#sherry's honey pot

[needcake]

@hetaberia-week

Day 4: love language

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1551-1578,

Madrid

Months after Valladolid, Spain received a box of bunny-shaped marzipans. It came with no note, but it was fine, he didn’t need one.

A week later he had a rich velvet sack of their newly-found and beloved potatoes tied with a string of gold delivered to Lisbon, directly from the colonies. In return, a still steaming plate of bacalhoada, codfish layered with tender sliced potatoes, onions, olives and halved eggs, arrived the next day.

A few more months and he received a sponge cake, layered with meringue and fruit, to which he responded with a generous plate of paella, the seafood fresh from the coast.

The plate returned empty, clean, and with a bottle of good wine.

He would send him tomatoes and Portugal would send back pastries. Portugal would send him mangoes and he would send back bottles of high quality olive oil.

There would be entire months of silence, entire years Portugal spent fighting the Ottomans in the Indies and would come back to Europe only to leave again within days, and there were times when Spain would be too engrossed in wars in Europe to remember their little tradition. A couple of boxes of fruitcake went stale and hard on his desk by the time he returned home, deep fried offerings went unanswered. But like a language, he learned to tell when Portugal returned victorious when his servants would announce the arrival of boxes of clams and sardines and fresh fruits from the neighboring kingdom, or when he had suffered a defeat at sea and all he would receive were sad little honey cakes. On those days he would send back whole pieces of jámon, pots full of steaming cocido, bottles of sherry. It was easier to communicate with Portugal like this, without words, without accusations, just two friends sending food and drinks back forth across the border. And for a few years it had been good, it had been enough.

But then it stopped.

[dilfenthusiast]

when I was a little kid I used to pretend I was a witch. I had this little iron pot my parents gave me and I’d go out in the backyard and fill it with water from some source and then start adding whatever little leaves and berries and flowers and twigs were in season. The ferns and lilies in my backyard never stood a chance. Sometimes I would leave my pot “brewing” for nights at a time, coming out every morning and afternoon to check on its progress and see if anything changed. Naturally as I got older I stopped doing that, growing up and no longer playing pretend. But now as an adult I revisit that feeling of potion mixology whenever I make sauces and glazes and such for when I cook. I just dumped a couple tablespoons of sherry vinegar into a bowl, then added so much onion and garlic powder and salt and red pepper flakes and ground black pepper and black cumin that it formed a paste, to which I added a great deal of runny wildflower honey and a little olive oil and mixed it all together and when I tell you the smell coming out of the bowl was pungent and it tasted sooooo good. Tart and tangy, then sweet and mellow. I tossed my chicken wings in it and laid them out on a tray and poured the excess on top and put them in the oven and now I’m waiting for them to roast. I guess what I’m trying to say is it’s nice to find myself revisiting my whimsy in a new way and to know I haven’t changed much since I was 8 years old

[whiskyblog]

Yellow Spot Whiskey 12 y.o.

Yellow Spot 12 year old is a first-class Irish single pot still whiskey from Midleton. The 12-year maturation in bourbon, sherry and Malaga wine casks gives it an impressive depth. With aromas of honey, vanilla and spices, it offers a rich flavour of caramel and dark chocolate. The velvety texture makes it an appreciated whiskey for connoisseurs.

[fieldsandfurrets]

This is true, but you can (almost) always substitute!!

I once wanted to make pancakes, but didn't have buttermilk, regular milk, or eggs, so I just threw an almost equal portion of Cream Cheese Style Fruit Dip in there, and they were the most decadent pancakes ever

Also, pro tip: if you want to make ground meat, but don't have a meat grinder, just chop the meat in question with a knife Many times over

Also, buttermilk can be approximated with milk and vinegar (I think 3/4 cup milk per tablespoon)

Honeys and syrups are usually interchangeable

Mirin (for japanese recipes) can be substituted with rice vinegar, dry white wine, or sherry with half a teaspoon of sugar added

Sour cream or plain yogurt can take the place of regular milk, usually with a little thinning

Eggs can be substituted with mashed banana, apple sauce, yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and blended silken tofu

In baking, oil can be substituted with melted butter, avocado, shortening, bacon grease, apple sauce, and yogurt

You can usually sub out pork for chicken, or sometimes beef (don't quote me on that)

Birds can usually be subbed for one another, and lamb, goat, and most "gamey" meat can also sub around

Most fruits can also be subbed around, with mind for clashing flavors (like don't sub banana for kiwi, or apple for durian)

Some vegetables can be subbed, but check with the specific vegetable

If a recipe calls for a certain flour, and doesn't specify that it *needs* that flour, sub away!

Spices can be interchangeable, but again, check with the specific spices (sometimes they can even just be left out!)

If you don't have a slow cooker or anything like that, a pot can suffice with some extra elbow grease

Stand mixers (and by extension, electric hand mixers), can also be subbed for just regular hand mixing and kneading if you have the energy and patience

Some of the only things I haven't found true subs for are specific ethnic ingredients, like dashi stock, or saffron spice

Anywho, I hope yall get use out of this

When in doubt, just look up "[ingredient required] substitute" on Google, and check the results!

(Note: I would also do that for the ones I listed, because many of them require different ratios, and I just listed ones I've used from memory without finding the actual ratio)

(Also, if you got this far, the pancake recipe I was using was my personal favorite: The furret pancakes from the official pokemon cookbook, which was written by my favorite cookbook author, Victorian Rosenthal, also known as Pixelated Provisions)

recipes will be like "prep time: 3 minutes" & the ingredience list is like "2 sweet potatoes peeled & diced" girlie they do not come like that

[icookedthis]

Used pork butt. Didn't measure, just vaguely eyeballed. Swapped char siu sauce for a mix of hoisin, honey, soy sauce, dry sherry (not Shaoxin), and five spice measure. Swapped Chinese fermented red bean curd cubes for doenjang and some fermented soy sauce. Actually did find some ancient char siu sauce and it smelled like almost nothing so I put maybe 1 T in, but I should throw it out.

The most major change I made was cutting the pork into pieces before marinating. Probably marinated it about 5 hours, then cooked 6 mins in Instant Pot, on a steamer tray (not a vegetable steamer per se).

Tender and delicious. Possibly a tad too sweet, but that's remedied by the foods I eat it with. Ate with sticky brown rice and asparagus.

EDIT: Realized I'd forgotten to put the rubber ring in the IP top so that may be why it took 6 mins instead of the suggested 5 (which I read somewhere, not in this recipe).

[bostonfly]

This comforting one-pot dinner is reminiscent of a rich French onion soup, but made in less time and with lighter ingredients. Cooking the onions in a hot, dry pan forces them to release their moisture, so that they shrink and become silky and sweet in 30 minutes. Serve everything directly from the pan, with some crusty bread to soak up all the juices, or shred the chicken and pile it on top of buttered noodles. For something green, stir in some spinach to wilt at the end or serve alongside a simple green salad or roasted broccoli.

INGREDIENTS

Yield: 4 servings

5 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes

Kosher salt and black pepper

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3-inch pieces

2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)

¾ pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)

½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley or dill leaves and fine stems, roughly chopped

¼ cup grated Parmesan or pecorino (optional)

Bread or cooked pasta, for serving

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, the honey, mustard, red-pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon salt; whisk until smooth.

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper, then add to the mixture, coating it well. Set aside at room temperature, stirring it once while you make the onions.

Heat a 12-inch cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high until very hot, 1½ to 2 minutes, then add the onions in an even layer. Season with salt, then cook, mostly undisturbed, for 4 minutes more, stirring every minute or so.

Add the mushrooms, season with salt, and stir to combine. (It will look crowded, and that’s OK.) Allow to cook mostly undisturbed until the mushrooms shrink and start to brown, about 4 minutes, stirring every minute or so.

Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and allow the onions to cook until they start to color, stirring and lowering the heat as necessary to avoid burning, about 2 minutes. Push the onions and mushrooms to the edges of the skillet, then add the chicken pieces to the center. Pour any remaining marinade (there will be very little) over the onions and mushrooms.

Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes, then combine the chicken and vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes more. (Reduce the heat to medium if the onions look like they are burning at any point.)

Add the remaining 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar, stirring and scraping up anything on the bottom of the skillet. Season to taste with salt.

Remove from the heat and top with the parsley and cheese, if using. Serve with bread or pasta.

[nwbeerguide]

Redbreast Irish Whiskey releases Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition. A limited-edition single pot still Irish Whiskey.

Press Release

NEW YORK ... Redbreast Irish Whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers at the world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Cork, Ireland, officially introduced Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition, a limited-edition single pot still Irish whiskey finished in tawny port casks from Portugal's breath-taking Douro Valley.  

Expertly created by esteemed Master Blender Billy Leighton and Blender Dave McCabe, Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is a single pot still Irish whiskey initially matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. To add a new dimension to the flavor profile, a portion of these maturing whiskeys were recasked into tawny port casks for a number of years. All of the whiskeys were then skilfully blended and completed their maturation journey by marrying in freshly seasoned tawny port hogsheads for a final maturation period of 14-25 months.

The inspiration for Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition started 12 years ago, when Leighton took a trip to the Douro Valley in Portugal to visit some of Midleton Distillery's partner cooperages and winemakers.

"We were enjoying lunch with the late renowned winemaker Joaquim Anacleto and Gesprove Winemaker José Pinheiro overlooking the valley, discussing the various wines and spirits that had influenced our whiskeys," says Leighton. "And, being in the valley, we began to imagine how Tawny Port's intricate flavor profile could affect our whiskies. Curiosity took hold, and we decided to make this daydream a reality – and we are quite pleased with the impeccable result."  

The result Leighton mentions is a rich, well-balanced whiskey with notes of praline, buttery baked goods, and dried cherries from the earlier tawny port influence, followed by a warming sweetness of toasted caramel and vanilla carried through from the bourbon and an added depth of dried fruits from the sherry. The final maturation period in newly procured tawny port casks elevates the nutty character further and provides a sweet finish for a rich, full-bodied whiskey.

"Redbreast Tawny Port Edition's flavor profile is well within our flock's DNA, yet it provides an exciting twist from another part of the Iberian Peninsula," McCabe adds. "Each subsequent expression in the series will represent a new discovery from this rich region which to date has greatly influenced the Redbreast style over the course of its history."

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition marks the third release of the brand's acclaimed Iberian Series. The series is inspired by Redbreast's long-standing connection to some of the Iberian Peninsula's most celebrated cooperages and winemakers, and combines the rich heritage and craft of the region with the excellence of Midleton Distillery's single pot still whiskeys, to create expressions that are truly extraordinary. Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is the second limited edition to join the series, following the 2021 release Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition, and permanent expression and series anchor Redbreast Lustau Edition.

Redbreast Tawny Port Cask Edition is bottled at 46% ABV and will be available in the USA for an SRP of $99.99. Link to purchase.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Sweet and warming confectionery notes of buttered pastry accompanied by aromas of caramelized almonds with subtle undertones of praline and dried cherry. Scented floral honey with whisperings of a delicate herbal character lingers in the background while the seasoned oak and pot still spices accentuate the sweet and full-bodied nature of this wonderfully balanced whiskey.

Taste: Rich and nutty at first with notes of chocolate-coated hazelnut and salted caramel, quickly followed with fresh plums and dried fig. The tannins' soft presence works in harmony with the luscious and creamy texture, evoking notes of orange marmalade with delicate hints of toasted oak.

Finish: Lingering finish which sees the pot still spices and fruits slowly fading, leaving the tawny seasoned oak to have the last word.

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland's leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world's most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world's fastest-growing Irish whiskey, achieving +10% net sales growth globally in FY23. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets around the world. 

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network.  

In 2022, we announced a multi-million euro investment in a carbon neutral roadmap for Midleton Distillery in addition to our plans to invest in a new distillery on a site adjacent to our existing operations in Midleton. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código 1530, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson's Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Mumm Napa.

Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As "creators of conviviality," we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information, visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.

[comparativetarot]

The Lovers. Art by Kim Thompson, from Divine Your Dinner.

LOVE YOURSELF BEFORE LOVING ANOTHER.

Magickal Ingredient: Vanilla Helps attract a suitable counterpart

This card could more accurately be called The Partners but The Lovers has such a great ring to it, doesn’t it? To find lasting love and partnership—romantic or otherwise—we must identify our differences. This allows us to cherish the complementary skills we bring to a relationship and to identify places prone to conflict so we can address them early and often. Only when we see the contour of our own puzzle piece can we find another that fits just right.

Whether you are searching for a new love or wanting to strengthen the one you’ve got, vanilla will steer you in the right direction. Call on this energy when you are looking for a romantic partner, to fortify a friendship, or to pursue a business partnership.

ADDITIONAL MAGICKAL INGREDIENT: HONEY

VANILLA PANNA COTTA WITH SHERRY GASTRIQUE DESSERT—SERVES 6

The trick to every panna cotta is adding the perfect amount of gelatin so that it holds together just barely enough to make it to your face, then melts in your mouth when you spoon it in. The trick to this panna cotta is the zing of the sherry vinegar, which counteracts the sweetness of the cream for an unparalleled taste sensation, once again proving that opposites do, indeed, attract.

HOT TIP: WHEN STIRRING, TRY TO INCORPORATE AS LITTLE AIR INTO THE MIXTURE AS POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE FOR A DENSER, CREAMIER PANNA COTTA.

PANNA COTTA 3 sheets silver gelatin or 1 (0.25-ounce) envelope powdered gelatin 3 cups heavy cream ½ cup sugar ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise, or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup whole milk

GASTRIQUE ⅓ cup sherry vinegar 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons sugar Pinch of kosher salt

1. MAKE THE PANNA COTTA: Bloom the gelatin.

HOT TIP: TO BLOOM SHEET GELATIN, SUBMERGE IT IN A MEDIUM BOWL FILLED WITH ICE WATER UNTIL IT IS COMPLETELY SOFT, ABOUT 2 MINUTES. REMOVE THE GELATIN FROM THE BOWL, SQUEEZE OUT EXCESS WATER, AND SET ASIDE. TO BLOOM POWDERED GELATIN, SPRINKLE IT IN AN EVEN LAYER OVER 4 TABLESPOONS COLD WATER AND LET IT SOFTEN COMPLETELY IN THE WATER FOR 3 TO 5 MINUTES. SCOOP IT OUT BEFORE ADDING IT TO THE HOT LIQUID.

2. In a medium pot, combine 2 cups of the heavy cream, the sugar, and salt. Scrape the vanilla seeds into the pot (or add the vanilla extract if using) and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let the vanilla steep in the cream for 10 minutes to infuse. Remove the vanilla beans (if using). Return the mixture to medium heat and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat, add the bloomed gelatin, and gently stir until it completely dissolves into the cream.

3. Stir in the remaining 1 cup heavy cream and the milk until combined. Pour the mixture into an 8 × 8-inch baking dish and cover the top directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 6 hours or up to overnight to set.

4. MEANWHILE, MAKE THE GASTRIQUE: In a small saucepan, combine the sherry vinegar, honey, sugar, and salt and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reduces to a syrup-like consistency, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

5. To serve, pour the gastrique over the panna cotta, using the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread it in a thin, even layer.

