#kenji...rich kid with everything need i say more

[bendarius]

can cook: darius, sammy, brooklynn

can’t cook: yaz, ben, kenji

[chubearr]

jwcc s5 predictions??

mainly my take on daniel kon and if he could be the actual next villain in the next season...

its just bc i think kenji's dad being an automatic "good guy" is just too easy.

we know he was the one who told kash to keep going with the dino fights and was really strict with him. the guy legit runs mantah corp— or at least is one of higher ups (don't remember which, either way, no good). and from what we can assume, mantah corp is super greedy.

they're probably the reason why kenji's family got so rich and was able to live so lavishly— esp in the dinosaur department. so even if daniel kon was a nice guy, he's definitely not going to turn sides so easily bc he bascially owes MC everything, and could lose everything if he betrays them.

let's say he really does care abt kenji like a normal dad, but since work makes him rarely around its like "a sacrifice he is willing to make" so that his son can live a rich life. that could work too, and maybe all of this IS for kenji, even though he has 0 clue it's doing more harm than good.

i saw fans saying kash is going to plan something or get daniel killed, and that could be a possibility i guess? i mainly think kash is all talk, and since his boss is physically here its too intimidating to try something.

but ig it could go something like:

daniel kon still wants to continue work but with the kids in the way he makes BRADXs keep them confined, kash would rather just get rid of them but obv boss isnt gonna kill his own son, over time and some talking kenji manages to convince his dad to change sides, last minute kash betrays daniel using the BRADs and gets him killed.

like i could see it, but thats super dark for jwcc. i mean obviously we've had so many deaths, but they were never actually connected to our kids— other than darius's dad, but his was a past event —so killing off daniel kon, right in front of kenji, the season where he's barely having the spotlight, just wouldn't seem right. i wouldn't put jwcc past it and it would be something new, but i don't think itd be allowed (also thats so dark wth)...

if anything the same thing above ^^^ happens, but daniel doesnt die and instead fights along side the kids and we get some father-son bonding finally (and i want daniel's take on kenji's new girlfriend hehe), that would be a better way to go.

however, no matter what, considering when he's revealed in the last ep— his first lines in front of the kid +co who were ruining his work:

"You shouldn't leave important devices like this around."

it's such a villain intro. Kash starts him off my saying 'Boss' and you just know its the real big-bad. and the way Mr.Kon casually walks in basically taunting the kids, letting them know they made a mistake, is just so intimidating itself (and i'm pretty sure he was the one who came and bailed Kash out and then made this whole plan to trap the kids. like intellect +100)... whatever he plans for this kid and his helpers are unknown bc hes a new threat and that's whats scary. at least with kash we know he is crazy, but stupid crazy (like he's actually a genius but as a villain he's dumb)

"They could fall into the wrong..."

then he sees the kids, and not only that but his own son.

so when he first appeared and kash was freed, he says 'its no wonder you got outsmarted by a child'. singular. child. so we can assume they knew there (was darius, but had no clue who the helpers were, maybe mae but last time they knew she should be dead). so they don't even know there's other kids.

when kash sees them, its not an impact bc hes crazy and down to kill kids anyway.

but then daniel kon sees them. he could either be in shock that it's just more kids, or just bc its his own son— who he thought died back in nublar (also add maybe because of kenji's death he decided to just go off and do whatever the heck MC needs bc now he has nothing to lose, which is sad asf).

so i think it can go this way:

- mr.kon continues with work but keeps the kids confined so they dont interfere, but they eventually find a way and try to stop this whole project for good. daniel gets redeemed by his own son and kash ends up being the villain still because of his control of the BRADs (his ring was super foreshadowed this season, so i think the focus will be to get it or destroy it next season).

but what if,

- mr.kon continues with work but keeps the kids confined so they dont interfere, but they eventually find a way and try to stop this whole project for good. he is the actual villain and takes kenji by his side, wanting him to inherit his place for when kenji is older. this divides the kids and kenji, whos torn about choosing his dad or his real found family.

