bdsmchan

[shilohfernandezdaily]

Easy Vegetarian Red Beans Lasagna Recipe This exciting twist on lasagna features beans, Gruyere cheese, and a delicious bechamel sauce.

[marinawood]

Lasagna - Easy Vegetarian Red Beans Lasagna This exciting twist on lasagna features beans, Gruyere cheese, and a delicious bechamel sauce.

[stumblngrumbl]

dinner

yet another tomato cucumber onion basil vinaigrette salad (featuring garbanzo beans too, it's a good addition)

and eggplant parm "lasagna" with garden tomatoes (pls send help

so many tomatoes

so many) and eggplant (ditto)

[geoffrey]

some thanksgiving dinner from me to you! featuring:

lasagna (beef and ricotta and cottage cheese and mozzarella!)

mashed potatoes with garlic (made with half&half ofc)

pork gravy

green beans and carrots sauteed in butter n seasoning

stuffing

pineapple roast ham

cranberry sauce

rolls

coke and/or angry orchard crisp apple

<3 :)

[ninjastormhawkkat]

The Strange Case of Wordgirl and Miss Crimes: Chapter 9

When the Henchmen came back after doing some errands, Dr. Two Brains went on to make some cheese filled ravioli for dinner. Becky had always enjoyed her dad’s cooking even after he acquired his cheese obsession. Since Dr. Two Brains was about the only person in this city who could live on eating just cheese and drinking liquids, the mad scientist had to get creative and compromise with the rest of the non mouse hybrid inhabitants of the warehouse on the topic of food requirements. The solution was different types of foods that were made with cheese as a main ingredient such as grilled cheese sandwiches or lasagna, but of course made with extra cheese courteously of the city’s resident mouse man. Two Brains also added side items such as vegetables and fruits with the meals for the others as well. Just as Two Brains promised, after dinner he, Becky, and Bob sat down to watch Pretty Princess and Magic Pony. The Henchmen also joined in because they love the show as well. Everyone except Two Brains enjoyed seeing Pretty Princess vanquish the evil Count Cloudy. Dr. Two Brains never really enjoyed the show even before his accident, he just did not see the appeal that many residents, including his daughter and his own henchmen, saw in this brightly colored show. But Dr. Two Brains did enjoy spending as much time with his daughter as he could, even if it was watching something that made him grimace internally. Two Brains was especially focused on finding as much time as he could to spend with his child now days with the whole villainy thing and spending time behind iron bars. He just didn’t want to miss his child growing up due to his own follies. Later that night as Becky got ready for bed and Bob was already on his bean bag bed, Becky thought back to the conversation with her dad a few hours earlier. She knew deep down that her dad was right and she shouldn’t be constantly worrying about her dad and just live her life as a kid, well as an alien kid but that was besides the point. She still couldn’t help but think back on how her dad said he performed many check ups on himself and that he said he was doing fine. Becky then remembered how Professor Tubing said he wasn’t sure if her dad was aware of the other purposes of the mouse brain. ‘Maybe dad does know and didn’t tell me because he didn’t want me to worry about the possibility of being fused to Squeaky for some more years.’ Becky pondered in her head. Becky was no longer bothered by the fact that her dad seemed to enjoy being a villain. What did bother her was how he was forced to commit heinous acts because of a vicious and parasitic mouse brain, and how his genetic fusion could end up one day being irreversibly harmful towards his health and life. She was soon startled out of her worrying thoughts by Bob’s monkey squeaks. She then turned to face Bob who was looking at her with concern and apprehensiveness. “Sorry Bob, I got distracted. What did you want to say?” Becky asked him as she was returning to the reality that was her bedroom. ‘Becky, are you sure you still want to go through Dr. Jenkins’ plan? Even after your dad said he was fine the way he was now.’ Bob gingerly asked the young girl. A flash of anger appeared in Becky’s eyes before she calmed herself down. As much as she was clearly upset with what Bob suggested, she did know where his words were coming from as Becky did notice him listening in on the conversation between her and her dad. “Bob, dad needs this experiment to work for him.” Becky said with a determined voice. “As much as dad says he is fine now, who knows how he will be in the near feature or if Squeaky tries to take over his body and mind again without his consent. We can’t let that parasite continue to control dad’s life anymore.” as much as he believed in Two Brains words since the guy was a scientist, Squeaky was an unpredictable problem. The monkey could still not help but to worry if things with this Dr. Jenkins will backfire or not.

@melodythebunny

@drtwobrainsstuff

[essentialcateringvd]

10 Ways to Incorporate Family Recipes into Your Wedding Menu

When planning a wedding, every detail is meticulously curated to reflect the couple’s personality and the love they share. Among these details, the wedding menu stands out as one of the most significant elements of the day. After all, food is not just sustenance; it’s a universal language of celebration, comfort, and connection. The choices you make for your wedding catering have the power to transform your reception into an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Wedding catering Melbourne goes beyond simply choosing dishes that taste good. It’s about creating a culinary journey that resonates with your story, honours your traditions, and delights the senses. Whether you’re envisioning a formal sit-down dinner, a relaxed buffet, or an eclectic food station setup, the right catering can bring your vision to life in the most delicious way possible.

Start with the Appetisers

Nostalgic Nibbles: Appetisers are the perfect way to introduce your guests to the rich culinary traditions of your family. Begin your celebration with bite-sized versions of dishes that have been staples at family gatherings for years. Imagine serving mini versions of your grandmother’s famous meatballs, your dad’s signature deviled eggs, or your mom’s homemade spanakopita. These nostalgic nibbles set the tone for a meal filled with personal touches and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere from the moment your guests arrive.

Interactive Tasting Platters: Another idea is to offer a selection of small tasting platters that feature a variety of family recipes. This could include a charcuterie board with homemade pickles, jams, and spreads, or a selection of dips that have been family favourites for generations. These platters encourage guests to engage with the food and each other, sparking conversations about the stories behind each dish.

Feature a Family Recipe in the Main Course

Heart of the Meal: The main course is often the centrepiece of the wedding menu, so why not make it truly special by featuring one or two dishes that hold significant meaning for your family? Whether it’s your mother’s lasagna, your uncle’s BBQ ribs, or a traditional family stew, serving a dish that has been passed down through generations can make your wedding meal truly memorable. Not only does this add a personal touch, but it also allows your guests to experience the flavours and traditions that have shaped your family’s culinary identity.

Cultural Heritage: If you come from a family with a strong cultural background, incorporating traditional dishes from your heritage can be a wonderful way to celebrate your roots. Whether it’s a hearty Irish stew, a spicy Indian curry, or a delicate Japanese sushi platter, these dishes can bring a sense of cultural pride to your wedding day. You can even provide small cards that explain the significance of each dish, allowing guests to learn more about your family’s traditions.

Offer a Variety of Sides

Comforting Classics: Side dishes are the perfect place to showcase multiple family recipes. Think of your aunt’s famous potato salad, your grandmother’s green bean casserole, or your cousin’s cornbread. These familiar flavours will evoke fond memories and warm the hearts of your guests. By offering a variety of sides, you can ensure that there’s something for everyone, from comforting starches to vibrant vegetables, all tied together by the common thread of family tradition.

Family-Style Serving: Consider serving these sides family-style, where guests can pass dishes around the table just like they would at a family dinner. This not only creates a cosy, communal atmosphere but also encourages guests to share stories and memories, making your wedding meal feel like an extension of your home.

Create a Dessert Table with Family Favourites

Sweet Memories: When it comes to desserts, the possibilities are endless. Instead of a single wedding cake, consider a dessert table filled with an assortment of family recipes. Include your grandmother’s apple pie, your mom’s chocolate chip cookies, or your great-aunt’s cheesecake. Guests will love the variety, and each dessert will have a story to tell. You could also create a small display next to each dessert, sharing the history of the recipe and why it’s special to your family.

Themed Dessert Stations: For a more interactive experience, set up themed dessert stations where guests can sample different treats inspired by your family’s culinary traditions. For example, you could have a pie station featuring various fruit pies made from family recipes, or a cookie bar with different types of homemade cookies. This allows guests to try a little bit of everything and gives you the opportunity to share even more of your family’s favourite sweets.

Signature Drinks with a Family Twist

Raise a Glass: Drinks are another great way to incorporate family recipes into your wedding. If there’s a special punch your family always serves at gatherings, or a cocktail that’s a staple at your holiday parties, serve it as your signature drink. It’s a fun way to add a personal touch to your beverage selection, and it gives your guests a taste of something uniquely “you.” You could even create a custom drink menu with names that pay homage to the family members who created the recipes.

Homemade Infusions: If your family has a tradition of making homemade infusions or liqueurs, consider incorporating these into your drink menu. For example, you could serve cocktails made with your grandfather’s homemade limoncello or your uncle’s spiced rum. Not only does this add a unique flavour to your drinks, but it also brings a piece of your family’s culinary craftsmanship to the celebration.