[angel-of-death-2015]

Hai :3

1. Your first OC ever?

12. Name an OC that isn’t yours but who you like a lot

19. Introduce an OC that means a lot to you (and explain why)

23. Introduce OC that has changed from your first idea concerning what the character would be like?

24. If you could meet one OC of yours, who would it be and why?

25. The OC that resembles you the most (same hobby, height, shared like/dislike for something etc?)

41. Has anyone drawn fanart of your OCs? If yes, maybe show a picture or two here (remember sources & permissions!)

1. Your first OC ever?

Tbh I don't remember my very first OC because that was when I was in my teenage years, but the first newer one that I actually drew is Honey! I drew her when I was getting back into art after I said fuck it because my high school art teacher was a pompous dickhead creep that yelled at me in front of everyone for starting to paint on accident instead of doing another step. I was supposed to have her be my Among Us OC with her last name being Pot and how she's frenemies with Pink Crewmate (and she knows who she is 💀). I should redraw her sometime!

12. Name an OC that isn’t yours but who you like a lot.

ALMIRA "I WILL CUT A BITCH" NERI. I'M A RIDE OR DIE BITCH FOR HER. Like, her design is BEAUTIFUL. I love her lore! It's thorough as fuck and there's other original characters she interacts with that I have yet to know about. And I can do some world-building to intersect her lore and Dji'Vanah's lore!

I ADORE Sarai and Vampy OC from @luciferokisses! You have no IDEA how I had to BEG, PLEAD, CRY, AND THREATEN TO BREAK INTO HER HOUSE TO GET THEM OUT OF THE GODDAMN BASEMENT JUST TO EVEN LOOK AT THEM.

The pink-haired magical girl and the devilishly handsome catboy Otto by @princesseblade are faves of mine too. Especially Otto. I'd willingly let him ruin my credit score. I miss his fine ass. I'm really contemplating on begging and sobbing that I can commission her just to see Otto again 😭 And tbh, if she was okay with it, I'd just like to imagine shipping Otto with my other OC Taa-Laa.

19. Introduce an OC that means a lot to you (and explain why).

My Mortal Kombat OC Dji'Vanah! Long story short, she's an Outworld assassin that out-classes Kitana, Jade, and Skarlet combined. She goes on a quest for vengance after the Brotherhood of Sin pilaged her home and killed her loved ones. She meets Hanzo and teams up with him on multiple missions before they fall in love! Dji'Vanah's important to me because even though Mortal Kombat and its characters and settings are already established, I really expanded my mind in worldbuilding. What are other regions of Outworld? Do they exist? Who are the citizens? What powers do they have? Did they get taken over by Shao Kahn? What of other factions? What about their cultures? There's so many questions that won't get answered unless you make them. And she's so well-designed that every single artist made her BEAUTIFUL and her hair is versitile! Art commissioned by: @/RenderGoddess1 on Twitter! 💖💕

24. If you could meet one OC of yours, who would it be and why?

Not gonna lie, I'd wanna meet my Resident Evil OC Christie Belle Silverheart. Girl's a bad bitch but she's really just a softie that just wants to be protected. I'd ask for about art and ask her to teach me how to paint and self-defense. I'd also ask her if she can find somebody to hook me up with 💀

23. Introduce OC that has changed from your first idea concerning what the character would be like?

My Resident Evil OC Christie Belle Silverheart. At first, she was an un-named OC that was just a mere museum tour guide getting a bite to eat after work. She ends up meeting Carlos Oliveira after he saved her life. She's scared shitless but sticks with him and survives using his advice of survival tactics before they end up separating. The OC was on a train to leave before Carlos and Jill meet until shit popped off due to Nemesis fucking around. The OC then comes across a little girl (like how Sherry and Claire meet) and protects her from her parents that got infected from saving their child. The OC takes the girl with her and they survive by hot wiring a nice car and dipping about twenty minutes before the nuke is launched. The OC pretty much adopts the girl and they go back to living at her parents for the time being after having to travel almost across the country to get there. Then like two years later, after Carlos pinky-promised he wouldn't leave the OC in a cold, cruel, Carlos-less world, he coincidentally meets the OC and the kid after trying to lay low from what happened in Raccoon City. Then they really can delve in their feelings for each other. And all that got scrapped for what I got with Christie 💀

25. The OC that resembles you the most (same hobby, height, shared like/dislike for something etc?).

Christie resembles me more in the creative aspect. She LOVES doing art in many forms. It's just so much fun! 🥺

41. Has anyone drawn fanart of your OCs? If yes, maybe show a picture or two here (remember sources & permissions!)

YES. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD YES. But they're mostly commissions! I'll be putting the credit for the artists right above the art pieces to lessen the confusion!

This was a Christmas gift commission from my backbone @ghastlyrider that was made by @minilev!

These were made by @/Fruit_Succubus on Twitter! The first one is my Mortal Kombat OC Dji'Vanah with Hanzo Hasashi and the second one is my Resident Evil OC Christie Belle Silverheart with Chris Redfield! 💖💕

The last one is of Christie that was a birthday gift from @ghastlyrider and was made by @/AndyVurm on Twitter! 💖💕

[themonotonysyndrome]

The Queen’s Lynchpin

We’re getting to part 3 of the ‘Successors of the Future”! This week has gone back to being hectic so I could only write this part here and there for only a few hours. Still, I’m happy that I could finally finish it. 

And we have the names of MC’s and Yandere!Malleus children as well as his second wife and the other prince! Any piece of info from @tri3tri Second Wife AU is always fun to read! With that said, I’ll be adding their names into the 2 previous oneshots after this is posted so it’s all align. If you want to know more about this AU, please drop by at @tri3tri blog. Their content and drabbles are amazing!

Lastly, I think it’s alright if I don’t add the link and summary of the previous oneshots of this series in every new piece. The intro is just gonna be super long otherwise. But if you guys think that a link and summary it’s a good, please let me know I’ll be sure to add them in. 

-

“Uh Mama? Have you been hearing... noises in the middle of the night?”

“You mean your sister talking to her mirror in her room in the dead of the night? Then yes, sweetie.”

MC smile, deeply amused, when her son let out a huge sigh of relief. “Oh, it’s just her talking to Ren.” 

“I’ll tell her to keep it down if she’s talking to Renata at night, don’t worry.” MC assured him with a pat on his head. 

“Thanks, Mama. Say, do you have any plans for today?” Lucien’s sudden question was a little odd to MC. The three of them have been staying in the house - only going out for a grocery run - lately, and she didn’t have any plans to change it. 

“Not really. I was thinking to catch up with some leftover work from the office before Monday comes. Why? Do you want to go anywhere?” MC inquire curiously.

Lucien is quick to shake his head. “Oh, no, no. Umm... Mama, you often look so sad lately. We know that having Ren away at Twisted Wonderland has been hard on you, so I just thought maybe we could all do something to help make you feel better.” He explains with a bit of hesitance, wringing his hands. It’s clear to MC that this is one sensitive topic that he didn’t want to unintentionally hurt her with. 

MC couldn’t help but smile at how thoughtful her little one is. Really, all of her children can be rowdy in their own way but at the end of the day, she always noticed that they tried so hard not to make her worry. But as the parent, it’s her honour to protect her children - not the other way around. Which is why seeing the hesitant expression on Lucien’s face tugs her heart. 

“Oh, Luci. I didn’t mean to worry you and your sisters. It’s just that...” MC paused for a moment to think on how to properly express her feelings. “None of you has ever been separated from me. The issue with your father is one thing, but I can’t help but fret about your oldest sister. Is she eating well over there? Sleeping early on a school day? Oh, but then again, she does have a habit of waking up around 2 in the morning looking for a snack if she sleeps too early.” MC bit her lower lip, she should have told Renata during their last talk to keep some snacks in her room in case she gets hungry. 

Ever since Renata had first contacted Sherrie and taught her the communication runes and she in return, taught her and Lucien on how to draw them on any mirror in the house, they all have been talking to Renata through the large, hanging mirror in the living room every day. 