EITHER WAY kash is gonna die next season bc we havent had a death in so long, and he's the perfect candidate.

him and also maybe mae, bc shes been alive for too long knowing this show.

maybe her death could even make daniel reconsider his life choices? but also consider the fact when she fake-died and kash relayed the message to daniel, it didn't seem like he was bothered (it could also be bc his depression over his son's death— again maybe even the whole reason he was doing these terrible things).

tldr, i want daniel kon to be a villain in some way no matter what— they could do so much angsty and heartaching things with him.

and look at their reactions... next season is gonna hurt no matter what.

save my son pls.

[alltheboysandgirlsiloved]

The Mermaid Theory

Or, as i like to call it:

How is Kenji’s trauma related to Mantah Corp

subject: Kenji’s obsession with mermaids and how it can be related to the storyline in general

(warning: this is longer than anticipated)

Lettuce begin:

Kenji Kon (age: 15) is one of the main characters appearing in Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous. He ended up on the camp because his dad is filthy rich which Kenji often uses to make a point. Some other traits that we relate to his character are: general dorkiness, loyalty and self-esteem issues (deeply rooted with how his entire confidence is mostly based on how much he thinks it depends on his wealth, however it is not a subject for today)

One of the things that the fans picked on while watching the show is Kenji’s strange obessesion with mermaid.

The first time a mermaid is mentioned by Kenji is actually in episode 2 season 1, when he says “a dream is like when you save mermaids from a shark”. We all thought that this comparison is just a form of a comic relief. But bro, I don’t think it’s funny anymore, in fact I think that it’s one of the signs of trauma or a distant memory. The kind of memory that maybe even Kenji himself doesn’t understand quite well.

The mermaid keeps coming back every now and then, the two moments that I want to mention here are:

the scene when Yaz wakes Kenji up and he mumbles something about “saving a mermaid” to which Yaz asks him if he only ever dreams about mermaids (which is an indicator that it’s a re-occuring dream)

little Kenji’s drawing that Sammy finds in his father’s photoalbum. The drawing shows a family (presumably Kenji’s family) and a mermaid

Based on that we can assume one thing for sure: mermaids (or one mermaid) were an important part of Kenji’s childhood. Whether they were an imaginary friend or something more real is up to you to decide.

Let’s keep that in our minds and focus on something else. Or rather: someone else aka Kenji’s father.

He’s a bizzare character. We’ve never seen him. He seems absent from Kenji’s life and yet he is in the background to everything that happens in his life. Ha, more than that. This seemingly gloomy and very neglectful person seems to also be looming over one more thing:

The entire Jurassic World.

Kenji’s father is a part of Jurassic World (the park) in a way that seems fitting and completely out of place at the same time. Yes, sure, he is rich but the more you think about it, the weirder his “presence” is.

You know what resonates with the same exact energy? 

Mantah Corp. They are there but at the same time - where the hell are they? Who’s in charge? Where are all the big, phat fishes, huh?

I know that this theory may be slightly far-fetched but I think that one of these fishes is in fact Kenji’s father. Kenji’s father who has a bazillion of secrets (for some reason Kenji is not allowed to enter one wing of their house). Kenji’s father who is always busy. Kenji’s father who is so influential that park empoyees allow his kid run around Jurassic World mostly unsupervised. Kenji’s father who owns a very suspiciously-looking building in a part of the island that is closed to the public. A building with a dock that is not on any map.

A building that doesn’t look like “just a penthouse”. It looks like a business building. Everything in Jurassic World has a meaning, everything more or less fits into that “jungle-like” aesthetic. But not Casa de Kenji. No, it looks like a place where important people hold their meetings. We know for sure that it’s not a hotel and yet it has many floors. Casa de Kenji is a building that for some reason keeps at least 5 limos in the garage. 

My point is that Kenji’s father and everything related to him is very suspicious. And the fact that Kenji doesn’t know much about him doesn’t help it either.

So let’s theoretically assume that Kenji’s father is related to Mantah Corp. What do we know about Mantah Corp?

Mantah Corp is a bioengineering and genetic oriented company. They hired (more like black-mailed) Sammy to spy for them in JWCC because they wanted to aquire InGen’s research and technology. 