Incorporate Recipes into the Reception Décor

Edible Centrepieces: Use your family recipes to inspire your table decorations. For example, you could create centrepieces featuring ingredients from your favourite family dishes, like jars of pasta, bowls of fresh fruit, or baskets of bread. You could also include framed recipes as part of the table settings, giving guests a glimpse into the dishes they’re enjoying. This adds a personal and creative touch to your décor while also giving guests something to talk about during the meal.

Recipe Displays: Another idea is to create a display or a photo wall that showcases the family recipes you’re using. You could include old photos of family gatherings, hand-written recipe cards, and stories about the dishes. This not only adds to the ambiance of your wedding but also gives guests a deeper understanding of the significance of the food they’re enjoying.

Include Recipe Cards as Wedding Favours

Sharing the Love: Custom recipe cards make for a thoughtful and practical wedding favour that your guests will cherish. Choose a few of your favourite family recipes and have them printed on beautiful cards that guests can take home. This allows your guests to recreate a piece of your wedding at home and gives them a tangible reminder of the love and tradition that went into your special day.

Personalised Packaging: To make the favours even more special, consider packaging the recipe cards with a small jar of spices, a mini bottle of your family’s favourite sauce, or a bundle of fresh herbs that are used in the recipes. This adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness and ensures that your guests have everything they need to try the recipe themselves.

Host a Tasting Station

Interactive Experience: Set up a tasting station where guests can sample small bites of various family recipes. This could include a charcuterie board with homemade jams and pickles, a bread station with different family recipes, or a pasta bar featuring sauces passed down through generations. This interactive experience allows guests to taste a variety of dishes and learn about the family traditions behind them. It’s also a great way to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone finds something they love.

Cooking Demonstrations: For an added element of fun, consider having a live cooking demonstration at the tasting station, where a family member or chef prepares a dish in front of the guests. This not only adds entertainment value to your reception but also gives guests the opportunity to see how the dish is made and ask questions about the recipe.

Offer a Late-Night Snack with a Family Twist

End the Night on a High Note: As the party winds down, surprise your guests with a late-night snack that reflects your family’s culinary traditions. It could be something like your grandmother’s cinnamon rolls, your dad’s famous nachos, or a simple but beloved sandwich recipe. This comforting bite will leave a lasting impression and give your guests the energy they need to keep dancing. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to offer something unexpected and delightful as the night draws to a close.

Food Truck with Family Recipes: For a more casual and fun option, consider hiring a food truck to serve late-night snacks inspired by your family’s favourite dishes. This could include everything from sliders and tacos to sweet treats like donuts or ice cream, all made using family recipes. It’s a unique way to keep the celebration going and give your guests a taste of your family’s culinary creativity.

Involve Family Members in the Cooking

A Labour of Love: If possible, invite family members to help prepare the dishes or at least be involved in the planning. Having your grandmother make her famous pie, your uncle prepare his signature sauce, or your mom bake her beloved cookies can make the experience even more special. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the love and effort that goes into making these dishes. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bond and share in the joy of the occasion. Your family members will feel honoured to contribute, and the food will taste even better knowing it was made with love.

Recipe Contributions: If your family is spread out or unable to participate in the cooking, consider asking them to contribute recipes instead. You can then work with your caterer to recreate these dishes, ensuring that every bite of your wedding meal is infused with the flavours and traditions of your family.

Incorporating family recipes into your wedding menu is a heartfelt way to add a personal touch to your big day. It allows you to share a piece of your heritage with your guests, create lasting memories, and celebrate the love and connection that food often represents. Whether it’s a simple appetiser or the main course, these family dishes will add warmth and meaning to your celebration, making it a day to remember for everyone involved.

Not only does this approach honour your family’s culinary traditions, but it also allows you to create a wedding menu that is uniquely yours. Each dish tells a story, carries a memory, and represents the love that has been passed down through generations. By sharing these recipes with your guests, you’re inviting them into your family’s history and creating new memories that will be cherished for years to come. So, as you plan your wedding menu, take a moment to reflect on the dishes that have brought joy to your family over the years, and consider how you can bring that joy to your special day.

[essentialcatering]

Catering for Holiday Parties: Festive Menu Ideas

The holiday season is a magical time filled with gatherings, celebrations, and cherished moments with loved ones. One of the highlights of any holiday party is undoubtedly the food. Delicious, festive fare can elevate your event, bringing joy and satisfaction to your guests. However, planning and preparing a holiday menu can be daunting, especially when catering Melbourne to diverse tastes and dietary needs. This guide provides a variety of festive menu ideas designed to make your holiday party not only a culinary success but also a memorable experience for everyone. From savoury appetisers to decadent desserts, these ideas will help you create a feast that embodies the spirit of the season.

Appetisers: The Perfect Start

Kick off your holiday party with an array of delectable appetisers. These bite-sized treats set the tone for the evening and whet your guests' appetites.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with a savoury blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, these bite-sized mushrooms are always a hit. For an extra touch, add some crumbled bacon or finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Bruschetta: Top toasted baguette slices with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For a variation, try using roasted red peppers or adding a smear of goat cheese.

Shrimp Cocktail: Elegant and easy to eat, shrimp cocktail is a classic choice for any holiday gathering. Serve with a tangy cocktail sauce and a slice of lemon for garnish.

Mini Quiches: Offer a variety of flavours such as spinach and feta, bacon and cheddar, or mushroom and Swiss. These can be made in advance and served warm or at room temperature.

Cheese and Charcuterie Board: A beautifully arranged board with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, olives, nuts, and fresh fruit can be both a visual and culinary delight. Include some crusty bread and a selection of crackers for pairing.

Main Courses: Hearty and Festive

For the main course, consider dishes that are both festive and satisfying. These dishes can often be prepared in advance and kept warm until it's time to serve.

Roast Turkey or Ham: These traditional holiday meats are sure to please a crowd. Serve with a variety of sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. A honey-glazed ham with pineapple rings is a sweet and savoury option that looks as good as it tastes.

Beef Wellington: A luxurious option, beef Wellington features tender beef wrapped in puff pastry with mushrooms and pâté. Serve with a rich red wine reduction for an elegant touch.

Vegetarian Lasagna: Layers of pasta, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and plenty of vegetables make this a hearty vegetarian option. Consider adding spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers for a colourful and nutritious dish.

Salmon en Croûte: Salmon fillets wrapped in puff pastry with spinach and herbs offer an elegant and delicious main course. Serve with a lemon-dill sauce for extra flavour.

Stuffed Pork Loin: A pork loin stuffed with a mixture of apples, cranberries, and walnuts is a festive and flavorful choice. Roast it to perfection and serve with a cider gravy.

Side Dishes: Complementary Flavours

Side dishes should complement the main course and add variety to the meal. Here are some festive options:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The smoky flavour of bacon pairs perfectly with the caramelised Brussels sprouts. Add a touch of balsamic glaze for extra depth of flavour.

Sweet Potato Casserole: Topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, this sweet and savoury dish is a holiday favourite. For a twist, try adding a layer of marshmallows on top.

Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with butter, garlic, and sliced almonds offer a crisp and flavorful side. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish.

Holiday Salad: Mix greens with pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing dish. Add some sliced pears or apples for an extra touch of sweetness.

Herbed Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavoured with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chives can elevate this classic side dish.

Desserts: Sweet Endings

No holiday party is complete without a selection of decadent desserts. Here are some ideas to end the meal on a sweet note:

Pumpkin Pie: A classic holiday dessert with a rich, spiced filling and flaky crust. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Yule Log (Bûche de Noël): This traditional French dessert features a sponge cake rolled with chocolate buttercream and decorated to look like a log. Add some meringue mushrooms and powdered sugar "snow" for a festive touch.

Gingerbread Cookies: Fun to decorate and delicious to eat, gingerbread cookies add a festive touch to any dessert table. Provide an array of icings and candies for guests to personalise their cookies.

Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station with melted chocolate and a variety of dippables like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels. For a twist, offer white chocolate or caramel fondue.

Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp with a crunchy oat topping and a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a comforting and delicious way to end the meal.

Beverages: Cheers to the Holidays

Don’t forget to include a selection of festive beverages to toast the season.

Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced wine is perfect for cold winter nights. Simmer red wine with cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange slices for a fragrant and warming drink.

Eggnog: Rich and creamy, eggnog is a holiday classic that can be served with or without alcohol. Sprinkle some freshly grated nutmeg on top for garnish.

Hot Cocoa Bar: Offer hot cocoa with an array of toppings such as whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and chocolate shavings. For an adult twist, provide a splash of peppermint schnapps or Bailey's.

Holiday Punch: A non-alcoholic punch with cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Add some floating cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch.

Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice is a cozy and inviting beverage. Serve it in a slow cooker to keep it warm throughout the event.

Special Dietary Considerations

In today's diverse culinary landscape, it's important to consider the dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests. Offering a variety of options ensures that everyone can enjoy the festivities.

