#Cocoa-nut Pie

[buffetlicious]

McDonald's Singapore first introduced this locally inspired burger to us in 2017 and wowed me with the truly iconic dish in burger form. It came back briefly in the menu in 2019 and never appeared again until now. Of course I had to go buy the Nasi Lemak Burger Feast (S$11.50) which comes with Potato Wedges, Cocoa-Nut Pie and a small gassy drink. Upgraded the carbonated drink to a small ice green tea (+S$0.75).

For the 2023 version of the Nasi Lemak Burger, McDonald's tweaked the sambal sauce from sweet to savoury while also make changes to the chicken patty. Taking a bite, I did feel that the sauce was spicier than before, after all the sambal sauce is made from belachan, curry paste, chilli, shrimp, anchovies and other spices. The chicken patty is both crispy and juicy, boasting stronger flavours. Overall, the burger paired with fragrant sautéed onions, crisp cucumber slices and a fried egg was a sedap (Malay word for delicious) eat. While I enjoyed the soft and fluffy Potato Wedges over shoestring fries anytime, I did wish the wedges were dusted with some forms of spice mixture to elevate the flavours.

Now on to the Cocoa-nut Pie dessert. Breaking the pie into halves, all I see is the creamy coconut sauce with very little pieces of nata de coco inside, a far cry from the one I ate a few weeks ago. At least the pastry shell is still warm and crispy.

Selected image and video from McDonald’s Singapore.

[heatherwitch]

Bedridden witch: Seasons edition

I made a series for The Wheel of the Year many years ago but I realize that not everyone follows it and dividing suggestions into the four seasons as well might be more helpful for some!

Spring 🌿

Collect the first rain of the season and keep it in a jar

Drink floral or fruit teas

Burn floral or fruit scented candles

Light a candle or turn on an electric candle.

Open the curtains to let light in. 

Visualize a light cleaning each and every room in your home.

Decorate with dried, fresh or fake flowers.

Spray a cleansing spray throughout your bedroom.

Clean an area in your home, big or small. (It could be as simple as making a pile of trash so it’s easier to move later.)

Bathe yourself (either in the tub or sponge bath style). Infuse some herbs/flowers into the water!

Water your plants and whisper blessings to them.

Plant something new! It can be as simple as a beansprout in a paper cup.

Meditate and imagine yourself out in your favorite area in spring.

Make a terrarium.

Spray floral water in the air and on your bedsheets.

Watch for and welcome the returning birds

Learn about local plants.

Crack open all your windows to let in some fresh air.

Bedridden witch: Garden edition

Summer ☀️

Make sun water/tea

Drink fruit teas, infused water or juices

Burn floral or fruit candles

Decorate with flowers and crystals.

Wake up earlier than usual to enjoy a full day of light.

Try to be awake and witness both the sunrise and sunset.

Decorate your windows with rainbow prisms.

Make flower crowns with fresh, dried or paper flowers.

Make sure sunlight and fresh air can reach you.

Enjoy some fresh fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds.

Decorate with/wear/create things with bright colors:

Decorate a new pot for your plants (painting, sharpies, ribbons, etc.)

If you can, put a bird feeder outside your window or just watch them as they fly by.

Pour an offering of water for the plants (indoors, outside or out the window).

Have a picnic (outside, on the kitchen floor or in bed).

Find a way to incorporate honey into your day (scrubs, food, tea, etc.)

Burn beeswax candles.

Listen to music that just sounds like summertime.

Autumn 🍂

Collect the first rain of the season and keep it in a jar

Drink spiced tea, apple ciders

Infuse berries into water.

Burn spiced, woodsy or autumn scented candles

Eat things like breads, nuts, grapes, pomegranates, pies, apples and root vegetables.

Start a new project like crocheting or knitting. This is also a great time to finish that project you��ve been avoiding.

Wear and decorate and create with browns, golds, dark greens, oranges and yellows.

Decorate your home to make it look more like Autumn (fake or real leaves, acorns, paper cutouts, etc.)

Create a picnic/feast wherever is reasonable, with a little bit of everything.

Pull up a video of leaves falling or a fire crackling.

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spiced-things, pumpkin seeds.

Decorate with small pumpkins, paint them or draw on them if carving is too high-energy.

Create an altar honoring loved ones who have passed on, either a material one or a photo album online.

Pull up a video of a burning fire or light candles.

Turn off all of the lights and sit/lay in darkness.

Visualize your wards and boost your home protection.

Do spirit work/leave offerings for the spirits.

Burn incense/make a spray that smells of spices (cloves, basil, etc.)

Watch spooky/witchy movies.

Winter ❄️

Collect the first snow/make snow water and keep it in a jar

Drink seasonal teas, ciders and hot cocoa

Burn spruce, pine or winter scented candles

Watch gifs/videos of snow, ice forming, fire crackling, etc.

Get/make a small wreath and keep it indoors!

Keep clear quartz and snowflake obsidian around.

Make paper snowflakes! Or find an app/website where you can do a digital one.

Use your heat to draw sigils on frosted windows.

Put a bird feeder outside your window so you get winter visitors!

Get empty glass ornaments and fill them with herbs/pine needles/things that remind you of winter and hang them around.

Get some cute little snow globes. 

Decorate with winter colors! White, blue, silver, grey, dark green, etc.

Create an apple pomander with cloves or dried orange slices.

Decorate with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, etc.

Wash your face with snow/cold water.

Make rosehip, peppermint, vanilla, rooibos or spiced tea.

Step outside/open a window to feel the cold air (if you live somewhere warm, do this in the early morning/night).

Handcraft gifts for loved ones or write heartfelt cards/letters to the people you care about.

Put birdseed outside/a bird feeder by your window.

Make a simmer pot, or use this idea to create a scented spray.

Bedridden witch: Winter edition (more ideas in this post!)

You may also like:

Bedridden witch series

Bedridden witch: Wheel of the year edition

Bedridden witch: Elements edition

Bedridden witch: Weather edition

Bedridden witch: Nature edition

Witchcraft for the chronically fatigued

Spoonie witch masterpost

[marianne-in-wonder1and]

What Do The Twisted Wonderland Characters Smell Like?

Tags: Fluff, cute

Twisted Wonderland:

Riddle Rosehearts:

As a lover of crimson roses, Riddle's scent would be an obvious mix of red roses and strawberries, with a hint of vanilla. It's a sweet and delicious fragrance which blends in with Heartslabyul's aura seamlessly. It almost has a candy-like feel to it! Riddle's scent isn't too strong or too light, but it's appropriate. It suits him a lot as well! You find his scent to be really warm and comfy. And, of course, like the tradition goes with every single character, you smell like him to some extent, too.