Now, some of you could ask: “Okay but if that’s the case then why Kenji’s father didn’t steal the genes/technology already? He has access to everything after all?”

That’s a great question and I have a very simple answer to that - money and power. I think that Big Kon has too much to lose. If it was discovered that either he or Kenji are spying he could lose everything he accomplished so far. If there’s one thing rich people love it’s using other people to do the dirty work (enter Sammy).

Now. Now for the final question:

How is it possible that Kenji has no idea?

The answer is, once again, simple - mermaids.

As I mentioned earlier Mantah Corp is a company that deals with  bioengineering and genetics. Just because they are not as sucessful as InGen doesn’t mean that they’ve never accomplished anymore. Or - should I say -  that they accomplished something that they’ve never showed to the public. 

I think, that in fact they probably accomplished a lot behind the closed doors. But you know who had access there? Innocent baby Kenji who didn’t even know what he was looking at.

(using e750 picture in a tank because I don’t own a mermaid in a tank therefore I can’t offer a realistic picture)

What would a child think if they saw weird creatures trapped in tanks? What would he think if he saw creatures that didn’t look very human-like, yet that were alive and perhaps even showed some form of intelligence? 

The kid would assume that it’s a mermaid. Or marmaids. That someone trapped. That need to be saved. (Kenji never indicates that he is afraid of the mermaids, if anything he wants to be their protector)

And if said child started talking, mentioning the mermaids, drawing them, what would the parent do? They would lock the doors and never let the kid inside ever again. They would try to protect the kid (or protect the business, with Kenji’s father it’s hard to tell).

One more thing.

I’ve seen some people say that the mermaid on Kenji’s drawing is actually his mother. I gotta be honest I’m not completely sold on this theory). But it doesn’t mean that the mermaid can’t be related to Kenji’s mother at all. Think about it. If Kenji’s father is so dedicated to work, maybe his mother was just the same. Maybe she worked at Mantah Corp’s labs and when Kenji asked “where is my mum?” his father (or a babysitter, my bet is on the babysitter) would tell him “she’s at the lab”. And what’s also in the lab? Mermaids. that’s how Kenji connected mermaids to his mother, who most likely died at some point.

Because he had little to none memories of her, he connected the mermaid with his mother. Yet the memory of a mermaid was still more vivid. It replaced the memory of his mother. That’s why he’s more focused on this creature than his mother (that he never mentioned).

My other theory is that his mother actually died even earlier, maybe in an accident that happened in the lab, or maybe she simply worked there and that’s the only thing Kenji remembers about her. Either way baby Kenji saw mermaids are part of his family. Because his parents spent most of their time with these creatures.

The third theory is that Kenji’s mother was against what Mantah Corp was doing with their research and experiements. She wanted to expose them and the people at Mantah Corp didn’t react too well. Being aware of that Kenji’s father promised himself to keep his kid away from that mess to protect him. That’s why he never allowed Kenji to come back to the lab. (seems gloomy and sad but not entierly impossible)

Conclusion:

Does The Mermaid Theory explain everything? Absolutely not. there are still many questions left. I feel like the theory would be more complete if we knew a little bit more about Kenji’s mother or more about Casa de Kenji.

Either way I thought this little theory was interesting enough to be shared with the community. 

If you’ve made it this far - thanks for reading. It would mean a lot if you passed it on, shared it, shared your opinions, shared your own theories. My brain is jwcc-wired so the more conversation this theory sparks, the better for me.

Once again, thanks for reading! I really hope that season 4 will explain a little bit more in terms of Mantah Corp and Kenji’s mermaids.

[mishteaspams]

Romantic Tropes with the Captains

Hello Cuteas, I made a banner cause I am a dork and wanted to have some fun as I fooling around and not doing like school work??? Anyways Here are some romantic tropes headcannons or some nonsense? 

Masterlist

»»————-　 Daichi Sawamura 　————-««

Love Triangle - I personally love Daichi in this trope the best because he could be in a love triangle either way, whether he is stuck between two people or he is pining over somebody who seems to be interested in another person. Slow burn type of love but could light up any moment like a firework.

