[riverjacksonx]

Don't even remind me about Christmas shopping! I haven't even started thinking about it, and Black Friday is right around the corner so I'm definitely cutting it a big close this year. Normally I try to have already started picking up a few things here and there, but it's just completely slipped my mind this season. Oh, yeah, of course, I'll absolutely have to stop in. I don't expect a full menu to be given to me, but good to know. I'll definitely keep that in mind when I stop in. Does it help at all if I bring ingredients or is that a big no no with restaurants. I don't wanna break any health codes or anything like that, but if I can help on the ingredient front because you don't have it, I have no problem doing that. Especially if it's something like this Bourbon Bacon Pecan pie I've been eyeing. You're going to have to teach me your secrets some day, though. I can cook pretty decently, but somehow the talent never translated to baking. I don't get it.

Right? It's like January, February, and March feel like they last forever and then April through June are fairly normal, but then July hits and after Independence Day it's like time just hits the red button to go super speed. And the older we get, the faster it goes. I remember being a kid and thinking that it took forever for Christmas to get here, now it's like I can't get my shopping done in time before it just looms right on in. So, I always offer the regular pumpkin and apple pies, but I can make pretty much any kind so long as the ingredients can be bought. I have order forms at the cafe if you'd wanna stop in and take a look. There's any kind of fruit, again pending available ingredients, pudding pies, custard pies. You name it, I can likely bake it.

[riverjacksonx]

At her question, he figured he might as well join the fun. For the next game, anyway, since it seemed like it was a bit too late to join in on the current one and he wasn't entirely sure if he could just hop in at any time. But still he grabbed a card, looking it over while he took a seat. "You know, I almost went with Mac. I have name tags for just about everyone, except Rabbit's apparently because I couldn't find it when I was getting the costume together." River paused while the next number was called out, not wanting to be the reason she missed out on a win. "So, luck been on your side? Sounded like quite the game when I walked up."

Turning around and looking up at the firefighter, Daria nearly snorted as she realized his costume. Doing her best to straighten her face, she brought a hand up to do a quick salute to him. "Yes sir, Officer..." She had to peer a little closer at the nametag on his costume. "Officer Foster." Quickly she turned to place another chip on her card as she heard the caller shout another number that she knew she'd seen. Turning back to River though, she quirked an eyebrow. "Huh, you know that's an interesting choice. I see you more as a Mac, myself. You gonna be joining in on any of the games anytime soon?"