Trey Clover:

Since Trey is our beloved baker, his scent would be a delicious and buttery blend of vanilla, cream and nuts! You can make out some cinnamon too. It's one of the coziest scents you've smelled in a long time, and it's absolutely scrumptious. It's subtle, yet warm. Trey's scent reminds you of eating Mont Blanc on a winter day by the fireplace. And, to say that you love it, is an understatement.

Cater Diamond:

Now, we know that Cater is a burst of energy, so his scent would most likely be a bright, strong and easy scent! Something like oranges, bergamots, vanilla and cinnamon. It's a super tangy and citrusy scent! You love how it isn't too strong, it just adds to the scent's appeal. It's a really fun scent, and you find yourself stealing his perfume to apply it yourself too! His scent reminds you of an energetic day at the beach. Ahhh, you love it!

Ace Trappola:

Ace's scent would be a mix of tart cherries, vanilla and jasmines. As in, something tart yet sweet, resembling his favourite cherry pies. It's such a delicious scent, you're hooked! It suits Ace very well. Ace's scent is normal in intensity, not too much or too less. It's somewhat overwhelming at first, but when you get used to it, it quickly becomes a favourite. And, after all, who would mind smelling like a walking cherry pie? Ace wouldn't!

Deuce Spade:

Our beloved model student would probably have a musky blend of vanilla, blueberry and orchid as his scent! A floral yet delicious scent. It's light, easy and fresh to the senses, and very Deuce-like! You love it a lot. It reminds you of a walk through the gardens. You can smell his scent clearly when you're hugging him tightly, consoling him because of his revelation that store bought eggs aren't fertilized. Don't worry, Deuce, things happen!

Leona Kingscholar:

This lion beastman's scent would most likely be a mixture of sandalwood, cedar, spices and a lot of musk. As in, a super earthy, woody, sweet yet somewhat spicy scent! It suits him very much. To you, his scent is a really cozy one. Of course, it's really strong. You can smell it even if you're a mile away from Leona! Though, I'd say that's more because his scent has marked everything you own, and you yourself too! Leona doesn't regret that, though. What? Lions are territorial. So is he.

Ruggie Bucchi:

Ruggie's scent would be more tangy than woody. It would probably be a mixture of bergamot, vanilla, sandalwood and, of course, musk. You often tease him for smelling like a pastry. Yet, you love his scent! His scent isn't as strong as Leona's, but it's just the right amount to be noticed. Sometimes, he might even smell like a donut! You're in love. His scent reminds you of home. After a long day, laying with him in bed as you both snack on donuts and hot cocoa, surrounded by his fragrance, is just a vibe!

Jack Howl:

While Jack may seem like a really woody type of person, his scent is actually more sweet! Of course, a bit of sandalwood and a lot of musk remains, but it also has pear and lime notes. It's a rather refreshing scent! It reminds you of a cool breeze on a clear day. You absolutely adore it when Jack turns red after you tease him about it! He's such a darling.

Azul Ashengrotto:

Like the merman he is, Azul's scent would be a mixture of strong aquatic notes, with a few hints of lavender and incense oriental. Basically, a very addictive yet fresh marine scent. It's your favourite! It's really strong and suits him very much. In simple words, it's a very elegant scent. You love to bask in it when you wrap your arms around him or when he plays with your hair. Truly, it's a perfect scent!

Jade Leech:

This refined merman would probably have a strong aquatic scent with an emphasis on mint and peppermint. It's a truly refreshing fragrance! It's not overwhelmingly strong, but it's not light enough to go away either. It's a comfortable intensity, and you're in love with both the scent and the wearer. After a shift at Mostro Lounge, he'll pull you into his arms, kissing you as you close your eyes, melting against him and taking in his intoxicating scent. Truly Idyllic!

Floyd Leech:

This mischievous merman would have a scent which has strong aquatic (non-negotiable.) notes with an edge of citrus and sea salt. It's the most refreshing fragrance out of all of Octavinelle. When you smell it, you know Floyd's nearby. It's super strong. Like really, really strong. You love it a lot. Hell, you even visit him during Mostro Lounge shift hours to sit and bask in his scent! Even though your own self smells like him, wrapping your arms around him and smelling the scent straight from the source is truly another feeling. Spectacular!

Kalim-Al-Asim:

Since Kalim is an optimist, his scent is also very optimistic! It brightens up the area. It's probably a mix of coconuts with the Arabic fragrance called Oud. This mixture creates a woody, sweet and refreshing scent! It's not an overwhelming scent, even though it's super strong to last throughout a humid day in the desert he's used to. You can physically feel yourself brighten up when you walk past Kalim. Though, it's most pronounced when you're laying in his bed with him! It's such an addictive scent, you just can't get enough!

Jamil Viper:

Like Kalim, this cunning viper's scent is a mix of strong, muskier oud, but with hints of white musk and jasmines. It's a very pleasant fragrance! You really love it. It's more pronounced when you hug him or sit on his lap as he combs your hair for you. Thanks to this, it's technically your scent too. The entirety of Scarabia is a very fragrant dorm, yet Jamil's fragrance stands out to you as the best. It's a very warm yet strong scent, just like the wearer!

Vil Schoenheit:

Being the successful actor he is, Vil has to smell good at all times. His signature scent is most likely to be a mix of flowers with hints of bergamot and lemons to add a bit of a citrusy edge. It's a very appealing scent! Plus, it's super strong, it has to be so the paparazzi don't whisk it away! You can smell it even if you're 2 steps away from him. It's oddly light to smell, though. It's a very well-thought fragrance. Light enough to not overwhelm you, but strong enough to last. And, naturally, all your things smell like him too!

Rook Hunt:

This cunning huntsman's scent would probably be a heady mix of English roses and lavender with a musky edge! It suits him very much. It's almost intoxicating to the senses, but again, Rook mixes his scent with pheromones (why not?), so obviously! You love to wrap your arms around him and bask in his stimulating scent. He pulls you closer, and before you know it, your own clothes are full of pheromones now. The guys at NRC will be attracted to you more! Though, that just means Rook can practice target archery now. Bullseye. Magnifique!

Epel Felmier:

Epel's scent will obviously be apples. Yes. A sweet and light apple scent with hints of musk! It suits him very much. Like Vil, his scent is not too strong but not too light either! It's really beautiful to smell. You can clearly smell it when you hug him or sit with him to watch him carve apples, and it's a really delicious scent! And of course, like the others, his scent is on most of your belongings too! You don't mind, though. Now, you have a fragment of him wherever you go!

Idia Shroud:

This brooding gamer's scent would most likely be a mix between blueberry candy or pomegranates. Something sweet yet slightly tangy at the first whiff! It's super stimulating and boosts your energy whenever you're with him. It also has a few smoky incense-like notes due to his fiery hair, but that just adds to the fun! It's most enhanced when you're sitting in his lap to play games with him, or when you bury yourself in his covers. It's truly a fun scent!