»»————-　 Kenji Futakuchi 　————-««

Stuck together - Kenji seems so easy going and laid back, I don’t think he’s the type to fall in love first. He’s the type to have relationships by convenience, so for whatever reason for him to be stuck together, he’d fall in love. He realizes it but is so comfortable with your relationship, but Kenji falls hard.

»»————-　 Kotaru Bokuto 　————-««

Friends to Lovers - If you don’t think Bo is the type to easily become friends and then catch the feels you are wrong. Bokuto could have been friends forever or fast friends, but after a little while there is just a small moment when he realizes his heart racing, beating faster than normal and he’s got it bad for you!

»»————-　 Shinsuke Kita 　————-««

Soul Mates - Kita is certainly the type to have a soul mate. I always ship him with personalities that match to his or at least somebody with strong similarities. With Kita I certainly can believe that he believes in one true love. Somebody out there is connected to him by the red string of fate. Could that person be you?

»»————-　 Suguru Daisho 　————-««

Second Chance - Daisho is just full of that second chance at love mood as a character, whether it’s break up and make up, or meeting a new love, he is able to overcome the hurt and the pain of a first love. I see him struggling to love again and somebody helps to get back out there. 

»»————-　 Tetsuro Kuroo 　————-««

Fake Relationship - On fake relationships, he’s the type to totally say “I’m their boyfriend so leave,” while wrapping around an arm to save somebody. He would play pretend for as long as you need and more than him catching feelings first is probably him always being into from the beginning.

»»————- Toru Oikawa 　————-««

Enemies to Lovers - Yes, Kawa is my “enemies to lovers” first choice due to passion alone. Whatever fight started everything to become enemies in the first place is just a passion filled heat the entire relationship. Just a bunch of angry makeouts. Kawa might not say he loves you but you start a fire inside his heart.

»»————-　 Wakatoshi Ushijima 　————-««

Secret Billionaire - Or like a secret rich kid, royalty or whatnot, Toshi would be the type to just want to be a normal person, but it feels like his business and fame follow him everywhere. He definitely is not the type to trick you and say he’s not who he really is, but he just doesn’t tell you up front. »»————-　 Yuji Terushima 　————-««

Forbidden love - You know why the forbidden love is a Terushima thing right, it’s cause it’s easily somebody telling you not to be with him. Secrets dates or sneaking out seem the right amount of love. Like every time something goes wrong it’s because people or fate is just trying to push you away.

[transraptortrainer]

Brooklyn unboxes Kenji's feelings about a certain fanny-pack-wearing, Anky-loving boy they know... Inspired by @theswampspirit 's post!

[FANFIC | Rated T for mild language. Spoilers for Camp Cretaceous S1!]

It was yesterday when they had found it. Footprints by the monorail, both that of small shoes and small dinosaur feet, trailed their way towards the main park. It was the first and only sign that their friend Ben had survived the attack by the pteranodons, and was still on the island with them. 

However, despite their optimism, the kids had yet to find anything else. Rainfall soon after had washed away what remained of the prints, and even then, they were at least a day behind Ben - wherever he was going.

From the south dock, they traveled north to the golf course and reluctantly decided to settle there for the night. Small buildings, parking lots for carts, and rest stops for golfers dotted the grassy plains here. Brooklyn and Kenji remained at a concrete building, keeping the fire going as Darius and the others searched for supplies in the surrounding shops. 

Brooklyn dipped a rag into a small creek and wrung it out slightly. Little bird baths like these were all the kids could manage so far. Unless they found some hot running water at the hotels in the main park, they wouldn't exactly be at their freshest until they were rescued. Not the greatest state of affairs, but "kinda clean" was better than "brachy-behind air quality". 

To her right, Kenji sat, exhausted by their long day of travel. Brooklyn thought about the kind of person she had assumed Kenji to be when they first met, and then compared that to who he ended up being. Sure, he was still a jerk, but only sometimes. Perhaps the most surprising change was how distraught the boy had been after the group had lost Ben. 