“We can ask her if she’s been waking up in the middle of night after our dinner, Mama.” Lucien assured their mother. He took her empty tea cup and pour some tea from the still hot pot and push the porcelain cup back to her. They were having tea and a light meal in the kitchen after he had woken up from his nap. 

Sherrie passed on their invitation since she’s too busy livestreaming her latest game in her room. From below, they could hear her muffled voice. 

MC took a sip and hums thoughtfully. “You’re right, Honey. I’ll be sure to do that. Anyway, you mentioned a family activity - what do you have in mind?” Perhaps a distraction is just what she needed to get her mind off Malleus and the inevitable danger he’ll bring. 

Lucien’s eyes brighten in delight. Happy that he could do something to cheer her up. 

“I found this recipe recently and I was hoping that we can all cook together? It’ll be fun I promise!” He pleaded. Among all her children, Lucien is the only one with the knack for cooking. Sherrie can make simple meals whenever she wants. 

Renata, however, needs to be supervised even if she wants to boil a pot of water. 

“Sure! I’d love to. So what’s this recipe you want to cook?” 

Much later when it’s almost dinner time and Sherrie wrapped up her livestream, MC and Lucien are already in the kitchen preparing to cook. Curiously, she glances at the list of ingredients and steps for dinner that was left on the kitchen counter and her eyes bugged out at what they were going to make. 

“I feel like there are things that mankind should never attempt lest the price be their sanity. And this? This is it!” Sherrie shrieked, flapping the flimsy paper incredulously at them. MC is preparing the dough while Lucien makes sure they got all the ingredients out and ready. 

“What? Boba pizza sounds delicious!” Lucien rebuke with a small frown. “And beside, you won’t know if you like them if you haven’t try.” 

Sherrie just slap her forehead at his words, as if she couldn’t believe this. “I know you’re pretty crazy for boba teas but this is ridiculous! Pizza dessert for dinner? Can’t we have something normal, Mama?” She pleaded their mother. 

MC toss her a playful smile as she rolls the dough. “Well honey, it does sound pretty exciting when you said it. Pizza dessert!” When Sherrie’s face scrunched up in disgust, she tries to coax her daughter, “Aww, c’mon, honey. Look, you can order a delivery for yourself but come have fun with us! I’ll even let you toss the dough if you want.” 

Sherrie folded after that. Honestly, making pizza - of any kind - is always messy process, but her children are having fun with smudges of powder on their faces and MC felt her heart lighten just hearing them laugh. Dinner might be unconventional tonight, but it was worth it to see Lucien enjoy eating his pizza and Sherrie reluctant admittance that it tasted alright, if a bit weird. 

Once the kitchen is all cleaned up and their stomachs full, they settled in the living room. MC and Lucien watched as Sherrie used her old, red lipstick to draw the runes on the mirror. The surface rippled once, sinking the runes and reveal Renata in her pyjamas beaming at them. 

“Good evening everyone! How are ya’ll doing?” 

“Hi sweetie. We just had dinner.” MC said, glad that her eldest daughter still looks healthy and happy. 

“You wouldn’t believe what we had for dinner.” Sherrie interjects dryly. The 3 of them are sitting on the couch with MC in the middle. “It’s so weird!”

“But you liked it!” Lucien countered with a smug grin before turning to his oldest sister. “We had boba pizza! It was amazing!”

“Boba pizza!? Nooo! I can’t believe you all ate them without me! I’ve been wanting to try them!” Renata whines. “I wish we can pass stuffs through the mirror. Wait - I might be able to do something about that actually.” She goes on to mutter about needing to bully the headmaster again.  

The family traded what they did during the day, Renata assuring them that yes, she had a storage full of snacks in her room and that her favourite lesson so far is Flying class. Once that’s out of the way, MC asked her daughter, “How are your assignments? Is Leona-senpai’s son helping you out?”

When Renata told them that her History’s assignment partner is none other than Leona’s son, MC was a bit worried if he carries his father prejudice against Malleus towards her daughter, but Renata assured her that other than his funny attempts at posturing and warning growls, Bakari Kingscholar has been nothing but civil and helping out with researching and editing their papers. 

“Yup! We’re nearly done with our homework and I think we’re friends now? He’s a bit of tsundere which makes teasing him so much fun!” Renata giggled. “You know, just today we decided to have lunch together after our assignment and when I went back to my room and check my bag, there was a candy bar inside. He must’ve slip it in when I told him that I snacked often.” 

Sherrie immediately drop her phone. She was mindlessly browsing through her Twitter account while they talked, but her attention perk like a hound dog. “Whoa, whoa wait - he bought you food when you told him that you eat often? Me thinks he might like you, dude.” 

MC’s eyes widen and Lucien gape. Could that be true!? 

But Renata just rolled her eyes. “Oh please, I think he was thanking me for not making him do all the work. You know those tough guy acts? Yeah, it’s nothing special.” 

Sherrie tilt her head, clearly not believing it, but keep it to herself for now. 

“Being the only girl in a school for boys must be tough.” Lucien mused sympathetically. “I’m glad that you have a friend with you, Ren.” 

“Well, Diasomnia students has mostly been friendly yet distant with me so far. Probably because of this,” Renata twirl her fingers beside her horns to emphasise her point. “But it’s cool. So far, no one tries to bully me or anything. And by the way, I’ve been staying out of trouble, Cherry. I haven’t even landed myself in detention so far.” She proudly announced. 

“Yet.” Sherrie snickers. 

Lucien frowns at her. “Ren has been working hard, Cherry. She’s been sticking to your plans, right? I seriously don’t think she will mess it up.” 

“Nah, it’s all cool Luci. I’ve mostly been blowing off steam during Magishift. It’s super fun! I wish you guys could play too.” Renata said and then proceed to explain to her siblings what Magishift is all about. 

That’s another thing that MC had picked up as Lucien grew up. Despite how close her daughters are, they do bickers as sisters tend to and Lucien usually act as the mediator and peacemaker between them when things get too heated. 

MC couldn’t help wonder if her sweet boy would ever be like this if he was raised in Malleus’ castle.

The family talked a little more until it was getting late. After bidding each other goodnight and MC telling her daughter to keep herself safe, she ushered Lucien and Sherrie to their bed and tucked herself in. 

That night, she dreamt of a past memory. However in her dream, all 3 of her children are laughing and free as they grow in her world. 

-

Now that Lucien thinks about it - he doesn’t really know what Sherrie plan is exactly. He’s aware that they’re doing their best to help Renata avoid being discover by their father as long as they can and Mama told her to make friends with the children of her old friends since they helped her out a lot during her school life in Night Raven College but other than that? He doesn’t know what they would do once father found out about their oldest sister. 

That particular though came back in his mind when he woke up from his sleep because he heard Sherrie giggling in her room. With blearily eyes, he checked the time on his phone and groan. 

It’s 3.15 in the morning. 

He push himself out of his warm bed with great difficulties and slowly padded towards Sherrie’s bedroom. 

He knocked twice and groan, “Sherrie? It’s seriously late. Why aren’t you sleeping yet?” 

“Shit, Luci-chan? Sorry, did I woke you up? You can come in if you want. The door is not locked.” 

With a tired grumbled, he swings open the door and zombie-walk to her sister who is sitting in front of her vanity table, talking to Renata. 

“Hey Luci! Sorry that we woke you up!” Renata apologised quickly, guilty that they’ve disturbed their little brother. “I was just reporting to Cherry that I found several hidden and unmarked paths that connects to father’s castle and to the outside world of the Valley of Thorns. I thought it might come in handy so I wanted to share it with her.” 

That sounds interesting to Lucien. He’s a little more awake now. “Did you use your spells to scout the area?”

“I sure did! Haven’t been caught by anyone or any bat so far.” 