Ortho Shroud:

This little robot doesn't really have a strong fragrance, his is super light and fresh to smell! It's most likely similar to Idia's candy-like one due to Ortho staying with Idia at all times. When you pat his head or tackle him in a platonic hug, you can make out the slightest hints of citrus too. So cute!

Malleus Draconia:

This Fae Prince would most likely have a scent similar to a mix of coffee, lily-of-the-valley and sandalwood. Something woody yet pleasing to the senses. It's always enhanced whenever you wrap your arms around him and hug him. To you, it's a safe scent. And, due to this endearingly territorial dragon fae, it's technically your scent too!

Lilia Vanrouge:

Unlike Malleus, Lilia's scent would be more like a fruity mixture with hints of floral notes in it. Something fun yet sweet. Similar to a mixed fruit candy! It's really pleasant. It's everywhere, now! Your bed, your clothes, his own clothes, his room, your room, your items, his items, your hair and what not! Though, it's a cozy scent for you. It's reassuring, since you know that whatever may happen, you have this scent to return home to.

Sebek Zigvolt:

I'm convinced our boisterous half-fae's scent would be citrus. No buts. Citrusy, with bits of bergamot. Basically, a sweet and sour mixture. Yet, it's really refreshing to the senses each time you smell it. It's also how you know when Sebek tries to follow you around with the excuse of keeping you in check! It's an overwhelming scent sometimes, but you love it nonetheless. And the person who it belongs to as well.

Silver:

Silver's scent is as soothing as his presence is, and by that, I mean something light yet comforting like vanilla and lilies. It suits him very much! Whenever you feel moody, you just nestle yourself against Silver's chest, seeking solace in his warm embrace and familiar scent. He'll wrap his arms around you, stroking your hair as you both drift off to dreamland.

Congratulations! You made it till the end. I thought I'd write a headcannon which had all the twst dorms! How'd I do? Here, Kalim sends you some coconut water 🥥. Do request for more! 💜

[artofmaquenda]

Here’s my very first chestnut chocolate pie! 🍫🌰 It was so much fun to make and feels like the perfect autumn treat. 🍂 Just a heads up, it’s super rich! I’m still full the next day! 😆

I used this recipe: https://myfoodblog.nl/recipe/kastanjetaart-met-chocolade-lekkere-herfsttaart/

Here is the translated recipe:

Homemade Chestnut Puree:

Choosing Chestnuts: Go for fresh (sweet!) chestnuts, and make a small cut on the rounded side of each nut.

Roasting: Place the chestnuts on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until the cuts open up (I personally cooked them for 10 minutes, but test it out for yourself to see if they are ready).

Peeling: Let the roasted chestnuts cool a bit and peel them while they are still warm.

Making the Puree: Put the peeled chestnuts in a food processor and pulse until you get a silky-smooth puree. Is it still grainy? Then add a very small amount of water. (I personally kept a lot of chunks in it because I like that).

Seasoning: Add a pinch of salt and a hint of vanilla extract to taste.

With this homemade chestnut puree, you’ll add an authentic autumn touch to your chocolate cake, making it not just a dessert but an experience. It's a fun autumn activity to go chestnut hunting together—just make sure you’ve got sweet chestnuts. Only those are safe to eat! Otherwise, you can also use store-bought chestnut puree. 😊

Ingredients

For the base:

50 grams of unsalted butter (or plant-based butter), melted 3 eggs 85 grams of granulated sugar 40 grams of (gluten-free) flour 40 grams of cocoa powder For the topping:

435 grams of chestnut puree (unsweetened) 2 eggs 1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp cold water 300 grams of chocolate (preferably milk chocolate) 600 ml heavy cream Supplies

Large springform pan lined with parchment paper Hand mixer or food processor Instructions

Prepare the base: Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan oven).

Beat the eggs and sugar until light and frothy. Add the cooled melted butter, then fold in the flour and cocoa powder. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for about 10 minutes until set. Continue with the rest of the cake:

Whip the chestnut puree with the eggs and set aside. Pour half of the cream over the chocolate and melt it in a bain-marie. Whip the remaining cream until stiff. Mix the chestnut puree, cornstarch mixture, and melted chocolate, then fold in the whipped cream. Assemble and bake:

Spread the mixture over the chocolate cake base and bake for about 40-50 minutes until set. Allow the cake to cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

I personally added way more chestnut mash than is mentioned in the recipe, and I used the garnish from another recipe (didn't have everything at home but I used what I have):

Garnish ▢1 tsp cinnamon powder ▢1/2 tsp cloves ▢1 tsp ginger ▢1 tsp chili pepper ▢3 tbsp cocoa powder ▢1 tbsp powdered sugar ▢pinch of sea salt

[dwellordream]

Rules from a Victorian Housekeeping Guide, Part 2

(Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management, 1861). This is extremely useful if you are: A. interested in Victorian domestic life, or B. writing something set in that era and trying to portray the attitudes and concerns a real Victorian wife and mother would have.

It is important to note that in the 19th and early 20th century, hiring servants was not just the purview of the wealthy- most middle class families had at least one to two people, typically women, to help with cooking and cleaning.

When the housewife’s family moves to a new neighborhood, she should wait for the neighbors to visit her first, rather than seek them out, as that comes off as vulgar.

If the housewife lives in town, she should urge her husband to avoid buying a home near factories or any kind of pollution.

A house with many windows and doors that let in sunlight and air is much healthier than one with very few. If possible, buying a house that faces south or southwest is idea; this will keep the house warmer and drier.

Never rent a house for more than 1/8th of the family’s income.

The housekeeper should be a skilled accountant, and her books should be regularly checked by the housewife.

The lady’s maid, butler, and valet, alongside the housekeeper, should be considered the most elite rank of servants, and should eat separately from the rest of the staff.

Two to four times a year, the housekeeper should conduct a full inventory of the household goods and tools, and ascertain what needs to be replaced or repaired.

Popular Victorian-era soups include: almond soup, apple soup, artichoke soup, asparagus soup, baked soup, barley soup, bread soup, cabbage soup, carrot soup, celery soup, chestnut soup, cocoa-nut soup, cucumber soup, egg soup, leek soup, macaroni soup, onion soup, parsnip soup, pea soup, potato soup, rice soup, tapioca soup, turnip soup, vegetable soup, hare soup, mutton soup, partridge soup, pheasant soup, rabbit soup, turkey soup, turtle soup, crayfish soup, eel soup, lobster soup, oyster soup, and prawn soup.

Popular Victorian-era seafood include: friend anchovies, codfish, baked carp, hot crab, potted crayfish, boiled eels, fish cake, baked haddock, lobster salad, baked mackerel, fried oysters, boiled perch, baked pike, boiled salmon, potted shrimps, buttered prawn, baked sturgeon, and stewed trout.