Gluten-Free: Provide gluten-free alternatives for common dishes, such as using gluten-free flour in desserts or offering a gluten-free stuffing.

Vegan: Incorporate plant-based dishes like a vegan roast, dairy-free mashed potatoes, and desserts made without eggs or dairy.

Nut-Free: Clearly label dishes that contain nuts and offer nut-free alternatives, especially for desserts and appetisers.

Low-Carb/Keto: Include options like roasted meats, green vegetables, and cheese platters that align with low-carb or keto diets.

Presentation and Ambiance

The presentation of your food can enhance the overall experience of your holiday party. Here are some tips for creating a festive ambiance:

Decorative Platters: Use holiday-themed platters and serving dishes to display your food. Consider using seasonal colours like red, green, and gold.

Garnishes: Add fresh herbs, edible flowers, or fruit slices as garnishes to your dishes for a touch of elegance.

Table Settings: Set the table with holiday-themed napkins, place cards, and centrepieces. Candles and fairy lights can add a warm and inviting glow.

Music: Create a playlist of holiday music to set the mood. Soft background music can enhance the festive atmosphere without overpowering conversations.

Catering for a holiday party can be a delightful experience with the right menu. By offering a variety of appetisers, main courses, side dishes, desserts, and beverages, you can create a festive and memorable celebration for your guests. Remember to consider dietary preferences and restrictions to ensure that everyone can enjoy the feast. With these festive menu ideas, your holiday party is sure to be a culinary success!

[ux-uidesigner]

Best home food recipes

Best home food recipes

Best home food recipes. Certainly, here are some popular and delicious home food recipes that you can enjoy making and sharing with your family and friends:

Spaghetti Carbonara:

This classic Italian pasta dish features spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (or pancetta), and black pepper. It's simple, creamy, and incredibly flavorful.

Chicken Tikka Masala:

A beloved Indian dish, chicken tikka is marinated in yogurt and spices and then cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. It's typically served with naan or rice.

Homemade Pizza:

Create your pizza with your favorite toppings. Make your pizza dough or buy pre-made, add tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings, and bake to perfection.

Mushroom Risotto:

This creamy Italian rice dish is made with Arborio rice, mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. It's a comforting meal and savory meal.

Vegetable Stir-Fry:

A quick and healthy option, you can stir-fry a mix of your favorite vegetables with a simple sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. Serve over rice or noodles.

Chili Con Carne:

This hearty Mexican dish features ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It's perfect for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Homemade Lasagna:

Layered with sheets of pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, homemade lasagna is a family favorite.

Veggie Curry:

Make a flavorful vegetable curry using a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and cauliflower, and simmer them in a fragrant curry sauce made with spices and coconut milk.

Chicken Noodle Soup:

Perfect for when you're feeling under the weather, this comforting soup is made with chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles in a savory broth.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese:

A classic comfort food, mac and cheese is made with elbow macaroni, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Pancakes:

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with homemade pancakes. Top them with syrup, fresh berries, or chocolate chips.

Homemade Burgers:

Create your perfect burger with ground beef or plant-based alternatives. Customize with the toppings and condiments you love the most.

Tacos:

Set up a taco bar with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and tortillas. Let every person construct their very own tacos.

Roast Chicken:

Roasting a whole chicken with herbs and spices is a classic and satisfying choice. It's a perfect choice for a Sunday evening meal.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta:

Sauté shrimp in garlic butter and toss them with cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful seafood pasta dish.

Remember, the best home food recipes are often those that you enjoy making and sharing with loved ones. Don't be afraid to test with flavors and components to fit your taste.

[bhglivebetter]

Easy Vegetarian Red Beans Lasagna Recipe This exciting twist on lasagna features beans, Gruyere cheese, and a delicious bechamel sauce. 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 small onion chopped, 1 can diced tomatoes drained, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 4 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese, 1.5 cups cold milk, salt and pepper to taste, 4 no-boil lasagna noodles, 1/2 red bell pepper chopped, 1 can red beans drained, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

[awesomeforever]

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

[rebeccareviews]

The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cooking for One Cookbook by Kelly Jaggers

Kelly Jaggers’ The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cooking for One Cookbook is a great and comprehensive collection of single-serving Mediterranean recipes. I love the impressive range of easy-to-follow recipes as well as the helpful tips. However, the book’s layout could have been nicer and I would have loved more pictures.

This well-organised book features chapters on Breakfast; Dips and Snacks; Salads and Soups; Side Dishes; Pasta Dishes; Vegetarian Main Dishes; Seafood; Poultry Dishes; Pork, Lamb, and Beef Dishes; and Desserts. There is also a helpful chapter introducing readers to the Mediterranean diet as well as the process of cooking for one. Jaggers gives useful tips (fresh herbs can be placed in water and stored in the fridge!) and also lists important pantry staples and ingredients like beans, olive oil, and canned tuna. This chapter also features useful tools and equipment.

Although many of the recipes may be time or labour-intensive, all the dishes in this book are approachable for beginner cooks. Many of the ingredients are affordable and accessible pantry staples like chicken, flour, and pasta. However, several of the dishes require quite a few specialty ingredients like feta cheese, clams, polenta, and quinoa. But, they are still moderately inexpensive and not too difficult to find.

There are easy dishes like Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata (made easier with frozen shredded hash brown potatoes), Shrimp Scampi, and Easy Pesto Chicken. You can also try familiar favourites like Shakshuka, Tzatziki Sauce, Baba Ghanoush, and Minestrone Soup. Slightly more difficult dishes include Lasagna Rolls, Beef Stew with Red Wine, and Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff. There are even simple but impressively decadent sweet treats like White Wine-Poached Pear, Frozen Fruity Yogurt Bark, and Red Wine-Poached Figs with Ricotta and Almonds.

The recipes are clearly detailed and easy-to-follow. Each recipe begins with a brief but informative write-up offering helpful tips, useful facts on a main ingredient, tasting notes, ingredient swaps, and a short background of the dish. I also appreciate the inclusion of calorie information and other nutritional values.

The book’s layout is simple and clean but boring. I wish the design was more eye-catching. Furthermore, there are only a sparse handful of pictures which are too simply staged and which do not do the delicious recipes any justice. I would love many more pictures so I can see how the dishes should look.

Thank you to NetGalley and Adams Media for this book in exchange for an honest review.

🍅🍅🍅🍅 out of 5 tomatoes!

[thedisneychef]