The fanny pack, previously dubbed "dork pouch", was tied around his waist, where it had been for days now. He never removed it. Even when Yaz offered to carry it instead, he refused to give it up. At first it was just...sad...it stood as a reminder that they had lost a friend. Brooklyn had wondered if she was the only one who was tired of looking at it and being reminded of the guilt. 

But then there was yesterday. Sammy had spied the prints in the ground and was tied with Kenji for being the first to utter the idea that Ben was still out there. Ever since then, Kenji seemed more like himself. More like everything was alright in his world. 

"You really do miss him, huh?" Brooklyn asked, airing her thoughts in the vaguest possible way.

"What?" Kenji replied, baffled. "No! Who are we talking about? I mean, what kind of monster wouldn't miss his friend-" 

Brooklyn watched speculatively as the boy floundered at the question. It was hilarious, honestly, because who wouldn't think that Kenji, the idiotically boastful yet resourceful smartass, struggling to respond to a simple question was funny? And let's be real, that use of "friend" felt all the more ridiculous as Kenji's hand instinctively rested on the fanny pack around his waist. 

Brooklyn raised an eyebrow and returned to wiping the dirt from her face and hairline. In the past day, the chance that Ben might still be alive felt so much greater. And on another note, it brought her a lot of guilt considering how quickly she assumed the frail, clumsy germaphobe hadn't made it. She had to hope that Ben's feelings wouldn't be hurt. But those signs they had found...it had to mean something. 

"I'm just saying, you've seemed in muuuuch better spirits since yesterday," Brooklyn replied, dragging her sneakers in the loose dirt and piling up a shapeless mound. "Out of all of us, I know you were the most...lost by what happened." 

Kenji scanned Brooklyn's face cautiously, some form of shock in his eyes. Maybe being raised a rich, only child with absent parents had something to do with it, but he always seemed so surprised by how well everyone read him. Maybe more so by the way no one took his bullshit for an answer.

"M-maybe," he finally said. He rubbed a palm against his neck, his brows furrowing. "Maybe!" he said again, seemingly just in case Brooklyn hadn't heard the first time. He looked at the ground, a smile coming across his face, but only briefly. "I wonder how he's doin' out there…" 

Brooklyn rinsed the towel in the stream before snapping it dry and laying it out flat on the rail. "If I know him, he's probably desperately searching for some sanitizer," she joked with a chuckle. 

"If he's not camped out by a log he also tripped on earlier!" Kenji retorted, and the pair's laughter echoed around the clearing, accompanied by the crackle of the fire. 

However, it wasn't long after that Kenji grew quiet yet again. Brooklyn could tell this was one of those rare moments where he actually thought before he spoke. Leaned over his knee, he propped his head up on his hand. "But I wonder if he thinks he's alone here…"

That's a lot of wondering he's doing, Brooklyn thought. She had half the mind to make a joke about him using his brain too much, but that kind of sarcastic reply seemed more like Yaz's territory. "C'mon, Kenji. If we didn't send help back from the mainland, there's no way his mother wouldn't have. He has to know that." 

Kenji nodded slowly, his thumb tapping the fanny pack yet again. "Plus he's got Bumpy, right? Anky-saurus-es or whatever are tough! Not tough enough to take the Indominus, but…" he added. 

"Right!" Brooklyn said with an affirming point of her finger. Whimsically, she plopped onto the concrete ledge across from Kenji and observed him more. 

Now, she didn't want to come off as too people-watch-y. That couldn't be good for the size of Kenji's head. He'd probably say something about how everyone looks to him for guidance or something else indicative of his constant attention-seeking behaviors. But even now, Kenji seemed well within his own mind. 

Still thinking about Ben, she decided. 

The two of them were pretty sweet together. Kenji liked to act like he wasn't a fan of Ben's cuddly and apprehensive nature, but surely he couldn't have hated it that much. Why? Because any good content creator knows when there's more than meets the eye. Maybe Kenji just needed a little push to make him realize. And Brooklyn was a master reporter, of course. If there was one thing she knew, it's that people love to talk about themselves.