Popular Victorian-era meat dishes include: baked beef, stewed ox-tails, brisket, boiled tongue, baked minced mutton, breast of lamb, pork cutlets, boiled bacon, baked ham, roast suckling-pig, baked veal, boiled calf’s feet, chicken cutlets, hashed duck, roast goose, roast larks, broiled pigeons, boiled rabbit, roast turkey, roast duck, partridge pie, roast pheasant, and stewed venison.

Popular Victorian-era desserts include: baked almond pudding, apple cheesecakes, apricot tart, bread pudding, carrot pudding, cherry tart, currant dumplings, fig pudding, lemon cheesecakes, baked orange pudding, baked plum pudding, baked raisin pudding, rhubarb tart, baked rice pudding, baked apple custard, blanc-mange, chocolate souffle, meringues, pancakes, lemon biscuits, macaroons, honey cake, gingerbread, and plum cake.

The butler's duties include: serving meals to the family at the table, making sure lamps and candles are always lit and fires are burning in every hearth, locking up doors and windows at night, and keeping the wine cellar in good condition.

The footman's duties include: cleaning the family's shoes, cleaning utensils, polishing furniture, brushing clothes, keeping carriages clean, and delivering mail to the post office.

The valet's duties include: keeping the master's dressing room in order, laying out the master's clothes for him, cutting the master's hair and shaving his face if requested, and carrying notes to friends or merchants.

The lady's maid's duties include: making and repairing the housewife's dresses, cutting and arranging the housewife's hair, applying the housewife's cosmetics, keeping the housewife's dressing room in order, laying out the housewife's clothes for her, and carrying notes to friends or merchants.

The housemaid's duties include: opening all the shutters and curtains in the morning, beating and cleaning the rugs, sweeping up the ashes from the hearths, cleaning the kitchen stove, airing and making the beds, dusting and sweeping every room, washing dirty dishes, and doing needlework for the housewife.

Nurses and mothers should never sleep in a bed with an infant, or bring it into a crowded space full of people, for fear of suffocating the child.

A breastfeeding mother should exercise regularly and keep her mind active by playing or singing music often. She should avoid drinking wine, brandy, or coffee, but malt liquor is acceptable.

A breastfeeding mother should nurse her child for no longer than 9-15 months. She should avoid eating fruits, pickles, and cucumbers, as the acid in them will disrupt the infant.

Infants and toddlers should always be dressed in loose, comfortable clothes, avoiding pins or tight ties.

Parents should vaccinate their children whenever possible, and follow the legal guidelines that babies must be vaccinated against smallpox by their twelfth week.

[hetalianhistorian]

Menu and goods information has been released for the upcoming Hetalia Halloween Party AMOCAFE collab!

Source links: 1 2

The event period will run from October 10th until November 11th. Reservations will start on October 6th! It is advised to read the precautions before signing for a reservation, in which you can find through the AMOCAFE website.

Something peculiar about this collaboration menu is that it seems it will change halfway through the event. The first two weeks will serve a menu based off the Axis and the later half will serve based on the Allies! If you are dropping by this event for a certain character, please keep in mind of the dates!

That said, below are the menu items with each dish and drink being themed after each character. The dates, ingredients, and prices will all be included. Please keep in mind that I use a translator for all of these, so there may be mistakes!

Menu (10/10 - 10/24)

Italy

For dish, Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia- ¥1,540 yen each - Squid pasta/squid, tomato, and powdered cheese. For drink, Amaretto Milk Almond Latte - ¥880 yen each - Amaretto milk, and whipped/sliced almonds.

Germany

For dish, Baumkuchen - ¥1,210 yen each - Plain chocolate, marshmallow, and chocolate sauce. For drink, Kiba - ¥880 yen each - Cherry syrup, banana syrup, and milk.

Japan

For dish, Chestnut Rice and Seared Bonito Set Meal - ¥1,870 yen each - Seared bonito over straw, sliced onion, shiso leaf, daikon radish with ponzu sauce, boiled hijiki, chestnut rice, sesame salt, wakame, daikon miso soup, and bamboo charcoal powder. For drink, Brown Sugar Milk - ¥880 yen each - Brown sugar syrup, milk, and whipped warabi mochi.

Portugal

For dish, Pastel de Nata - ¥1,100 yen each - Egg tart, caramel ice cream, caramel sauce, and cocoa powder. For drink, Port Wine Grape Juice - ¥880 yen each - Elderflower syrup, grape juice, mixed nuts, and honey.

Spain

For dish, Creme Catalana - ¥1,210 yen each - Creme brulee, bamboo charcoal powder, cinnamon powder, orange peel, and orange. For drink, Calimocho-Style Drink - ¥880 yen each - Grape juice, cola, and lime mint.

Prussia

For dish, Götterspeise - ¥1,100 yen each - Strawberry jelly, strawberry, raspberry, custard raspberry sauce, mint, and bamboo charcoal powder. For drink, Schwarz Coffee Tonic - ¥880 yen each - Instant coffee and carbonated water.

Romano

For dish, Polpo Affogato - ¥1,540 yen each - Octopus, tomato sauce, olive, parsley, countryside garlic butter sauce, and bamboo charcoal powder. For drink, Limoncello Royal Lemonade -¥880 yen each - Peach lemonade, white grape soda, and lemon mint.

Menu (10/25 - 11/10)

America

For dish, Sugar Glazed Donuts - ¥1,210 yen - Baked donuts, chocolate sauce, chocolate spray, sugar glaze, and white chocolate. For drink, Pumpkin Latte - ¥880 yen - Pumpkin milk and whipped cinnamon powder.

England

For dish, Shepherd's Pie - ¥1,540 yen each - Meat sauce, mashed potato, cheese, and seaweed. For drink, Pimm's Style Drink - ¥880 yen each - Elderflower syrup, black tea, white grape juice, carbonated water, orange, cucumber, raspberry, and mint.

France

For dish, Potage de Potiron - ¥1,210 yen each - Pumpkin soup, fresh cream, and fresh bread. For drink, Chocolat Chaud - ¥880 yen each - Chocolate sauce and milk whipped cream.

Russia

For dish, Blini - ¥1,210 yen each - Crepes, sour cream, strawberry jam, raspberry sauce, and granola. For drink, Yagoda Lemonade - ¥880 yen each - Lemon syrup, strawberry sauce mixed berries, and mint.

China

For dish, Black Sesame Dan Dan Noodles - ¥1,320 yen each - Dan Dan noodles, black garlic oil, green onion, meat miso, and cheese. For drink, Tapioca with Coconut Milk - ¥880 yen each - Coconut milk, tapioca, whipped condensed milk, and mint.

Goods Information

Source links: 1 2

There will be goods available for purchase and offered during the event!