What Are Good Recipes For Ground Beef

Hey everyone! Are you looking for some delicious recipes to whip up with ground beef? I know I am and that's why I'm so excited to share this article with you all. Ground beef is such a versatile ingredient, it can be used in anything from tacos to casseroles. In this article, we're going to take a look at some of the best recipes featuring ground beef. From classic comfort food dishes like hamburger stroganoff, to exciting new takes on old favorites like taco salads - there's something here for everyone! So let's get cooking! Classic Lasagna I'm always looking for a good way to use ground beef, and classic lasagna is one of those recipes that's perfect for it. It's hearty enough to feed the whole family, so I love having this in my quick-fix meal arsenal. Plus, if you want to take your time with it, there are slow cooker options too! Making lasagna isn't as complicated as some people might think - just layer up the noodles with your favorite tomato sauce or meat sauce and add plenty of cheese on top. Ground beef makes it even easier. Just cook it on its own until nice and browned before adding it in between each layer. You can also mix in anything from mushrooms to spinach for an extra boost of flavor. It may seem like a lot of steps at first but once everything is layered up, pop it into the oven (or slow cooker) and let all the flavors mingle together while dinner bakes away! Lasagna truly is one of those meals that never gets old - so delicious every time! Cheesy Meatloaf Moving on from the classic lasagna, I'm ready to show you a delicious way to use ground beef: cheesy meatloaf. This dish is always a hit with my family and friends, plus it's easy to make! All you need are some simple ingredients like breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, ketchup, and of course ground beef. Just mix everything together in a bowl until well combined. Then shape your mixture into an oval loaf shape and place it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 35 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) and enjoy! But wait - there are still so many more recipes that can be made using ground beef! For example, why not try making some chili? Ground beef chili has been around forever but never fails to satisfy when served up hot and spicy. Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding tomatoes, beans, cumin, oregano and chili powder along with the ground beef. Simmer this all together over medium heat for 30 minutes or longer until flavors combine nicely – then serve warm over rice or potatoes. Stuffed peppers are another great meal option featuring ground beef. First cook the filling by browning the meat with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and carrots in a frying pan. Add seasonings like parsley flakes and paprika, then spoon your filling into large bell peppers cut in half lengthwise before baking them uncovered in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven (190 Celsius). Don't forget to top them off with melted cheese just before serving for an extra layer of flavor! Taco Salads Taco Salads are one of my favorite meals to make when I'm short on time. They have a base layer of lettuce, which you can use whatever type you like best, and then layers of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, peppers, cheese and other toppings that you desire. It's such an easy way to turn simple ingredients into something truly delicious! If that wasn't enough for you though - why not up the taco game with some more creative recipes? Try making a taco casserole using layers of tortillas and all your favorite ingredients in between them. You could also simmer ground beef in liquid with spices to create a flavorful taco soup. There's no limit to what kind of tacos you can make out there - so get creative and enjoy! Shepherd's Pie I love making Shepherd's Pie for a comforting weeknight meal. The ground beef base is spiced up with some onion and garlic, which really brings out the flavor of the beef. To make it extra hearty, I like to add carrots, corn or peas as well - whatever veggies we have in the fridge! On top of this delicious mixture lies a layer of creamy mashed potato that seals in all those flavors below. To give it an extra punch, I always mix in some butter, cream cheese and sour cream into my potatoes before baking them on top. This makes them seriously rich and flavorful! When everything is cooked together, you're left with a beautiful dish full of mouthwatering aromas – ready to be served with a nice dollop of ketchup or a drizzle of your favorite rich gravy over it. Yum! Hamburger Stroganoff I'm sure you can almost smell the deliciousness of this recipe already! Hamburger Stroganoff is a classic, hearty dish that's always a hit. It uses ground beef to create an amazing flavor combination with mushrooms and other ingredients. Opting for gluten free options or substituting in healthier alternatives are both excellent ways to make it even more enjoyable. To start off, brown some ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. As the beef cooks, dice up some onions and garlic and add them into the pan as well. Once they have softened, stir in your favorite mushrooms - white button works best but feel free to get creative if you'd like! Let these cook on low heat while stirring occasionally before adding in fresh parsley (or dried). Finally, pour in some broth along with sour cream and seasonings such as salt, pepper and paprika. Allow this mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes so all the flavors blend together nicely. Serve it over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal everyone will love. Bon appétit! Frequently Asked Questions How Long Should I Cook The Ground Beef For? Cooking times for ground beef can vary depending on the texture you're looking for. For a crumbly, fine texture that's great in tacos or chili, cook it over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. If you want larger chunks of beef to use in burgers and meatloaves, cook it over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Remember: no matter what type of texture you prefer, always make sure your ground beef has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before serving! What Is The Best Type Of Ground Beef To Use For These Recipes? If you're looking for the best type of ground beef to use in recipes, it's important to consider its meat quality and fat content. Generally speaking, if you want a juicy burger or flavorful sauce, you should opt for an 80% lean/20% fat ratio ground beef. For healthier dishes like tacos or spaghetti bolognese, go with 90% lean/10% fat ratio beef. Higher percentages of fat can make your dish greasier while lower percentages may lead to dryness. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference when choosing the perfect cut of ground beef! Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives To Ground Beef? Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian alternatives to ground beef. Plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh can easily be used as a meat substitute in recipes that would normally use ground beef. For example, you could make vegan tacos or veggie burgers with these types of plant-based proteins for an entirely meatless meal. Additionally, mushrooms work well as a replacement for the texture and flavor of ground beef. You just have to give them a good chop before adding them into your recipe! Is It Necessary To Use A Specific Type Of Pan For Each Recipe? When it comes to cooking with ground beef, the type of pan you use isn't always necessary. However, depending on what kind of dish you're making and how long you'll be cooking your ground beef for, certain pans may work better than others. For example, if using higher heat and shorter cooking times, opt for a cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan as they can withstand temperatures up to 500°F. On the other hand, when slow-cooking recipes like chili or stew require lower cooking temperatures over longer periods of time, nonstick aluminum is usually best due to its even heating capabilities. As far as seasoning options go, feel free to get creative! Try experimenting with different herbs and spices that pair well with your favorite dishes. Is It Possible To Freeze The Cooked Ground Beef For Later Use? Yes, it's absolutely possible to freeze cooked ground beef for later use. Pre-cooking the meat is key if you want to ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful when thawed out. Just make sure you don't cook too much at once or else you'll be stuck with a huge serving size! It's best to store your pre-cooked ground beef in an airtight container before freezing it. Conclusion At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal preference. You can experiment with different types and cuts of ground beef until you find what works best for you. You should also consider how much time you have to prepare a meal - some recipes will require more effort than others. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to cook ground beef - as long as it's cooked properly, any recipe could be a delicious success! It never hurts to get creative with ingredients either; try substituting vegetables in place of ground beef for vegetarian-friendly meals. With these tips in mind, I'm sure you'll find something that fits your taste preferences perfectly! Read the full article

[napolispizzakitchen]

What Is The Best Restaurant In Van Nuys That Serves Authentic Italian Food?

Italian cuisine is known for its rich and savory flavors, which are often created using simple, fresh ingredients. The use of fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes gives Italian food a distinctive flavor profile that is both satisfying and comforting. And if you’re in Van Nuys, the best restaurant you must visit that serves Italian food is Napoli’s Pizza Kitchen. The Best Restaurant In Van Nuys Serving Authentic Italian Food Van Nuys, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, is a hidden gem for those who love Italian cuisine. It makes it a perfect destination for foodies. What to order when you visit? Pizza – A classic choice for any Italian restaurant, pizza is a staple that can be customized with your favorite toppings. Napoli’s Pizza Kitchen has several options, including tomato and basil pizza, margherita pizza, or pepperoni pizza. Pasta – Italian cuisine is famous for its pasta dishes, and there are many different varieties to choose from. Some popular options include spaghetti carbonara, fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, and linguine with clams. Risotto – This creamy rice dish is a great option for those who love rich and savory flavors. Popular risotto dishes include mushroom risotto, seafood risotto, and saffron risotto. Of course, these are just some of the options available. There are plenty more you can find when you visit the menu here. What To Drink? Italians often drink water with their meals. You can choose between still or sparkling water. If you want to splurge a bit, you may choose wine. Italy is famous for its wine. At Napoli’s Pizza Kitchen, you can order popular Italian wines, like Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, and so much more. And if you’re ordering pizza, it’s best to pair it with beer. Beer and pizza complement each other. And there are great options to choose from, such as Moretti or Peroni. Can You Order Salad? Yes, you can definitely order a salad. While Italian cuisine is perhaps best known for its pasta dishes and pizzas, Napoli’s Pizza Kitchen offers a variety of salads as well. It features fresh, high-quality ingredients such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olives, and basil. Some popular options here are the following: Antipasto: It’s made of salami, mortadella, provolone cheese, grape tomatoes, green peppers, black olives, and garbanzo beans Beet spinach salad: If you’re craving spinach, this is the best option. It includes organic baby spinach, feta cheese, red onions, roasted almonds, and raspberry walnut dressing. Greek salad: This is also a favorite among our fans. It includes organic spinach, green peppers, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Greek olives, fresh oregano, and pepperoni. How To Enjoy The Food? You can enjoy it however you want. But we recommend that you eat slowly and savor each bite. Our food is known for its rich and varied flavors. Thus, take your time to enjoy its taste and texture. And if you’re ready to order at Napoli’s Pizza Kitchen, one of the best restaurants in Van Nuys, call us now.

[suituuup]

pieces - chapter ten

Five years ago, Chloe dropped off the face of the Earth. Beca didn’t expect to see her again dancing in a strip club, out of all places.

rated: E (drug use and emotional abuse in early chapters)

ao3 link

*

The knock at the door made Chloe jolt. 

Aubrey was here, and Chloe was a nervous wreck. Even if Aubrey had shown nothing but support in the texts they had exchanged over the last couple of months, Chloe was bracing herself for judgment. It had become her default setting over the last couple of years, to always expect people to think the worst of her. 

It turned out Aubrey couldn’t make it for dinner that weekend and instead offered lunch on the following Monday, so Beca was currently at work. Meeting her alone made Chloe even more nervous; Beca had become her rock, her lifeline over the past couple of months, and someone Chloe actually trusted, and she would have been more comfortable with her being present. 

She wiped her hands on her apron and padded to the door, sucking in one last deep breath before pulling it open.  Her friend looked the same as Chloe remembered her, except for her hairstyle, which evolved into a neat bob and matched the lawyer persona well.

“Hey Chlo,” Aubrey greeted softly, eyes soft and smile shy. 

“Hi,” Chloe breathed out when she remembered she should say something, blinking. 

Before Chloe could step aside, Aubrey stepped forward and pulled Chloe into a loose hug. Chloe’s first reaction was to tense for a brief moment, eventually wrapping her arms around Aubrey’s back, in turn, her shoulders relaxing as she exhaled. 

“Thanks for having me over,” Aubrey said as she backed away.

Chloe nodded with a small smile and took a step back to let Aubrey through. “Come on in. I uh-- I made chicken pasta. Do you still like that?” 

Cooking had been one of the activities Chloe had rekindled with since finishing rehab. Following a recipe was a good distraction from her cravings. 

“I do. Sounds yummy.” 