“What... what does father’s castle look like?” Lucien couldn’t help but asked. It’s hard to believe that he and his family are actually royalty. That his Mama and sisters used to live in a castle. 

It’s still hard to accept that he’s actually a prince. 

“Gloomy.” Was Renata immediate reply. All her previous good humour vanishes and her hard glare surprises him. “We hardly get any sunshine because father controls the weather with his temper tantrums.”

“Not to mention that we had to live with basically strangers.” Sherrie added. “I never really feel comfortable around the castle’s staffs. Sure we got the family wing all to ourselves but we still had to deal with them.” Both Lucien and Renata understand her unspoken words: having to deal with judgemental strangers is difficult. 

“What are you going to do once father founds out you’re in Twisted Wonderland, Ren? Are you going to go hiding?” Lucien asked. 

It’s Sherrie who answered him, “No. We’re going to make sure that he can’t forcefully take Mama or any of us back to the castle. I just need a little more info and we can act once the 3 of us are in Twisted Wonderland.” She explains. 

“We suspect that once Cherry hits sixteen, the Ebony Carriage will also pick her up and by that time I’ll be in my second year as a student here. If that’s the case, we just need you here and then it’s the second phase.” Renata took over explaining here. “Rumours spread fast in Night Raven College, but it’s not going to reach to father. He’s in an isolated country. Well, not until he’s here.”

Lucien blink, now lost. “He? Who’s he?” 

“We have a halfbrother - Victor. He’s the same age as you, Luci-chan. Looks like father didn’t waste any time getting his second wife pregnant.” Sherrie said with a smile that honestly send cold shivers up his spine. It’s sweet with a poison laced underneath. Lucien seen this smile only once. A girl from school tried to blackmailed and bullied her into doing her biddings. 

He heard that the girl was transferred to another school in a different state soon after when news broke out that she was selling drugs with her boyfriend to the students. 

Lucien would like to believe that the incident had nothing to with his sister, but he’s seen what she does for Renata whenever she lost her homework or to the English Literature teacher that had an issue with her. 

So Lucien needed to asks this. “Are you... are you going to hurt him?” His voice is soft and careful. 

Through the mirror, Renata eyed Sherrie in which his second sister leans into her chair and relaxes. “I won’t, don’t worry. After all, he’s not at fault.” 

Words are Sherrie’s favourite playthings and at that moment, Lucien hopes she means it. 

-

Funny enough, I’ve been calling S/N (Lucien) as Luciel because it means light and I HC that MC sees him as the unexpected light that Malleus gave her. Her daughters are a treasure but Lucien serve as MC’s light. It’s fate! 

So far for Lucien, my main reference for him are two people actually. Dead Master from Black Rock Shooter and Nisha Labyrinth from Elsword! 

Will expand more on them as I continue to write. Also, I’m shit when it comes to timeline and ages so here’s my rough idea so far:

Renata = 16 years old (first-year student)

Sherrie = 15 years old

Lucien = 13 yeard old

I’ll change the kids’ age if Tri reveal them on their blog.  

[desiraypark]

Too Much

Clyde x Sherri (Non-Linear Series)

Content: Clyde has a not-so-good day at work and just wants to love on his wife. Freaky-fluff. Praise. Gets a little rough later. Unprotected sex. Aftercare. 

I jumped straight to the freaky lol

Image Description: Generated text message from “Sherri’s iPhone”. Clyde is saved under “Honeybunch”. Clyde texts Sherri: “I should be home in about twenty minutes, Babygirl.”  Sherri responds: “Okay, honey.” Then, Clyde comes back with “I want you naked and spread open on the couch when I get there.” Sherri sends a shocked face emoji then contests with “I’m cooking dinner!” Clyde: “Turn off the stove and get naked.” Sherri asks, “Can I at least shower first?” Finally, Clyde says, “You can do whatever you want. But you better be on the sofa when I open the door.”

[End description]

____________________

Sherri turned off every burner, moved every pot and pan, and dashed upstairs to the bathroom. She hopped in the shower, scrubbed herself like Lunette the Clown, and hopped back out. She almost put on some lingerie but Clyde said “naked” and he seemed like he meant business. So, off to the sofa she went--naked as a jaybird, smelling of her Palmer’s cocoa butter lotion and the honeysuckle fragrance that Clyde loved so much. At exactly 6:04, Clyde walked through the door without acknowledging her. He just took off his jacket, hung it up, and walked to the sofa.

“Open ‘em up,” he said. Sherri opened her legs as Clyde fell to his knees and ran his tongue up her clit. He hummed at the taste and Sherri ran her fingers through his hair.

“Had a long day today,” he said. Suuuuuuck.

“Mmph!” Sherri moaned, gripping Clyde’s hair. “You wanna talk about it?”

He closed his eyes and licked patterns up, down, around, and across her pretty flesh. “This is me talkin’ about it.”

Clyde licked and sucked his pretty lil’ flower...excruciatingly slow if you asked Sherri. He added no fingers and only changed the pace slightly. Sherri started gyrating her hips against his mouth, but he held her legs by the backs of her knees.

“Be patient, Babygirl…”

“Why are you going so slow?” Sherri asked, voice pleading.

“Wanna savor you,” he said. He gave her clit another long suck. “Wanna enjoy my meal.”

Kiss. Lick. Suck.

Eventually, Clyde picked up the pace--lapping up Sherri’s juices, catching the honey that drizzled onto the folds of her labia. Then, he leaned back to get a good look at his work--her glistening clit throbbed for him. Her inner folds had pushed her outer lips back, begging for more--begging to be seen by Clyde’s hungry eyes. He let go of her left leg and rubbed her pussy with his opened palm. His eyes met Sherri’s--black pupils having made her dark brown irises disappear.

“Love comin’ home to you,” he said. Suddenly, Sherri felt a finger being buried inside of her. Her eyes clamped shut and she threw her head back as he moved it in and out. “Look at me.”

Sherri opened her eyes just as Clyde inserted another finger. Her bottom lip fell and her eyes narrowed--the lust in his eyes just too much. Her nipples began to harden.

“Love comin’ home to that pretty face. Your cookin’. Love your hips and your ass and your legs bein’ the first thing I see when I walk in the kitchen. Then you turn around to flash that pretty smile at me…”

Sherri wanted to close her eyes again. Too much! It was all too much.

“Love the way your pussy sucks me in like it don’t want me to leave. My fingers. My dick…”

“Fuck,” Sherri whimpered. She involuntarily clenched around his fingers.

“Love when it gets to talkin’ to me,” he added. He pulled his fingers out, then dipped them back in, making a squelching sound.

Sherri whined and clenched again, her “other” hole squeezing around nothing. Clyde smiled.

“I like it when that happens, too,” he said. “When I make you so weak and needy that your lil’ asshole starts beggin’ for some attention, too.”

“Clyde!” Sherri shouted. He looked up at her. “Fuck me, please!”

He looked back down at her pussy and continued fingering her. No reaction. No change in facial expression. 

“I’m too pent up, Babygirl,” he finally said. “I wanna enjoy you. Don’t wanna hurt you.”

Sherri grabbed Clyde’s hair again and gripped it. “I don’t give a fuck. Give me some dick.” ____________________

With his bionic fingers pressing into her waist and a fist full of her coils, Clyde fucked Sherri into the chaise of their sectional. He was behind her as her palms and knees pressed into the cushion--her feet dangling off the side of the sofa. Obscene squelching and slapping sounds echoed throughout the living room--fighting to drown out Clyde’s grunts and groans, and Sherri’s moans and whimpers. Clyde moaned every time Sherri squeezed his length--and every twitch of his dick made her grip the fabric beneath her fingers.

“Fuck...where do you want it Babygirl?” he asked.

“You know where,” Sherri mumbled. “In me...all in me...”