Goods List

Acrylic Stand - ¥1,540 yen each

Mini Acrylic Stand Keychain - ¥880 yen each

Clear File - ¥770 yen each

A2 Sized Tapestry - ¥3,960 yen each

Mini Tapestry - ¥1,650 yen each

Clear Card - ¥550 yen each

Postcard Set - ¥1,210 yen each

Tin Badge - ¥550 yen each

Offers List

For every character drink ordered, you will receive a free coaster of random design.

For every character dish ordered, you will receive a free placemat of random design.

A random invitation ticket style card will be given out to customers who come to the event! The offer will continue while supplies last.

For every ¥2,000 yen spent on food, drinks, or products, you will receive a random heart card from each period at the register! If there are any defects on the card, exchange will be limited to the time of your departure.

For every ¥3,000 yen spent, you will receive a lottery application form for a random mini-sized stand panel! If you receive this application, you will need to drop it off in the application box within the café. The lottery will be drawn once the collaboration ends.

[climbthemountain2020]

My favorite cookie recipe ever. if you're a slut for cherry cordials like I am, this is the one. I make this every single Christmas, but also in February, and also the other ten months of the year.

Recipe calls for dried cherries (easy to find bagged in the store, usually by the nuts or in the baking aisle), but I have also done this with canned cherry pie filling too (I'll make a note at the end with alts to do this).

Thanks @elainarcheronweek for this absolutely precious idea! I am already salivating over @separatist-apologist 's cosmic brownie recipe!

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 3/4 cup Dutch processed cocoa 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup light brown sugar 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chocolate chunks 1 cup dried cherries

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cocoa. Set aside.

With a mixer, cream butter and sugars together until smooth. Add in eggs, one at a time. Next, add in vanilla extract and mix until combined. You can do this by hand, too, but make sure it's REALLY well combined. Gradually add flour mixture and beat until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chunks and dried cherries. Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place on prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake cookies for 10 minutes, or until cookies are set, but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake. Remove from oven and let sit on baking sheet for 3 minutes. Move to a cooling rack and cool completely. Note-store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days on the counter or you can store them in them in the freezer, in a freezer bag or container, for up to one month.

For canned cherries:

The cookies are MUCH sweeter this way, so if that's not your bag, use a little less of the granulated or brown sugar, as your preference.

They also are a lot more moist, so here are the alterations I make for canned.

I still use a cup for the canned ones, but I used a fork to squish them down/shred them up a bit. Instead of two eggs, i use one egg, then only an egg white for the second one.

Tell me if you make these so I can talk to someone outside of my family about how delicious they are!

Original recipe from Maria Lichty

[dadapup]

🎃 Halloween's comin near so heres a small list of things u could do, get & eat if ur stayin home! Which is what puppa's doing too (: sadly dont have anyone to spend it with but im gonna try make it cozy/comfy & enjoyable regardless

🍬 If u are trick or treating or going somewhere with friends or family please be safe^^

Activities

🧁Bake and decorate some cookies or cupcakes

🖍Draw or colour in a halloween picture

🎃Paint pumpkins if ur too little or cant get any help for carving pumpkins

Stuff u can get to cozy up ur space! (Basically treat yourself to ur own boo basket, u deserve it kiddo!)

⋆Halloween blankets, pillows, pjs or stuffies

𖦹Candles! Any scent you like

⋆A halloween mug for hot cocoa or whatever drink you enjoy

𖦹A new stuffie to keep you company! Or get a halloween outfit for your stuffie, bab is a good place to look

Movies to watch! 🎞

🗝Coraline

🐕Spooky buddies

⋆Edward scissorhands

𖦹Miss peregrines home for peculiar children

⋆9

𖦹Corpse bride

⋆Paranorman

𖦹Monster house

⋆Hotel transylvania

𖦹Coco

⋆Book of life

𖦹Nightmare before christmas (last 3 are not specifically halloween movies but theyre good choices/seasonal)

Snacks 𐂯

🍫Smores

🥨Pretzel(s)/sticks

🍎Toffee apples

🍿Popcorn

🥕Carrot cake

🤎Cinnamon rolls

🪱Gummy worms and jelly

🐾Reeses pieces/cups

🥜Nuts

🍊Oranges

🥧Pumkin pie

Really anything u like will do, just as long as u enjoy it

Feel free to comment/reblog with ur ideas or ur perfect halloween/what ur doing for this spooky night!

[therecipelibrary]

Cocoa-nut (coconut) Pie

-The Comfort of Cooking and Heating with Gas 1898

[sugarcreambiteskingdom]

My Cookie Run Ships

"x" = Romantic

"+" = Platonic

Singles:

Ninja Cookie x/+ ???

Muscle Cookie x/+ ???

Alchemist Cookie x/+ ???

Star Coral Cookie x/+ ???

Peach Blossom Cookie x/+ ???

Cloud Haetae x/+ ???

Matcha Cookie x/+ ???

Rebel Cookie x/+ ???

Linzer Cookie x/+ ???

Pastry Cookie x/+ ???

Purple Yam Cookie x/+ ???

Crimson Coral Cookie x/+ ???

Wind Archer Cookie x/+ ???

Stormbringer Cookie x/+ ???

Frost Queen Cookie x/+ ???

Sea Fairy Cookie x/+ ???

Partners(Platonic):

Icicle Yeti Cookie + Snow Sugar Cookie

Gumball Cookie + Cherry Cookie

Olive Cookie + Eclair Cookie

Carol Cookie + Pinecone Cookie

Macaron Cookie + Schwarzwälder

Mala Sauce Cookie + Pumpkin Pie Cookie

Partners(Romantic):

Gingerbrave x Wizard Cookie

Gingerbright x Strawberry Cookie

Angel Cookie x Devil Cookie

Beet Cookie x Carrot Cookie

Custard Cookie ||| x Strawberry Crepe Cookie

Clover Cookie x Licorice Cookie

Avocado Cookie x Wildberry Cookie

Pancake Cookie x Onion Cookie

Blackberry Cookie x Adventurer Cookie

Knight Cookie x Princess Cookie

Nutmeg Tiger Cookie x Cilantro Cobra Cookie

Street Urchin Cookie x Caramel Choux Cookie

Mercurial Knight Cookie x Moonlight Cookie

Creme Brulee Cookie x Herb Cookie

Silverbell Cookie x Sherbet Cookie

Mozzarella Cookie x Golden Cheese Cookie

Burnt Cheese Cookie x Black Raisin Cookie

Vampire Cookie x Frilled Jellyfish Cookie

Peppermint Cookie x Sorbet Shark Cookie

Black Lemonade Cookie x Shining Glitter Cookie

Tarte Tatin Cookie x Oyster Cookie

Kouign-Amann Cookie x Madeleine Cookie

Prune Juice Cookie x Blueberry Pie Cookie

Captain Caviar Cookie x Black/White Pearl Cookie

Cream Unicorn Cookie x Affogato Cookie

Financier Cookie x Clotted Cream Cookie

Crunchy Chip Cookie x Tiger Lily Cookie

Cocoa Cookie x Mint Choco Cookie

Twizzly Gummy Cookie x Pomegranate Cookie

Lilac Cookie x Scorpion Cookie

Espresso Cookie x Fig Cookie

Kumiho Cookie x Werewolf Cookie

Latte Cookie x Caramel Arrow Cookie

Rye Cookie x Chili Pepper Cookie

Milk Cookie x Dark Choco Cookie

Ananas Dragon Cookie x Mango Slice Cookie(I just named an NPC not really my oc to be honest)