“You-- you’ve been here before, I imagine?” Chloe asked as she shut and locked the door behind them, leading Aubrey to the main room.

Aubrey shrugged off her jacket. “A few times, yes. I think the last time was for Beca’s birthday last September.” 

Chloe nodded once more, then remembered her manners. “Can I offer you anything to drink?” She asked as she padded to the fridge. “We have water, flat or sparkling, coke and fanta.” 

“Sparkling water is good,” Aubrey said as she perched herself on a stool, resting her chin over her propped-up hand. “How’s it been living with Beca?” 

“Good,” Chloe replied as she reached for two water glasses in the cupboards, the water bottle in her other hand. “She’s been really amazing with trying to make me feel at home. It’s weird though because I can’t pay rent or groceries. I still feel like I’m taking advantage of her generosity.”

Aubrey hummed. “I get that. But you’re not. Beca wouldn’t offer all those things if she felt like you were taking advantage. And we all know you’re not. You’re getting back on your feet and could use all the help you can get, which I’m sure Beca is happy to give.” 

Chloe took a deep breath and nodded. She uncapped the bottle and poured some water into both drinks. 

“How have you been feeling otherwise?” Aubrey questioned then. 

Chloe shrugged, breaking eye-contact. “It’s been a real rollercoaster, to be honest. Somedays I feel fine, other days it feels like I’m drowning. If it weren’t for Beca’s support or--” The baby, which she had yet to tell Aubrey about. She swallowed, forcing herself to meet her friend’s gaze. “A few days before the end of rehab, I found out that I was pregnant.” 

Aubrey blinked twice in slow succession, much like Beca had done. “You are? I mean--” 

“I’m keeping it,” Chloe cleared up before Aubrey could attempt to reword her question. “I know it probably sounds crazy and irresponsible given my situation and who the father is, I--” 

“I think you’re going to make an amazing mom, Chlo,” Aubrey murmured before Chloe could finish. “And yes, your situation is tricky right now, but it won’t forever be that way. And the father might be a dick whose balls should be fed to wolves, but you and I both know that a  baby sharing your genes can’t be evil.” She tilted her head to the side. “Are you going to tell him?” 

Chloe froze. She hadn’t dared broach the subject with her therapist for fear of her telling a judge, and she didn’t know what she was allowed or not allowed to do. “Do I… have to? I mean, legally?”

Aubrey shook her head. “No, you don’t have any obligations to. The father’s name on the birth certificate can be left blank, and that means Marco will have no rights over the child.” 

Chloe nibbled on her bottom lip as she processed that information. “What if he finds out? Can he get custody?” 

“He’ll have to submit a petition to the court through a lawyer in order to have a DNA test done,” Aubrey explained. “After that, a judge decides if he has the right to have custody, but I really don’t see how he could, given his track record. I had a friend at the precinct look him up, and he’s been convicted several times for drug dealing and violence.” 

Relief swept over Chloe upon hearing that. The thought of Marco having any influence on that child gave her nightmares. “Okay. Good.” She cleared her throat when her brain caught up with the rest of Aubrey’s sentence. “I didn’t know he was a criminal.” But she wasn’t surprised, now. “I wouldn’t have-- he was really good to me at the beginning, and by the time his true personality surfaced, I had nowhere to go.” 

“He was toxic,” Aubrey said as she nodded. “A manipulator. He probably loved the hell out of you at first, bombarded you with sweet messages and calls and flattery? And little by little, the connection faded and you started to feel meaningless? Unworthy?” 

Chloe could only nod faintly, because Aubrey had just put into words what her relationship with Marco felt like, without Chloe telling her any of that stuff. 

“I come across so many people with the same profile in my job, and the victims, men or women, always blame themselves. But they shouldn’t. You shouldn’t.” 

Her therapist had already told Chloe that many times, but Chloe’s default thinking made it hard to grasp that. Being with Marco felt like chaos reigned in her head, her emotions, her body, her life, and he found a way to make her believe it was her own fault. 

Chloe mustered a soft smile, feeling more than ready to stop talking about that for now. “Should we eat?” 

The conversation thankfully transitioned to easier subjects. Chloe caught up on the last six years of Aubrey’s life, feeling a little lighter and more at ease around her friend now that it was clear Aubrey held no grudge or judgment towards Chloe for cutting her out of her life. They found themselves reminiscing about their college days, two hours zipping by without Chloe once thinking about her cravings. 

“I’m just a call away, alright?” Aubrey said as she slid her jacket back on. “And if you ever want to come to Boston for a weekend, I have two guest bedrooms.” 

A genuine smile spread across Chloe’s lips as she nodded. “I’d love that.” Chloe was the one to initiate the hug this time, letting it linger. “Thank you for coming down, Bree.”

Aubrey smiled back. “It was my pleasure. See you soon, Chloe.” 

Bean’s thirteen-week-check-up took place the following day. Chloe was set on having as many tests done as possible at this stage, with an NT scan to help assess the baby’s risk of having complications such as Down syndrome, other chromosomal abnormalities, and major congenital heart problems, as well as full blood work to rule out cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs.

Bean passed their scan with flying colors, much to her relief. The heartbeat was strong, and 

Bean’s features were unmistakably human this time around; Chloe could make out Bean’s head and their nose and the round belly and tiny feet.

She went home with three pictures, and Beca insisted one should go up on the fridge. 

The following month was punctuated with more therapy, NA meetings, and the visit to Oregon. Chloe felt more at home in Beca’s apartment with each passing day, though she tried her best to stay out of the way whenever Sarah was over. 

On the day of their departure, Chloe was beyond grateful Beca agreed to come with her, as telling her parents the truth felt incredibly daunting. 

They landed in Portland a little after four that Thursday, renting a car to drive the two hours to Newport, where Chloe’s childhood home was located. As Beca parked the car in her parents’ driveway, Chloe was rooted to her seat with nerves. 

Beca’s hand on her leg snapped her out of it. “Hey.” Chloe turned her head to the left, meeting Beca’s soft eyes. “Breathe. In and out.” 

Nodding, Chloe inhaled deeply through her nose and released the air through her mouth, closing her eyes. She reached for the door handle next and stepped out, swallowing thickly as she let her leaned legs carry her to the front door. She pressed the doorbell and stepped back, instinctively reaching for Beca’s hand. 

Her mom appeared on the other side a handful of seconds later, and she engulfed Chloe into a hug before Chloe could even utter anything. 

“Hi mom,” she croaked out, her eyes fluttering shut as she released Beca’s hand to hug her back tightly, basking into the instant comfort being in her mom’s arms brought her. 

Alice pulled away but kept Chloe at arms’ length, her gaze sweeping over her features. “It’s so good to see you, baby.” Her focus shifted to Beca, and she embraced her next, keeping it a bit shorter. They had met each other before when her parents flew to Atlanta for Chloe’s graduation. “Welcome to our home, Beca.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Beale.” 

Chloe’s mom glared playfully, tutting. “It’s Alice to you. Come on inside.” 

They stepped into the house, a smell Chloe knew well drifting from the kitchen: her dad’s famous lasagna, Chloe’s favorite. 

“Hey Chlobear,” her dad greeted as soon as they rounded the corner, smile bright and eyes sparkling as he sat in his electric wheelchair by the couch. 

Tears pricked behind Chloe’s eyes, and she crossed the distance between them, bending down to hug him. His working arm drifted up to snake around her back. “Hi, Dad,” she whispered, emotions trapping her voice in her throat. “I’m so happy to see you.” 

“Me too, sweetheart,” he murmured, his own voice wavering. “I made your favorite. Well, your mom made your favorite under my supervision, ‘cause she would have messed it up otherwise.” 

“Hey,” Chloe’s mom objected, drawing a chuckle from both Chloe and her dad. 

Chloe straightened, hitching her thumb over her shoulder. “You remember Beca, right?” 

“Of course I do,” Mike confirmed as he made his chair go forward, then extended his hand. “How are you, Beca?” 

“Hello Mr. Beale,” Beca greeted, shaking his head. “It’s nice to see you again.” 

“You, too. And it’s Mike. No Mr. Beale around this house.” 

Beca laughed, nodding. “Got it, Mike.” 

“I hope you guys are hungry, we’ve made enough food to last us until next month,” Mike commented as he moved towards the table. 

After freshening up, she and Beca sat at the table just as Alice pulled the lasagna out from the oven, then grabbed the salad and the wine bottle from the counter. 

“Wine, Beca?” She asked, holding up the bottle. 

“I’m good, thanks, though.” 

Chloe glanced at her. “You can have some if you want.” 

Beca shook her head, smiling softly as she unfolded her napkin and draped it across her lap. “I’m okay, I promise. Water’s fine.” 

Chloe caught her parents sharing a confused look over the exchange, and she cleared her throat, knowing it was probably best to get this over with. “Mom, you should probably sit down.” 

Concern creased a frown on Alice’s forehead as she set the bottle down and lowered herself next to Chloe’s dad. “What’s going on, Chloe?” 