Clyde let go of her hair, held on to her hips with both hands, and slowed his thrusts. He pushed in and dragged out...once more, twice more, and on the third drag away from her warmth, he filled her up with a warmth of his own. When he pulled out, some of it started to drip out of her, but he released her right hip and stuffed it back in. Then, he let go of both of her hips and watched her fall forward. Her shoulders moved up and down as she caught her breath, and her thighs shook. 

Clyde grabbed his pants and boxers and left Sherri on the sofa. She didn’t even care. She was too busy trying to piece together this moment. Finally, Sherri got up and walked to the stairs. As she stepped on the landing and looked up, Clyde’s foot landed on the first step. He was dressed in fresh sweatpants and a T-shirt and carrying a stack of clothing.

“Gon’ in the bathroom down there,” he said.

Sherri did as Clyde commanded, and decided to relieve herself, as well. Clyde came in, placed the stack of clothing on the edge of the sink, and grabbed two washcloths that were on top of it all. He ran the hot water, wet the washcloths, and wiped Sherri’s sweaty face with one. Then, they switched. Sherri went to the sink to wash her hands, and Clyde sat on the toilet. When she dried her hands, Clyde summoned her to him.

Sherri stood in front of him and Clyde wiped her lower body--over her thighs and between them. He motioned for her to turn around, and wiped over all areas of her ass. Of course, he couldn’t resist planting a kiss on her striped right cheek. He tossed the cloth onto the sink with the other, then grabbed a pair of her underwear from the stack--just some regular cotton briefs. She took them and held on to his shoulders as she pulled them on. Then, he helped her into her sweatpants and a T-shirt. He kissed her lips, and directed her to the living room.

Sherri sat on the sofa as Clyde took the washcloths upstairs to the hamper. Then, he came back downstairs.

“What were you cooking?” he asked.

“Grilled chicken breast, asparagus...” she had to let her brain defog some more. “...and red potatoes.” 

Clyde nodded and went into the kitchen. Then, Sherri turned on the television. She heard Clyde moving the pots and pans around, then heard his feet ascend on her again. He kissed the side of her forehead.

“Love you.” “Love you more,” Sherri responded. Then, he went back into the kitchen and finished cooking dinner. ____________________ TAG LIST @aloneandsleepless​​ @direnightshade​​ @finn-ray-nal-beads​​ @a-true-janian-reply​​ @thegreenmatt​​ @sister-winter73​​ @loewsy55​​​ @mariesackler​​​ @clydes-hole​​​ @sydneyssmut​​​ @kirah36​​ @lovelyyandtired​ @morby​ @tsarinastorm​ If you want to be tagged in future Clyde x Sherri posts, comment below! Also, visit my Tag List request post to see if you’d be interested in being tagged in other works!

[defensemechanism]

Me & The Devil Himself Part4

“I was made for lovin you baby, you were made for loving me, i cant get enough of you baby can you get enough of me?” Negan murmured to the tune of the KISS song.

He walked up behind you and hugged you around your middle pressing his body up against yours.

“Long day?” You inquired as he placed a chaste kiss to the top of your head.

“Yeah,” He sighed, “but having you to come home to makes what I had to do worth it.”

You bit your lower lip, resisting the compulsion to grin like an idiot.Hearing him say such a sappy thing, filled your heart with joy.

Roughly eight months into your relationship with the King of the Saviors and the two of you were still acting like your love was brand new.

“What’s that your making?” He asked gesturing toward the large pot of simmering vegetables.

“Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it, but I’m lettin’ you know now,it hasn’t got any meat in it.”

You didn’t have to check his reaction to know he was grimacing.

“Well it isn’t like we’ve got any ground beef laying around,Love.This is the closest thing to chili I could russle up.”

His huff held a note of mirth in it.

“I’ll try it, but I’m not promising that I’ll like it.”

You laughed and turned around in his arms, rewarding him with a long fervent kiss.

“And just what was that for?”

“For indulging me.” You told him sweetly.

He didn’t fight the idiotic love sick grin that spread across his face.

Still holding your hands in his, he kneeled down before you.

“In the kitchen, really?” You waggled your eyebrows.

Not the mearist a hint of a smile came to his face.

“Y/n, will you be my wife?” His eyes were set on your face, hope and devotion in their depths.

You went absolutely still.

“Y/n?”

“Just you and me?” You asked,hesitant.

“Just you and me,baby.” He vowed.

You felt light and airy as you accepted him as your husband.

The honeymoon phase couldn’t last forever you thought gloomily amidst your first big fight with your husband.Eight months in and you had managed not to royally piss him off until today.It started a few weeks ago,the bickering.He’d caught you looking out the window at the team you used to be a part of as they rejoiced in the rain.The last few weeks of humidity had been torture. They however, got to spend time outside.While your whole day was relegated to the parlor,the bedroom and the kitchen down the hall.

As great as your relationship was,most of the time, you missed having a real purpose.You missed being useful.You missed leaving the compound to pick up the month’s haul from hilltop, the kingdom, and alexandria.You were so caught up in your brooding, you didn’t hear Negan enter the room. Boisterous laughter from the men outside spilled im through the window.Simon caught your gaze, his honey colored eyes twinkled with merriment as he removed his shirt and enjoyed the cool rain.You gave him a small smile.It was the sort of smile a child stuck in detention gave the kids that passed by the classroom as they set out to play a game of kickball, wistful.Negan appeared beside you, suddenly. He peered out the window just in time to see Simon smile back, then turn away from you.

“There is only one man you have any right to be eye fucking like that and it’s me.” Negan chastised you.

“The man is surprisingly ripped and takes his shirt off right in public where any old body can see.I’m only human.I can’t help it.” You didn’t know why you said it.Though they were nice to look at,you hadn’t been interested in Simon’s abs.

His sharp intake of breath had you biting your lip to hide your smile as the tiniest bit of satisfaction grew within you.

“You are my wife dammit!As your husband I expect you to be loyal to me, to respect me!”

“Loyal?” You scoffed.“This coming from the man that has,” you gestured vaguely, “remind me again, how many wives?”

“Oh that is such horse shit! You haven’t paid any attention to me in weeks! Are you really gonna stand there and judge me for fucking a woman who’s ready and willin’?”

Your body tensed at his admission.

“I knew it!I fucking knew it!Who is it? Frankie, Brandy, or Sherrie?”You said their names mockingly.Your stinging pride aggravating you.

“You’re lying and you know it! As long as you don’t have to be the one to put out,you don’t give a shit who I’m fucking.”

Hurt and frustration gave you the words that you knew would wound him enough to send him away.

“You’re right.”You kept your voice devoid of emotion. “I don’t care who you look at and I sure as hell don’t care who you’re sleeping with.”

“One more word and we’re through.”Negan warned glaring at you fiercely. He didn’t mean it, but you didn’t know that.

After all, he had said it with such finality.You could not bring yourself to say anything.You turned away instead.He slammed the door shut on his way out.

[tsgsavannahgeorgia]

July Loves : Stripes

Above, left moving clockwise: Mamie Ruth Evie Shorts are the perfect peach, magenta and royal purple that adds a ton of fun to any outing!  Sherry’s Honey Pot has this sweet pick stitch stripe fabric that would be great for an ottoman or some accent pillows! Beetnix new chia puddings are striped [ok, layered] but awesome for breakfast on the go! shopSCAD artist Emily Cox’s piece Puff and Fluff For Lunch has a wonderful array of pastel stripes that i love!

Above, top left, clockwise:  Alison Seeger has stripes in the car and on her in her spreads from volume one and two.  Paprika Southern captured this great stripe shot for their Summer Issue, shot at The Brice. Mamie Ruth Ringleader bralette and shorts are perfect stripe partners without being too matchy matchy!