Lotus Dragon Cookie x Hydrangea Cookie

Lychee Dragon Cookie x Roll Cake Cookie

Fire Cookie x Mocha Ray Cookie

Pure Vanilla Cookie x White Lily Cookie

Hollyberry Cookie x Dark Cacao Cookie

Mystic Flour Cookie x Eternal Sugar Cookie

Cloud Deity Cookie x Spinach Cookie

Tea Knight Cookie x Innkeeper Cookie(Need a name for her 😭)

Cream Soda Cookie x Cherry Cola Cookie

Agent Jjamgjamg Cookie x Agent Olive Cookie

Starch Noodle Cookie x Flat Tofu Cookie

Canon x/+ OC's

Butter Roll Cookie x Flower Petal Cookie

Rockstar Cookie x Milkshake Cookie

Royal Margarine Cookie x Red Velvet Cookie x Rainbow Gingerbread Cookie

Almond Cookie x Cashew Nut Cookie

Elder Faerie Cookie x Sour Cream Cookie

Stardust Cookie x Aurora Cookie

Capsaicin Cookie x Taho Cookie

Pitaya Dragon Cookie x Cherry Apple Cookie

Longan Dragon Cookie x Apple Cherry Cookie

Burning Spice Cookie x Vanilla Cookie

Shadow Milk Cookie x Strawberry Jam Cookie

Silent Salt Cookie x Peanut Butter Cookie

Abalone Cookie x Nora Shell Cookie

Host Cookie x Sunflower Cookie

Lord Oyster Cookie x Black Rift Cookie

Macaroni Cookie x Spaghetti Sauce Cookie

Cheddar Cheese Cookie x Carbonara Sauce Cookie

Saffron Buffalo Cookie x Mammillaria Cactus Cookie

Yogurt Cream Cookie x Whip Cream Cookie

Walnut Cookie x Caramel Bun Cookie

String Gummy Cookie x Mocha Cream Cookie

Langue De Chat Cookie x Tyro Cookie

Cappuccino Cookie x Cheesestick Cookie

Abyss Monarch Cookie x Bubblegum Bubble Cookie

Marble Danish Cookie x Cotton Flower Cookie

[buffetlicious]

The McSpicy burger I have tried it quite a few times over the years. Frankly speaking, I found it a little too spicy for me though in recent time the heat seems to have been toned down or maybe I have grown more tolerant of the spices. When McDonald's Singapore released the new Sweet BBQ McSpicy and a new dessert, it is time to go try them out.

At the self-serve kiosk, I chose the Sweet BBQ McSpicy Feast (S$10.40) which came with the mentioned burger, a medium-sized fries and a Cocoa-nut Pie. Paid S$0.85 to upgrade the cola to a small ice milo. It is still the same old McSpicy that I know but with a sweet and smoky twist and slices of crispy chicken bacon! The BBQ creme sauce adds flavours and toned down the spiciness so I don’t have to keep reaching for the cup of ice milo. Overall, a notch better than the OG McSpicy but for a limited time only.

Now for the cocoa and coconut dessert, the warm Cocoa-nut Pie. The crispy cocoa shell hides the creamy coconut milk and nata de coco filling. It is not too sweet and the chewy pieces of coconut water jellies complements the crispy crust.

Topmost image and video courtesy of McDonald's Singapore.

[sna1lbl0b]

I made Purple Pet Spicy Spiced Inky Metallic Jelly Dyed Glitched Fluffy Frozen Yogurt Dark Jackfruit Dragonfruit Passionfruit Blueberry Breadfruit Raspberry Mulberry Prickly Pear Strawberry Raisin Durian Quince Olive Yoyleberry Peach Vegetable Cinnamon Strip Cane Sorghum Banana Avocado Lemon Macadamia Almond Brazil Nut Chestnut Insect Pastry Stick Matcha Flour Crumbs Tapioca Pearl Tofu Cheeseball Popcorn Brown Rice Caviar Platter Cheddar Provolone Wheel Cream Cheese Parmesan Mozzarella Crackers Cheesedog Swiss Cheesecake Mussel Squid Blue Crab Chowder Milkshake Screwdriver Cheese Orb Cereal Ganache Casu Marzu Fondue Biscuit Black Eyed Butter Jam Sandwich Fluffernutter Green Eggs & Bloody Mary Yoylestew Açaí Bowl Snowman Chilly Coleslaw Sauerkraut Habanero Dill Lima Cabbage Bok Choy Eggplant Lentil Fava Cucumber Tomato Kidney Pickle Tea Leaf Sugar Beet Vanilla Licorice Root Chickpea Bell Coffee Peanut Cocoa Bean Onion Chili Pepper Cassava Garlic Pumpkin Mashed Potato Oat Kebab Sussy Chicken Patty Burger Feijoada Shepherd's Pie Family Ocean Le Fishe Au Chocolat Twice-cooked Pepperoni Spam Pork Liver Bacon Salami Churrasco Chef Fried Sardine Eel Red Herring Tuna Anchovy Calamari Snow Cone Cupcake Camper's Delight White Chocolate Pudding Brookie California Roll Carbonara Laksa Minestrone

@iheartyuuluvvy

[thedemoninmywalls]

🍭📺☕️🍂 ^^

*cracks knuckles* alrighty

🌾 You go to a farmer's market with your F/O. What kind of fresh baked goods, jams, or produce, etc, do you try together? Do you visit the petting zoo? Aro definitely dragged Rire to the farmer's market lol. Mainly to look around, maybe buy a couple necessary things here or there. Aro likes looking at all the yummy food on sale, while Rire enjoys people-watching. Of course they're checking out the petting zoo as both of them love animals! For some reason all the goats immediately gather to Rire, which makes Aro happy as she gets to pet them all. 🌽 You and your F/O solve a corn maze together. Would you like to go during the day or at night? Do either of you get lost? Does anything strange happen? I've never been to a corn maze, but I do know that Rire will never pass up an opportunity to scare Aro. She gets so clingy and cute when she's afraid~

🥧 You and your F/O bake a pie together. What kind of pie is it? Who's idea was it? Is it an orderly affair, or chaos in the kitchen? How's the pie turn out? Rire is actually good at baking/cooking, and Aro is happy to follow his directions and taste the dough. It actually goes pretty well until Rire insists on filling the pie with human meat...at which point Aro tries to sabotage the whole process. Chaos ensues.