Chloe took a deep breath, and she felt Beca’s hand cover her own under the table. She flipped hers over and wrapped her fingers around Beca’s, grateful for the grounding contact. “I um--” she swallowed, unable to figure out where to start even though she had practiced her speech countless times leading up to their visit. 

Shame and guilt rushed through her, digging their claws into her heart and lungs, making it harder to breathe. 

“Chloe,” her mother’s voice pierced through the buzzing in Chloe’s ears. Chloe looked up from her plate, finding soft eyes. “Whatever it is, you can tell us.”

Chloe closed her eyes and sucked in a sharp breath, forcing herself to own up to her situation by looking at her parents while she spoke. “I have a drug problem. Had. I’m--I’m in recovery. I got out of rehab a couple of months ago.” 

A heavy silence settled over the room as Mike and Alice processed the news. Chloe felt like bolting out of the house as she watched her dad swallow thickly, and her mom’s jaw-dropping. She felt a squeeze to her hand and remembered to breathe. 

“Oh Chloe,” her mom whispered and got up to sit in the vacant chair on the other side of Chloe, taking her other hand as she tilted her head to the side. “How long have you been struggling?” 

Chloe cleared her throat. “About five years. I never-- I never graduated from vet school. I dropped out.” 

Her father frowned, his mouth moving wordlessly for a few beats. “But-- the money you gave us for my treatment every month?” 

“I was a stripper,” Chloe admitted quietly. “That’s how I got introduced to cocaine. How I met Marco. How I... made so much money.” She was hit by an array of emotions -- shame, fear, and somehow, relief -- right then, and a sob burst out from her throat before she could reign it in. “I’m s-sorry I lied to you for so long.” She released Beca’s hand to cover her mouth, her body shaking as she crumbled under the weight of her feelings. 

She didn’t fight it when her mom pulled her into her arms, rubbing her back in slow circles and whispering reassuring words into her ear. “It’s okay, sweetie. Breathe. We love you. No matter what.” 

It took a few minutes for Chloe to be able to get her breathing under control, straightening when she did and taking the tissue Beca offered her. 

“You must have a lot of questions,” she murmured, licking her dry lips. She still had the baby bomb to drop, but one thing at a time. Thankfully she wasn’t showing that much yet, and her large hoodie kept her small bump concealed. 

“Thank you for telling us,” her father murmured, and Chloe saw him wipe a tear away when she looked up. “I can’t imagine how hard that must be, as for deciding to seek help.” 

“I’m sorry I didn’t do it before. I was ashamed and lost and--” she shrugged. “I wasn’t myself.” 

“How are you feeling now?” Her mom asked softly, pushing Chloe’s hair behind her ear. “You said it’s been two months since rehab?” 

Chloe nodded, sniffling. “Ups and downs. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Beca. She’s the one who encouraged me to get help, who paid for rehab, continued paying for your treatment, and I’ve been staying at her place while I get back on my feet.” 

Both her parents’ focus shifted to Beca, gratitude swirling in their eyes. 

“She’s been incredibly strong and responsible,” Beca said, smiling softly. “Hasn’t missed a therapy session or NA meeting since getting out of rehab.” 

“And this Marco…” her dad trailed off in a questioning tone. 

“He’s out of my life. He wasn’t a good person, but I failed to realize that.” 

“More like he hid it well,” Beca corrected gently. Chloe met her eyes. “Remember what Aubrey and your therapist said about how you didn’t have to blame yourself for that?” 

Chloe nodded. “Right.” 

“Did he… hurt you?” Mike asked next, a tremor in his voice as he seemed to brace himself for the answer. 

“Not physically.” It wasn’t exactly the truth, but Chloe didn’t think that slap was worth mentioning. “Just… emotionally. He knew how to get into my head, and the drugs didn’t help. They have this funny way of having you believe whatever it wants you to. Logic and reason no longer existed for me when I was at my lowest. I was ashamed of lying to you every time we spoke on the phone, but the paranoia over you not wanting to talk to me again if I told you was stronger.” 

She was sure her dad had a lot more questions and probably wondered if his treatment and their financial problems pushed Chloe into taking that job, but he remained silent, clearly mulling everything over. 

“We could tell you looked tired every time we called, but we never…” Alice trailed off, shaking her head as a few tears rolled down her cheeks when she blinked. “I’m so sorry.” 

“No,” Chloe croaked out, having feared this: her parents blaming themselves. Her heart felt incredibly heavy as she sandwiched her mom’s hand between her own, glancing at her dad briefly. “I don’t want you guys to feel guilty and think that you should have noticed. I hid it well, especially the first few years. Then it sort of derailed, that’s why I stopped visiting. Please don’t apologize.” 

“Did you take that job because you felt like you had to help us?” Her dad asked, just as Chloe had predicted. “With my treatment?” 

Chloe took a deep breath. “I took it because NYC was expensive and I was struggling a bit with rent. And when your health worsened, I asked for more shifts to help out.” She didn’t want to get into what she was asked to do for more money. She couldn’t. Her dad would be eaten away by guilt if he knew how much of a toll working in the VIP room took on her. The whole truth would hurt him more than a small lie. “It’s when I started doing drugs that everything fell apart. It’s not on you, dad. I promise.” 

Mike swallowed and ran his hand over his face as he visibly tried to keep a hold on his emotions. “You’re my daughter, you shouldn’t have had to provide for me, or to put yourself first.” 

“Dad, please,” Chloe whispered, feeling her throat shrinking. “I wanted to help. I just… made bad choices and met the wrong people. It’s not your fault.” Her eyes found her dad’s. “Please tell me you believe that?” 

Her father remained silent for a stretch as he stared at her. He eventually offered a faint nod, but Chloe wasn’t sure if he was being honest. 

Her mom reached up to wipe her tears away, sniffling. “What… what can we do to help you through your recovery?” 

“Being part of my support system, like you unknowingly have since I got out of rehab,” Chloe murmured with a small smile. “And dealing with more of my visits,” she added, knowing they would both be all for that.

“You are always welcome to move back here, Chlo. For as long as you want,” she offered. 

“I…” she cleared the rising lump in her throat as she briefly glanced down to her lap. “There’s something else that I need to tell you.” Another deep breath. “I’m four months pregnant. With Marco’s baby. But he’s not going to be involved. I’m going to raise them on my own.” 

There. Everything she was ready to share was out there in the open, and Chloe felt incredibly lighter, despite her heartbeat picking up as her parents once again fell silent. She really couldn’t blame them, after everything she had just dumped on them. 

“I know it’s a lot,” she added, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “And I know my decision to keep it might come across as strange, but I couldn’t get rid of it, and this baby is giving my life purpose again because I want to be a better person for them.” 

“I think you are incredibly brave,” Alice said after a little while, reaching out to catch a tear falling on Chloe’s cheek with the side of her pointer finger. “And I’m failing to find words to express how proud of you I am.” 

Chloe sniffled, wiping her nose with the back of her hand as her gaze met her dad’s once more. She could tell he needed more time to work through everything, and maybe they could talk about it some more the next day, once he had slept over it. 

“That kid is going to be the most spoiled grandchild of all Newport,” he joked with a soft smile, his words loosening the nerves in Chloe’s stomach.

Chloe released a watery giggle. “I love you guys.” 

“We love you, too, Chlobear,” her dad murmured, and after embracing her mom tightly, Chloe stood up and rounded the table to hug her dad. 

They eventually dug into dinner, the conversation shifting to the baby, whether it was okay, what the risks there were, when was her due date... Her parents offered to turn the office into a nursery if Chloe wanted to move back in with them, to which Chloe answered that she would think about it. She had been concerned about how much the pregnancy and having a newborn baby around would affect Beca’s life and her relationship with Sarah, and this would be another alternative to which Chloe needed to give some serious thought. 

Chloe and Beca headed upstairs shortly after dinner, both feeling exhausted as their mind and body were three hours ahead. After showing Beca to the guest room, Chloe changed into her pajamas and washed up for bed, knocking on Beca’s door on her way back to her own bedroom. 

She pushed it open upon hearing a soft come in, finding Beca lying on top of the comforter, already changed in her sleeping wear. 

“You okay?” She asked, smiling as Chloe sat down on the edge of the mattress. “That went pretty well.” 

“Yeah, I…” she swallowed, shaking her head in leftover awe. “I have amazing parents. I didn’t think they would be so understanding.” 

“Of course they’re amazing. They raised you.” 

Chloe bowed her head as blush bloomed in her cheeks. She cleared her throat. “I think my dad is a bit shaken up and part of him feels to blame, but I’m hoping he and I can talk some more tomorrow.” 

Beca nodded. “Yeah. I think that’s a good idea.” 

Chloe let out a small sigh, and she reached out to squeeze Beca’s hand. “Thanks again for coming here with me.” 