Above, from top left, clockwise:  Satchel has this leather trimmed ticking stripe beach bag that is classic in size, shape and material. shopSCAD’s Lacoste Tee by Paige Russel. Mamie Ruth’s Drug Rug Vest is so fun and funky with bold stripes! Christina Edwards’ series focused on vintage circus imagery features some red stripes on a few images. Ely of De Colores Cookies did the classic striped snow cone in cookie form and it is just toooooo sweet! Bleu Companies has this gorgeous Byron Lars dress with striped bodice that is just to die for! Beetnix’s unicorn bowl has a wonderful stripping on top of fruits and toppings like bee pollen, hemp seed granola & coconut. 

[lakritzwolf]

Just spent over an hour, together with a friend, trying to establish what went so horribly wrong with The Stew and we came up with a recipe for culinary disaster... which started as a perfect valid stew ingredient list and turns into a nightmare if you don’t have proper instructions and are a kid who wrongly translates some ingredients. It also explains the radish.

After some research we came up with the recipe for a stew called Menudo, a popular hangover dish. The ingredient list is atrocious as it is, but it’s a perfectly valid stew recipe. Unless you make a few mistakes in translation and don’t have proper instructions so you end up chucking what is three components of a dish into a single pot to make a stew.

Starting point was my own cooking technique, which means how I treat my personal recipes. I usually just jot down the ingredients for personal memory because I know what to do with them. If you don’t, then all that’s there is a list of various ingredients in no particular order, as it seems. Also, me being bilingual, I sometimes write things down in the language they first pop up in, leading to some recipes being in a very random mix of two languages.

We did that with the Menudo recipe and translated a few ingredients into Spanish, and god did we spent a long time trying to find ingredients that you can confuse with other shit if you’re not fluent. So I wrote the ingredient list down onto a card the size Alec shows to Magnus, and used a tiny scrawl – because the ingredient list is long – with a blunt pencil.

I then added another stew ingredient list on the same card and separated the two with a line, but still, no instructions because I don’t need those, right?

Ingredients for Menudo(left purposefully vague because I know what I am doing):

honeycomb tripe, rinsed well and cut into 1-inch squares beef tripe, rinsed well and fat trimmed beef feet (patas), quartered yellow onion 3 small heads of garlic 3 cloves garlic 16 peppercorns Salt, Oregano, bay leaves

A chili sauce for the menudo:

Arbol chiles guajillo chiles chicken stock white hominy cumin

And the part that says To serve:

Dried oregano Red chile powder flakes Limes and lemons, quartered Chopped onions Chopped cilantro Corn tortillas Butter

Now without instructions you end up chucking all of the above into a single pot. The translation mistakes we put in were:

Patas: instead of the feet the poor kids read patacon which are fried slices of cooking bananas, ergo, bananas. Cloves of garlic can be misinterpreted as cloves and garlic. Honeycomb tripe… that’s honey, right? Bananas and honey, makes total sense. Hominy is specially treated and if I understood correctly, fermented corn, and cooked, is slightly reminiscent of old popcorn.

But then comes the other half of the card, which contains another stew, a stew made of calamari and potatoes.

Ingredients:

squid rings onions 1 large red pepper cloves of garlic olive oil bay leaves dry white wine or sherry fish or shrimp stock diced potatoes

The squid rings are called rabas, but we made the Lightwood kids mix up rabas and rabano, which means radish.

So what the poor kids ended up with is a stew made of bananas, honey, cloves, a shit ton of garlic, pepper, salt, oregano, cumin, a handful of bay leaves, chicken stock and fish stock, popcorn, cilantro, quartered lemons and limes, diced potatoes, a shit ton of chilies, white wine, sherry, and radishes.

I would spit that into my coffee mug as well.

[whiskyblog]

Rum Nation Demerara Rum Solera No.14

Rum Nation Demerara Solera No. 14 is made from the finest molasses from British Guiana and artfully blended from different vintages. One part of the Demerara Solera No.14 is distilled in the pot still process and gives the rum its body. The other part is produced in the column still process and rounds off the rum, giving it the necessary freshness. The rum is mainly stored in ex-bourbon barrels made of American oak and is allowed to mature in ex-sherry barrels (Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso) for another 12 months at the end. This gives it a well-balanced sweetness and spiciness. The vintages used mature for up to 14 years and are again blended with some very old rum from the Enmore distillery to achieve even more complexity.

Country: British Guyana 40 % alc./vol. 0,7l without colouring Type of barrel : Ex - Bourbon - barrels, Oloroso - Sherry Butts, Pedro - Ximenes - Sherry Butts Nose : Smoky, not as sharp as a Jamaican rum, with notes of Esther, sultanas and marzipan. Taste : Much sweeter than the first impression, with notes of cinnamon, orange peel and black pepper, subtle honey notes. Finish : Smooth, with a slightly herbal note in the background, paired with nuances of wood, coffee, dark chocolate.

[consultingundergroundrainbow]

Life Changes (ch 3)

Peter wakes up around eleven to a text from Tony.

Received Tony: Make sure to hydrate today when you practice. I’d hate to see you in the ER due to collapsing.

Peter smiles softly before getting up and snapping a picture of his water bottle and sending.

Sent Tony: We still on for tonight?

He gets up and gets dressed, finding a pair of soft pants and a button down. He decided to go to the studio to work on some the dances he was given as the dancing part of the audition. The dance was fairly simple but that means he had to be perfect and no less. Of course, with his standards, anything less than perfect wasn’t good enough.

Peter was making a sandwich when his phone pinged. He sets the knife down and unlocked it.

Received Tony: Of course. I’m looking forward to it. Did you sleep well?

Sent Tony: I did. Did you?

Peter puts the phone in his pocket and slides his shoes on, grabbing his sandwich and his keys. He takes a bite and walks out, locking the door before going to to his car. His phone buzzed as he was unlocking his car.

Received Tony: I’m a doctor. There’s no such thing as a good night sleep anymore.

Sent Tony: Oh. I’m sorry :(

Peter slides into the car and sets his phone into the passenger seat, finishing his sandwich and taking off to the studio. This was the studio where he learned to dance and it was his safe haven. He greets the lady at the desk, Sherri.

“How are you doing today Peter?”

“I’m doing great. How’s the kids?” Peter smiles.

“Growing like weeds. So, Something Rotten, huh? Which character?”

“William Shakespeare.” Peter laughs a little.

Sherri raises an eyebrow. “Wanting a reason to take your shirt off on stage?” She teases.

“Are you complaining?”

“Not at all. I just need to know when I can clear my calendar to come watch.” She wiggles her eyebrows. Peter chuckles.

“Behave Sherri.” He scolds.

“Or what? You’ll spank me?”

Peter rolls his eyes with a smile. Sherri was a flirt but was harmless. She drops off a muffin on her desk before making his way into the studio. He sits his bag down and kneels next to the stereo and connected his phone. He sits with his legs out and stretches, before picking himself up and beginning to dance around the room. He lets himself get caught up in the music and the moments just come naturally.

-----.-----

Tony smiles as he finishes his rounds, making his way to the break room for coffee. He nearly runs into Stephen Strange on his way though. Stephen was the head of neurosurgery.

“Woah!” Stephen stumbles back a little. “Earth to Stark.”

Tony shakes his head. “Sorry sorry.”

“What’s got you so distracted?” Stephen moves aside so Tony could get to the coffee pot.

“I’m tired mostly.”

“But you’re in a good mood. You’re an asshole when you’re tired. Did you have sex?” Stephen asked with an amused smile.

“No.” Tony takes a deep drink from his mug. He hums at the strength. It tasted amazing.

“I don’t believe you.”

Tony sits the mug down on the counter.

“I did not have sex. But I met a guy.”

Stephen makes an ‘ah’ sound. “That makes sense. Tell me about him?”

“His name is Peter Parker-”

“Peter Parker? Like the one on Broadway?”