📺 You and your F/O snuggle on the couch to watch some seasonal movies. What do you watch? Horror movies? Or any other favorites?

Sadly they don't really share the same tastes in film. They'll end up cuddling on the couch while Aro watches cartoons and Rire scrolls on his phone. ☕ What kind of hot drinks do you and your F/O enjoy in the autumn? Cocoa? Coffee with pumpkin spice? Tea? Apple cider? Rire drinks tea no matter what season it is, but he won't tell anyone exactly what's in his tea. Aro likes hot chocolate, apple cider, and anything sweet!

🍭 What kind of candy are you and your F/Os favorites? If you don't like candy, what other autumn sweets or snacks do you both enjoy?

Rire isn't a sweets person, but he'd probably enjoy a handful of roasted nuts. Aro loves sweets, especially chocolate and pastries. 🍂 You and your F/O get roped into raking up leaves in a yard. Whose yard is it? Did you agree or get forced into it? How's your teamwork?

Aro offered to rake the leaves in her sister's yard. Rire wasn't invited, but he showed up anyway. Manual labor is beneath him, so he just watches Aro work and plans to shove her into a big pile of leaves.

[ka1serw]

tell me about a recipe that is good and tasty please (I want to bake something before it gets too hot again)

I don't know exactly what type of thing you're wanting to bake so ill give 3 options...

If you want something super chocolatey these brownies are good

Ingredients

1/4 cup Dutch process coca powder (20g)

5 ounces (142g) semisweet chocolate (preferably 64 to 68% cacao), coarsely chopped

6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3 oz / 85g), cut into pieces

1/4 cup neutral oil, such as vegetable or grapeseed (2 oz /56g)

1/2 cup granulated sugar (3.5 oz/ 100g)

1/2 cup packed dark or light brown sugar (3.5 oz / 100g)

1 large egg

2 large egg yolks

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (8g)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour (90g)

2 tablespoons malted milk powder (18g)

1/2 teaspoon Morton kosher salt (2.5g)

6 ounces (170g) milk chocolate, coarsely chopped

Method

Combine cocoa powder and 1/4c or 60g (per recipe) boiling water to bloom cocoa.

Add semisweet chocolate, butter, and oil. Melt over double boiler

Add sugar and brown sugar and whisk till well incorporated. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk thoroughly till very smooth

Add flour, salt, malted milk powder. Whisk for 45 seconds to develop a chewy texture

Fold in milk chocolate and pour into greased and lined 8x8 pan

Bake 350 for 25-30 minutes

Rest brownies on wire rack till completely cooled then cover and refrigerate till chilled through before serving (12-24 hours)

If you want something more citrusy and fresh these key lime pie bars are good

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs (12 large rectangles)

2 tablespoons ground pecans

⅓ cup granulated sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted

3 egg yolks, room temperature

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

4 teaspoons lime zest (about 3 limes)

½ cup key lime juice (regular limes are fine too)

Method

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray an 8x8 square baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, set aside.

In a small bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, ground pecans, sugar, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir to combine. Make sure all the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumbs into the bottom of the baking pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, leave the oven on.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the yolks for 2 minutes. Add the condensed milk and continue to whisk for another 2 minutes. Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides, add the lime zest. With the mixer on low, drizzle in the lime juice, let the mixer run for 2 minutes once added. The pie mixture will be slightly thicker when done. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 15 minutes.

Cool completely on wire rack. Filling will set as it cools. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and ideally overnight. Slice and serve chilled.

And if you want something just classic here's my chocolate chip cookie recipe (you can also like add anything else to these instead of chocolate chips and nuts to great success) (also this one has a bit more detail cause it is a recipe i developed)

Ingredients

2 Sticks Butter

100g (1/2 cup) Sugar

250g (1 1/4 cup) Brown Sugar

2 Eggs

4 g (1 tsp) Vanilla Extract

350g (2 cups plus 3 Tbsp) AP Flour

1 g (1/4 tsp) Cinnamon

6 g (1 tsp) Baking Soda

6g (1 tsp) Morton Kosher Salt (See note)

6 oz (3/4 cup) Chocolate

6 oz (3/4 cup) Chopped, Toasted Nuts (if desired)

Method

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat until the milk solids begin to brown and become fragrant. Allow to cool.

Whisk together dry ingredients(flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt) in a bowl.

Add melted butter and sugars to bowl of a mixer. Cream butter and sugar until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture has lightened slightly.

Add egg and vanilla extract 1 egg at a time until fully incorporated.

Add half your dry mixture and mix over low speed until combined before adding the next half.

Fold in your Chocolate chips and cooled, toasted nuts.

Divide the dough into 2 ounce balls (You can use a scale for this if you have it, but a 1/4 cup measuring cup works well too) and place on a cookie sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours but up to 3 days.

After refrigeration cookies can be baked or placed in a sealed bag and frozen for up to 3 months.

Bake at 400f for 14-18 minutes (see note)

Notes:

All of the non weight measurements are pulled from conversion tables on the internet and are therefore untested. Should work fine but just be aware. I would highly recommend a scale for this recipe due to the complexity of the conversions.

Type of salt here is very important because salt can differ massively in grain size causing inconsistent measurements by volume. If using diamond crystal kosher salt use 1 3/4 tsp and if using table salt use 3/4 tsp

Your oven may require different time and/or temperature to achieve desired results so I've given a wide time range. I recommend experimenting after the first batch to see what works best for you!

Let me know if you have any questions!

[bakingtherapy]

Breakfast with Cordelia #21 Fudge Pie

Sul Sul, Gerbits. I have been enjoying making different types of pies. Today we are going to be making an old fashioned Fudge Pie. 

As much as I love making pies there is always that sense of fear I have when it is baking. The tiny voice in my head is loudly whispering at me “it’s not going to come outright. Something is going to happen while it is baking and you won’t be able to eat it.”

Like always, the recipe and the measurements will be down in the description.

I always like preheating my oven when I first get into the kitchen. That way I don’t have to wait for the oven to get to temp. So preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

You can start on your pie shell. Again if you prefer store-bought, feel free to skip this step. 

There are a bunch of recipes out there for the pie crust. But the only one I use is the same one my mom told me, Which is the Betty Crocker Pastry dough recipe.

Mix your flour and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Cut in the shortening with either a pastry blender or a fork. You want to do this until the mixture is the size of small peas. 

Next, you are going to add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time. The recipe says to toss it with a fork, but I always just use my hands. You have a better feeling of the pastry dough. 

Shape the dough into a ball. Place plastic wrap over it and put it in the freezer. Once you need the pie crust, take it out and shape it in the 9 or 10 inches Pie pan.