“Not a problem. I’m hoping you’ll show me around the town at some point, take me to your favorite spots.” 

“We can definitely do that tomorrow,” Chloe agreed, her smile genuine. “Goodnight, Bec.” 

“Night Chloe. Night Bean.”

[littlemessyjessi]

How They’d Be As Mukbangers:  Harry Potter Characters

How They'd Be As YouTube Mukbangers

James: Every video has a theme.   Like, I'm not even playing.   Holidays?  All kinda of holiday themed food.  Quidditch World Cup coming up?   Things inspired by the country of his favorite team.   Just a random day?  Everything is blue.   He's that type of way.

Sirius:  If a mukbanger was a thirst trap.  I could easily see him really getting into.  Dark background, black gloves, aesthetic as fuck and like, he doesn't even talk.  He just sits there, looks hot and somehow makes eating looking incredibly sexy.  And he fucking knows it.   Bitch also one hundred percent rolls his eyes back when it hits his taste buds.  Licks his lips and his fingers.  Takes way too big of bites.   Most people would say it's cringy how sexual his videos are...but everyone is secret subscribed anyway.  With notifications on.

Remus:  This goes one of two ways.  If he's in a good mood and things are chill, he'll find a recipe, make it to the mother fucking 't' and then have a little mukbang slash review on said recipe.  Nice lil chat.  Sweet tol bean.   Precious. If it's near the full moon there ain't none of that.  Ya boy, brings in his monstrous plate of food, sits it down and just tears into like a fucking beast, no talking.  Just nom nom nom.  Unintentionally thirst traps and people opening talk about when Remus goes beast mode.  

Peter:  Candy and sweets channel! Small mukbangs with reviews from different candies from Honeydukes!

Lily:  Lol, Lilypad.  She ain't playing around.  Her videos are planned out, edited and just generally finessed to perfection.  Even had music added to it with tiny vlog segments as it's set up.  It's a little pretentious but she does have a good following.

Marlene:   This bitch.  Fucking competitive eating queen.  Tiny ass lil ho can eat you under the table, bro.   Think RainaIsCrazy on YouTube.  She can fucking smash.  Usually does eating challenges from different resteraunts and competitions.  Often, challenges Remus on his wild days.   He's a beast but she still wipes the floor with him.  

Dorcas:  The collab.  Dorcas always has good food and good company.  She's all about sharing a meal with someone and talking about random things.

Alice and Frank:  The couple channel.  It's generally filled with so much fucking cute and the food is always tasty.  It's sickening they feed each other but you also can't help but awww.

Molly Prewett/Weasley:   Family recipes.   Molly's channel are tried and true recipes from the Prewett family.  Cook with me and tons of kitchen life hacks.  Also, that woman can turn a ham sandwhich into a full course meal. Bet.   Always taste tested by Daddy Weasley.  Yes, I said Daddy Weasley.  

Lucius Malfoy:  The most pretentious fucking channel to ever exist.  It's a whole fucking production that admittedly he does put a lot of work into.   Somewhat thirst trappy like Sirius' but instead of just having a plain black background he goes out of his way to shove as much of his manor into.   Only eats the most expensive food fucking on the planet and of course, it's prepared by House elves cause he's a twit.  (Yes, I know this is Thranduil but honestly wouldn’t put it past Lucius to be this fucking pretentious.) 

Severus Snape:  Actually pretty solid content.  His exquisite skills in potions actually made him a rather good chef.   Tasteful shots, edited well with music over everything and subtitles.   Simply audio for the eat portion at the end.  Nothing too fancy for the background.  Often just a very clean kitchen. Solid content though.

The Black Sisters: Mass chaos.  Part vlog, part drama channel, half the time the food never even gets finished because of fights.  

Bill Weasley:  The Traveler.   A lot of egyptian food.  Some made by hand.  Some vlogs from street food while he's out just generally doing his job.   Short videos but solid.  He's hot and he picks good food.  It works for him.

Charlie Weasley:  This extra ass bitch.  He's the bitch that does all that outdoor cooking.  You know what I mean.   Shots in the woods, roaring fire.  Lit by a precious dragon child no doubt.  Dragons lounging in the background like those bitches who always have their dogs there.  Yes, I'm jealous.  Close up shots of him cutting things on a custom wood cutting board. Everything he makes causes your mouth to water.  God damn, scarred, freckle faced bastard just gobbles it up and ends every fucking video with a wink.   Charlie Weasley is the ultimate thirst trap and he fucking knows it.

Percy:  Percy's channel could be epic but instead is boring as fuck.  Why?  Because he insist on having the most snooze worthy meals that are 'sensible' and THEN he proceeds to talk about politics.   He actually had a pretty decent following of other like minded individuals but my god- politics and porridge, Percy?  Really?

However, once he chills the fuck out, leaves the ministry to do something else - it’s a game changer.  Brings the family on for mukbangs.  Does videos with mummy weasley.  Percy grows his hair out and Bill teases him for being a copy cat.  Much better.  Still talks politics but it’s fucking hiliarous and now the food is poppin. 

Fred and George:  Alright, this shit right here.   Every fucking bit of it is a self promo for the shop.  Meals inspired by and that would go well paired with 'this product'.  Like, that's the whole thing.  And then they run an add for their shop at the end featuring the product.  It works for them because they're smart, they're hot and they're also wildly entertaining with their constantly sibling squabbling. But yeah.  Big promo for the shop.

Ron Weasley: Honestly, out of everyone.   Ron probably has the most followers and it's because he doesn't say shit while he's eating. He sits down with a massive fucking turkey.  Nods at the camera and just tears it up.   It's literally so satisfying.  All the food is prepared by his mother.  So it's obviously fantastic. ( I just had to use this gif.) 

Ginny:   Gin's channel is usually team building videos with the Harpies.  'Cheat Day: Vlog and Mukbang w/the Harpies' type of vibes.  It's cool though and since it's a famous quidditch team the fans enjoy the behind the scenes action and actually drop all kinds of recipes for them to try in the future.

Hermione:  Hermione could easily veer off into Percy's channel of misery when she gets started on her rants but mostly they're really chill videos.  Mukbang and Book Review type of vibe.  Or sometimes even the playing of an audio book while she does her thing.  All in all, wholesome.

Harry:  Lol, I swear.  Fucking awkward bean.   Harry's videos are literally of him making the simplest of things and being so fucking awkward. "Er, well, hi guys.  So I'm about to head out for work.  Running a bit late.  But we're having a bit of toast and jam."  Like it's literally just little videos of him eating whatever throughout the day.  But of course, since he's Harry Fucking Potter- his follower count is astronomical.  

Neville:  Now, this boy.  This boy is a goblincore gobbo's wet dream.  Gardening videos with homegrown veg.  Recipes from Grandmother.   Have a nice Veggie Pot Pie with Professor Longbottom in the Hogwarts Greenhouse.  There is a fanbase and it is huge.  

Luna: Honestly, the weirdest fucking channel in the world.  Like she finds the weirdest things to eat and goes from there.  But Luna is bae so it's cool.  Also, a thousand percent does Smoke Sesh + Mukbang videos.  You know it's true.

Dean and Seamus:  Literally, eating in the most crowded pubs as they visit football games around the country.  Seamus will definitely pull the Irish card from time to time to have a drinking competition.  He wins everytime.  He may be a little dude but shit- homie can hold his own.

Cedric:  Honestly, it's so fucking pure.   Straight up did videos during his time at Hogwarts in the Hogwarts kitchen.  Such kind little conversations with the house elves.  "Hey, guys.  Thanks for coming back to another video.  Today we're making some really tasty biscuits.  Whispy, one of the talented bakers here in the kitchens, is here to help us today so please say hello to her in the comments."  He'll also always make extra and leave them in the Hufflepuff common room for everyone to enjoy.  Like, it's honestly so pure and he's such a soft boi and oh my fucking geeeeeeerrrrrrdddd!!!!!

Draco: Actually takes it really seriously and put a lot of hard work into it.   Nothing like his father's ego-tistical recipes.   Surprisingly, every. single. recipe. is a muggle recipe.  How would he know?  Because he cross referenced with Granger of course.  Cooks it himself.   No magic.  Lots of random talks.  Just like a monologue of things and it gets kinda deep sometimes.   Like, it's the channel to go to when you need advice that you didn't even know that you needed.   Still eats incredibly proper.   It's that pureblood raising of his.  Old habits die hard.

Tonks:  Pure chaos.  "Hey, today we're having Mum's homemade lasagna and I'm also getting a new tattoo.  Might dye my hair.  Don't really need to since I can do this  but whatever. So yeah, there's that.  Like it's just all over the place and you'd think it would take but the chaos is too good not to watch.  Literally gives herself beaks and snouts while she eats.  It's iconic.

Dumbledore: Mother fucker just sits at his desk, stares straight into the camera and eats a lemon drop.  Like a weirdo.  The video usually no more than a minute and each video is just some variation of that.  Meme lord.