Tony shot him an annoyed look. He hated being interrupted. Stephen didn’t even bother to look sorry.

“Yes, the one from Broadway. He’s pretty and seems very sweet. We’re meeting for dinner when I get off.”

“You better be careful Tony.”

Tony raises an eyebrow.

“And what does that mean?”

“You are both well known public figures. If this ends bad it could ruin your career. Plus, even with as annoying as you are, I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“I honestly don’t see this going bad. At least I really hope it doesn’t. He seems like a really good person. He sang me to sleep last night.” Tony mentions, raising an eyebrow at Stephen’s last remark. “Oh Stephen! You do care!” He says with a laugh.

Stephen rolls his eyes. “You’re needed in the ER. Boss’ orders.”

Tony sighs and puts his mug in the sink. “I have an operation at three.”

“He knows. But there’s a guy who said he has had a headache for a week and a half. Rogers says to check it out.”

“Alright. Fine.” He turns and leaves the room, making his way down to the ER.

 “Good morning, I’m Dr. Tony Stark. I see you’ve been having headaches for a week and a half?” Tony asked, going over the chart. He looks up at the man. He looked young, maybe a sophomore in high school.

“No sir, not headaches. Just one non stop headache.” He winces and closes his eyes against the bright lights of the hospital.

Well that was not good.

“Okay…” Tony glances at the chart. “Aaron, we’re gonna get you up to MRI and see if we can find the cause of these pains okay?”

Aaron just nods.

-----.-----

Peter lays flat on his back in the middle of the studio, with his eyes closed and just let the music wash over him. He kept his mind blank, unsure what to even expect that evening. He honestly did try to keep his mind on his audition, and he was able to for a while but his mind kept slipping back to Tony’s invite. Was it a date? Was it just casual? What do you wear to a dinner with a famous brain surgeon? He sits up and rubs his face. He needed help. He called Ned.

“Hello hello. How may I be of service Dancing Queen?”

Peter rolls his eyes at the nickname.

“I need help. I can’t figure out what to wear tonight.”

“Is it a date?”

“Well I’m getting dinner with Tony-”

“You’re getting dinner with Tony Stark?!?”

Peter had to hold the phone away from his ear at Ned’s loud tone.

“Yes and I need your help.”

“I’m on my way.”

Peter hangs up and laughs to himself. He picks himself up and turns the stereo off before telling Sherri goodbye and heading home.

-----.-----

“Hey Strange. Come here.” Tony calls, sticking his head out of the lab door. Stephen looks over with a tilted head.

“What?” He asked, coming in and sitting his coffee down.

“Look at this.”

Tony puts up Aaron’s scans on the display.

“My god.” Stephen leans forward. “That thing is the size of my fist!”

“Yeah. We have to operate. Toady. That thing is going to kill him if we don’t.”

“What about your date?”

Tony bites his lip. Was it a date? He would love for it to be a date, but he wasn’t sure Peter would be up for it. Stephen snaps his fingers.

“Earth to Stark. Hello!”

Tony shakes his head.

“Sorry sorry. No I’m sure he’ll understand. He’s a good person.”

“Alright. If you say so. I’ll get an intern started on pre ops.”

“Yeah and I’ll go tell him what’s happening-” Tony stopped when his pager went off. He checks it and swears loudly. “Damnit! He’s coding. We are operating now!” He bolts out the door.

-----.-----

Peter stands outside the hospital for a moment, smoothing his shirt and taking a deep breath. He and Ned ended up settling on a red button down and black slacks.He shifts from one foot to the other. It was about half an hour before he wonders if he should have gone inside. He sighs and squared his shoulders before going in. He looks around for a moment before the nurse at the desk calls him over.

“Sir? May I help you?”

Peter clears his throat, suddenly nervous.

“Um...Yes. Can you tell me where Dr. Stark is?”

“He’s in surgery.”

Relief floods over Peter like a tidal wave. Tony was in surgery. He hadn’t been stood up.

“Okay thank you.”

He looks around and finds a seat, sitting down to wait. He pulls out his phone and starts to run through lines. To any other person, he probably looked insane, but Peter didn’t really care. He managed to get through a good chunk of the first act of Sweeney Todd before the nurse clears her throat.

“Sir, here he comes.”

Peter jumps up as Tony comes through the double doors. He looks tired but happy. He brightens instantly when he sees Peter.

“Peter! I’m so sorry about being late. I had a surgery and I’m going to change now-”

Peter smiles.

“Don’t apologize. I don’t mind waiting. Go, a few more minutes won’t kill me.”

Tony gives him a grateful smile.

“I’ll make this up to you.”

‘Don’t worry about it. Go.” Peter shoos him.

  Tony quickly changes into the suit he had brought from home during his lunch break. He forwent the tie, settling on the button up and jacket, in which he only buttoned the middle. He runs a brush through his hair but it wasn’t wanting to corruprate.

“Well don’t you look dashing?” Stephen says behind him.

Tony turns, smirking a little. “I always look dashing, what are you talking about?”

Stephen rolls his eyes. “Ever heard of a hairbrush?”

“Hey maybe Peter likes the messy look.”

“Well maybe. He is going out with you.” Stephen teases and laughs. “Have fun tonight and try not corrupt him too much.”

“Who me?” Tony asked innocently. “I’m a good egg.”

“We will see. Now go on. He’s waiting for you.”

“Alright. See you tomorrow and let me know if something happens with Aaron?”

“I will. Now go.”

Tony smirks and winks before pushing out of the locker room. The look on Peter’s face was priceless. His honey eyes widen and his mouth drops open. Tony laughs a little.

“See something you like?”

“I see a lot of what I like.”Peter blurts then blushes deeply.

 Oh god. Oh god. Oh god. What the hell did he have to open his big mouth? Peter wanted to crawl into a hole and die.

“So do I.” Tony smiles offers his hand. “Shall we?”

“Oh. I..I drove.”

“That’s okay. I’ll bring you back here after dinner.”

Peter feels his ears go pink and he takes Tony’s outstretched hand. Tony takes him out to a deep red convertible. It probably cost more than Peter’s car and wardrobe together. He was pulled from his thoughts by Tony opening the door.

“It doesn’t bite. I promise.”

Peter laughs despite himself and gets in. “Sorry. It’s just...really nice.”

“Don’t let that intimidate or or make you feel like you have to try and impress me. Just be yourself.” Tony looks over with an unreadable expression. “For tonight I’m just a guy and so are you. No internationally known brain surgeon or famous Broadway performer. Tonight we can just be Tony and Peter.”

Peter felt himself relax and let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Yes. That sounds amazing. I’d love that.”

Dinner was amazing. They went to an Italian place where Tony knew the chef. The conversation wasn’t forced, it felt natural and Peter loved it. But all to soon it came to an end.

“Can we take the long way back?” Peter asked before he could stop himself. “I just...don’t want tonight to be over yet.”

Tony looks over and smiled. The lights of the city made the older man’s eyes shine and made his skin glow. He looked almost angelic. Peter felt entranced.

“Sure thing. I happen to enjoy being in your company.”

They drove around for about a half an hour before they ended up back at the hospital. Peter felt like he was floating. He looks up as his door was opened and Tony offered his hand again. Peter takes it and stands. Their chests were almost touching now. Peter closes his eyes and closes the gap, on a whim. Then he jerked back, hitting his head on the edge of the windshield. Tony tried-and failed- to hide the smile on his face.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to and-”

“You didn’t mean to kiss me?” Tony was still smiling.

“Well, no. Unless...You liked it?”

Tony just chuckles and kisses him, likely to stop his babbling.

“Call me tomorrow after your audition and we can go celebrate.”

“You don’t even know if I’ll get the part.”

“But I do have a feeling.”

“Alright, I’ll have to trust you then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night Peter.”

“Good night Tony.”