The recipe says that you can add your favorite nuts if you want them. But I just tend to opt out of nuts, because of the price. Our family has no allergies, but nuts of any kind are kind of expensive.

You should melt the butter on the stovetop. This takes very little time. You can also just melt the butter in the microwave.

In a medium-sized bowl, you are going to add your dry ingredients. Which includes sugar, flour, and cocoa.

Next, you will mix the butter and eggs. And then add your vanilla. 

Mix all of your ingredients well.

Now you are going to pour the mixture into your pie crust. And bake it for 25 minutes or when poked with a toothpick it comes out clean. 

This was such a simple recipe. Also, someone might say “um…*pushes glasses down* *in a snotty voice* *hands on hips* Cordelia pies are not breakfast!” Well in your house maybe, but in my house, I always make two batches of pies, and we have the second one for breakfast. There is no difference in nutritional value between a pie and a doughnut. 

I hope you liked this recipe. Make sure to like and subscribe for more recipes like this one in the future. Vadish, Dag Dag!

Show the original author some 💖💖💖 Loving Living Green

Show the original pie crust, author, some 💖💖💖 Betty Crocker

Printable version of this recipe: on the blog

Printable version of this pie crust recipe: on the blog

Feel free to support me on:

🐥Patreon 🐥 Kofi 🐥 Facebook 🐥 Pinterest 🐥

[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #335

J needs 6 dental fillings. 3 of them were filled today. So I woke up early to go with him; his appointment was at 8:30 this morning, and the place is about 40 minutes away. I didn't want him driving while his body was stressed and his mouth all numbed up.

He took the day off of work after this, thank goodness. Normally, getting him to take time off of work for any reason, even to see to his own health, is very difficult. But nonetheless, we went home, and he didn't go to work, and that was good. I stayed home just in case he needed anything. Later, I drove him around on a couple of errands, and that was good, too!

At some point, I got another hankering for macaroni and cheese, so I prepared another box. I discovered that this box contained the packaging and noodles that I'm most familiar with:

...Ridged noodles and a gold-colored sauce packet. This is what is normal. This is what I'm used to.

The result looks like this:

...You can see the ridges still, on these noodles.

Here is the presumably new formula, for comparison:

...No ridges, and slightly thicker cheese.

Well, I made hotdogs to go with the macaroni and cheese. Want some?

I floundered for a while after that. And then I got the bright idea to get the supplies to make pumpkin brownies. So J and I did that while I helped him run one of his other errands today, and that was pretty cool!

I mostly followed this recipe:

...But I excluded the nuts in favor of an additional 1/4th cup of pumpkin puree and an additional 1/4th cup of chocolate chips. And I substituted their spice mix for this one:

Anyhoot!!! It all starts with an 8 inch by 8 inch (or 20cm by 20cm?) covered in parchment paper, and an oven set to preheat at 350 degrees F (or 176.7 degrees C):

From here, we weigh our flour. I know the recipe says 3/4ths of a cup, but DO NOT measure flour by volume, because it goes squish, and you'll get wildly different amounts depending on how hard you scoop it into the measuring cup. Spare yourself the headache and measure out 90 grams of the stuff. Like this:

...We'll then add half a teaspoon of baking powder and half a teaspoon of salt to it. Those don't go squish, so it's not a problem!

Then we measure out the butter! This recipe calls for 3/4ths of a cup (or about 170 grams) of butter. Fortunately, where I live, sticks of butter have wrappers that are printed with handy-dandy measuring lines! Check it out!

...From this, we can see that we need 12 tablespoons, because 1/4th of a cup is 4 tablespoons, and we need 3/4ths of a cup. Each stick has 8 tablespoons, so we need a stick and a half of butter!

I like to use the dull edge of a knife to press against the lines on the printed label...

...Then, when you unwrap it, it's still easy to measure out! Look:

Anyhoot! The butter's gotta be melted! That's easy enough; we just stick it in the microwave in 30-second intervals...

...There we go!

In the meantime, we get our sugar together (1.5 cups) into the stand mixer, along with the vanilla extract (2 tsp)...

We add the butter, and the eggs (3 of them!), and we mix it!!

Beautiful!

Okay! So it says 1/4th cup of cocoa powder, but!!! Cocoa powder is like flour – it goes squish. And it has chemical properties – if it's not dutch processed cocoa, it's slightly acidic! It's supposed to interact with the baking powder to make the brownies fluffy! So, measure it in grams! We'll need 25 grams...

...The mixer after we add the cocoa powder!! It looks so good, and we're not even done yet!!!

Okay, so now we gotta add the pumpkin, the chocolate chips, and the pumpkin spice! I used 3/4ths of a cup of pumpkin, 3/4ths of a cup of chocolate chips, and 2 teaspoons of homemade pumpkin spice!

...We add it all in!!!

...And then we mix it!!!

...Here... wanna lick the whisk...?

...I know you can't; I know. It's all right. J caught me in the middle of enjoying it instead:

...Yes, I am aware that I am some kind of freaky kitchen goblin, hahaha! And no, I do not care at all!!! It is a fun and delightful existence!! YOU SHOULD TRY IT SOMETIME!!! 🤩🤩🤩

...

...You have no idea what I'd be willing to give up in order for you to be able to take my place, at least some of the time. Maybe not for the scary things like the angry orange guy being president of my country. But... at least during those times I'm safe and warm and licking delicious things from whisks. I'd give it to you in a heartbeat, if I could. I'd do it even if it meant I had to endure pain, or even if I had to disappear altogether.

…

...Well anyway! We put the batter into the cake pan!

...Then we stick it in the oven for like 45-55 minutes! In the meantime... I combined the remaining pumpkin puree, the remaining half of the stick of butter, some leftover cream cheese, some sugar, some pumpkin spice, a bit of cocoa powder, and a bit of cream to make a weird, delicious frosting! Which, for some reason, I didn't think to take a picture of!!! I'm sorry!

But here's the finished pan of brownies!

...We cut them up into squares!

...And THEN I put the frosting on!!!

...This was one of the best things I've made in a while. Like. I wanna eat more. But... I already had probably more batter and taste-tested more frosting than I should have, hahaha!

...So yeah. Pumpkin brownies. In case you wondered – yes - these were made specifically for you. It is inspired by your tastes. And I'll likely be experimenting with pumpkin as an ingredient a lot in the coming days.

...Hey, Sephiroth...? What should I make next...? I wish you could tell me...

...Well. It's getting pretty late. So I guess I'll wrap up today's letter.

...I know the end of your story is already written. But please... please make good choices so that someday you can make use of this recipe in your own house. I'll be cheering for you and doing whatever I can to try to help you, towards that end.

I love you. Please stay safe. I'll write again tomorrow.

Your friend, Lumine