Hagrid:  Tea With Hagrid.  Also, so the recipes suck, they too, but Hagrid is a peach and it's relaxing to see his gentle half giant there in his hut, pumpkin patch out the window and Fang laying by the fire.  It's a mood and he's just like the comforting Dad figure. 

McGonagall:  Honestly the best one in the entire world.  She makes a full course traditional Scottish breakfast... and then transforms into her animagus the cat...and promptly knocks it off the table.   A fucking legend.

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

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Love, Kenny

[argylemnwrites]

Gifts and Games

Pairing: Levi Schuler x MC (Tara Day)

Book: Mother of the Year (about one month after the end)

Word Count: ~1500

Rating: PG (some mild innuendo)

Summary: Levi hadn’t had a reason to celebrate any holidays for a long time.

Author’s Note: Alright, started off Hanukkah with a Seth piece, let’s end it with a piece featuring my newest Jewish LI, Levi. Just starting to dabble in some MOTY fic here. I loved that book a lot and found all the LIs really compelling, so even though it’s a standalone, I’m still gonna play around with these characters. This piece is for Day 29 of both the Choices December Challenge (Sunset) and Day 30 of 41 Days of Cheer (Celebration) because I am unabashedly working time zones to my advantage here.

Levi hadn’t played dreidel in years. Nah, scratch that. It had been several decades. That fact made him feel older than the fact that he was at a point in his life where dating a woman with a 10 yo kid was a reasonable thing ever did.

Honestly, Levi had never really felt that connected to his faith. If someone had pushed him on it, he’d have to say he really didn’t believe in anything spiritual or religious. Being Jewish to him was more about his connection to his family, and as he got older, he knew he’d gotten more and more disconnected there. It was just strange, being the unmarried, intermittently unemployed uncle, so often, he’d chosen to work instead of going to his grandmother’s for any of the holidays.

But when Zoey had asked him about Hanukkah across the dinner table the other night, he’d been caught off guard. She was so genuinely curious, because of course that smart little nerd wanted to know everything.

“Levi, you’re Jewish, right?” she’d asked between bites of spaghetti.

“Yeah, why are you asking, Rocket?”

“Well, we were learning about winter holidays in my world cultures class, and Ensley was talking about how she got the new iPhone for Hanukkah, and I was just wondering if you celebrated Hanukkah or not. I’ve never been Jewish or anything, so I don’t know exactly how it works.”

Levi had swallowed his mouthful of spaghetti before he answered, “Uh, I haven’t really celebrated Hanukkah in a few years.”

“Why not?”

“Haven’t had anyone to celebrate with, I guess.”

“Do you have to be Jewish to celebrate Hanukkah? Because we could celebrate with you, right mom?”

Tara had locked eyes with him, clearly trying to make sure he was okay with Zoey’s plan. They hadn’t really talked about his background, so he was grateful that she was trying to gauge his feelings about the topic, but he honestly didn’t care. If Zoey wanted to try out Hanukkah, who was he to throw a fit about that? So he’d shrugged and given Tara a little smile. And that’s how he found himself on the floor around the coffee table now, playing a game of dreidel with the two of them.

“So, all you do is spin the top? That’s it?” asked Zoey, a skeptical look on her face that was almost comical.

“That’s it, Rocket.”

She frowned at that, “But there’s no strategy then. It’s all just luck.”

“Yup.”

“Huh, that’s kinda boring.”

“Zoey!” chided Tara, shooting a look at her daughter, “Don’t be rude. You were the one who wanted to celebrate Hanukkah, remember?”

Zoey bit her lip and looked down before glancing up at Levi. “Sorry, Levi. I didn’t mean to say your game was boring. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.”

Levi just shrugged, “No worries, Rocket. I didn’t make the rules.”

And so they’d started a game, using some leftover rocket parts as their pieces, passing around the little top and taking their turns. But after about 50 rounds, Levi could sense not only Zoey getting antsy, even though she was trying her damnedest to sit still and stay interested, but Tara was also frequently checking the time on her phone when she thought no one was looking. Levi honestly couldn’t blame them. He’d forgotten how long and dull dreidel games could be. In fact, he was impressed that Zoey had stuck with it as long as she had. 

“Hey, Rocket?”

“Yeah, Levi?”

“I think you’re right. This is a boring game.”

Zoey blinked at him before giving him a bright smile. Tara just shook her head.

“It’s not that bad, Levi.”

“Nah, you don’t have to pretend. I totally forgot how long this could drag on. I don’t know how I had the patience for it as a kid. So what do you say, kiddo? Should we call it?”

Zoey looked between him and Tara, who gave her a slight nod. Zoey paused for just a second longer before nodding, “If that’s okay with you guys.”

“Completely fine with me,” said Levi, “It’s just a little game to pass the time, anyway.”

“Thanks, babe,” said Tara, squeezing his shoulder as she stood up, wandering into the kitchen to check on the frozen lasagna she had in the oven. Not exactly traditional Hanukkah food, but hey, nothing about him or Tara’s life was exactly traditional.

Levi hefted himself off the floor and onto the couch, watching as Zoey much more nimbly hopped up and took a seat on the couch next to him. 

“Is there something else we could do to celebrate Hanukkah?” she asked him as she crossed her legs beneath her on the couch.

Levi paused for a moment, trying to think of what he could share with her. He wasn’t sure if any of the chocolate he had was safe for her, and handing out candy right before dinner seemed like a great way to annoy Tara. He didn’t own a menorah. Suddenly, an idea hit him.

“Did your world cultures teacher tell you about the reason we celebrate Hanukkah?”

Zoey nodded proudly, “Yup! It’s because after the Maccabees fought and reclaimed their temple from the Syrians, they only had one jar of oil for light. They sent out someone to get more oil, and when he got back eight days later, that tiny jar of oil was still burning.”

“Exactly. That’s why we celebrate after sunset and usually light candles. Basically, a lot of the shi… stuff Jewish people do to celebrate Hanukkah focuses on oil or light. And I bet you have something squirreled away in your bedroom that uses some oil.”

Zoey chewed on her lip for a couple of seconds before she answered, “Well, the engine kit I got from Luz and Thomas for Christmas uses oil, but that’s a different type of oil.”

“Well, I say the type of oil doesn’t matter one bit. So what do you say, how about we work on that after dinner?”

She grinned brightly at him. “I’ll go get things ready,” she said as she climbed off the couch and bounded into her room.

“Only five minute until dinner!” cried out Tara, “And you need to wash your hands before then!”

Some muffled sounds of agreement drifted out of Zoey’s room. Deciding to see if Tara needed any help, Levi strolled over to the kitchen. “How can I be of assistance?”

Tara glanced up from the green beans see was stirring on the stove top. “The bread could use slicing. It’s on top of the fridge.”

“On it.”

As he grabbed a cutting board from the cabinet and the serrated knife from the drawer, Tara spoke again, grabbing the oven mitts and pulling the lasagna from the oven.

“Quite the history lesson I got there. All I knew about Hanukkah prior to tonight I learned from Adam Sandler.”

Levi laughed at that, “Chanukah Song or Eight Crazy Nights?”

“Both, of course! It’s a shame it’s the last night, though. Otherwise we could have had eight crazy nights of our own.”

Levi turned to face her at that, stepping closer so that they were practically touching. “That is a shame. I guess we’ll really have to make tonight count, then,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows comically. Tara smirked at him at that, but any response she might make was cut off as Zoey bounded into the room.

“Hands all washed, Mom,” she said, walking into the kitchen and grabbing three sets of silverware out of the drawer as she went to set the table, oblivious to what she’d just interrupted.

“Levi’s just finishing up slicing the bread, then we’ll be all set,” said Tara, stepping away from him, turning back to the stove, and grabbing the green beans to drain. He had to marvel at her ability to go from sexy as hell to mom mode without missing a beat, but as she brushed past him, she oh so casually dragged her hand across the front of his jeans, throwing him a wink.

Levi just shook his head, grateful that he had a few moments of slicing the bread to redirect his thoughts, calm down enough to get back in the family mindset. Compartmentalizing was something he was getting better at since he started seeing Tara, but she was still infinitely better at it than him. Probably because she had years of experience compared to his few months. And while with other girlfriends, an innuendo-laced conversation like that would have led to a burnt and late dinner, Levi honestly didn’t mind having to wait until Zoey was in bed. Tara was worth it. They both were worth it. So he sliced the bread and joined his two favorite girls at the dinner table. He never thought this would be his life, but it was amazing how comfortable it felt. It felt nice, and honestly - it was probably the best holiday gift he’d ever received.

Permatag: @mfackenthal   @lilyofchoices @thequeenofcronuts @jamesashtonisbae

Mother of the Year:  @sunnyxdazed @octobereighth

Levi x MC: @srta-give-me-my-jax-rl

Events: @choicesbyjade @jlpplays1-41daysofcheerchallenge @choicesdecemberchallenge​