"Ben's probably thinking of us too, don't you think? If he's out there, I mean," she began, tipping her chin up to look at the glimmering stars. "Maybe even thinking of you right now." 

Kenji stirred, a small, tired smile making its way into his voice. "What do you mean? After I was such a jerk to him, I kinda doubt it."

"Really?" Brooklyn turned back to him, surprised. 

Gesturing uncomfortably, Kenji seemed to regret his word choice. "Just that...you know, I yelled at him. Said that stuff about Bumpy." His voice trailed off with a surprising guilt. "I - we took him for granted, and it was...shitty of us."

Brooklyn nodded quietly. "Buuut, you also saved his life, you know. I think it's pretty clear that you made him feel safer," she stated warmly, pressing her hands together. 

Kenji shuffled awkwardly, keeping his eyes on the dirt. "You think so?" he asked, before quickly adding, "Not that it matters to me, obviously… Wait, did he tell you that?" 

Could he have been making it any more obvious? Brooklyn giggled, rolling her eyes. "You could call it intuition, or just common sense, seeing-things-because-I-have-eyes?" She lifted her legs onto the bench, laying with her back rested against the wall. "What do you think he'd be doing if he were here now, with us?" 

"Besides churning up some kind of dino baby food for Bumpy?" Kenji said plainly, raising a brow. "He'd probably be flinching at every little noise, just like the rest of us, and clinging to m-" he cut himself off, a first ever blush faintly hitting his cheeks.

"Bingo…" Brooklyn exclaimed quietly with a wink. "Which brings me back to my first question, Mister Kon. You miss him, don't you?" 

Kenji frowned. "If he was here clinging to my side, I'd obviously tell him to relax and let up his superhuman grip!" He paused, drumming his fingers on his knee. "Except I am kind of cold anyway, so if he wanted to sit with me then whatever."

"Soooo, you're telling me if we did find him," Brooklyn prodded. "You definitely wouldn't sweep him up in your arms and smile like the kid with the most candy bars on Halloween?" 

"No!" Kenji replied indignantly. A moment passed. "...Well. Ugh, don't rule it out, I guess. Should've known you were just trying to get me to admit something embarrassing…" 

She smiled softly, placing her hand on her chest proudly. "Well, Brooklyn is the name, annoying pestering is the game."

[aarcanechaoss]

☆ DAD!? BoYfRiEnD!? ☆

Kosuke was nervous, what could she say having her quite protective father meet her quite careless boyfriend... what could go wrong? She could only hope they would get along.

Osamu didn’t have nerves, worries yes but nerves he honestly thought being nervous was behind him until he realised he was meeting his partners father. He hoped whoever Mr Fukuzawa was he was nice and didn’t mind how excentric he would be. Mr Fukuzawa?

Yukichi wasn’t a stone cold man, protective yes but cold no. He would smile down at the picture of his daughter, he couldn’t call her little anymore she was only a few centimetres shy of being as tall as him but she was growing up fast.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

“Dazai stop dozing off and pay attention to the work on your desk.” Kunikida yelled as he slapped the dark haired man upside the head. Dazai fell forward and smacked his head against his desk.

“Uh Dazai?” Atsushi said worriedly.

“What is it when your chest feels on fire and your stomach fills with butterflies?” Dazai asks.

“Are you sick?” Kenji calls out- Yosano turns to him with an evil glint.

“No just... I’m meeting Ko’s father tonight.”

“Oh you are? Have you never met him before?” Naomi calls out. “Also can we meet her at some point?”

“Nope. Like I said meeting him tonight.” Dazai sighed. “Uh maybe.”

“What about her mother?” Junichiro tilts his head.

“It’s just her and her dad she doesn’t know her mother... before Kunikida opens his mouth yes I have been dating her for nearly a year and not yet met him- we are both busy but I’m meeting him tonight.... I guess I’m nervous.”

“Dazai.. nervous?” Atsushi muttered.

Suddenly the brunette stood and smiled.

“Time to go- Ko wants me home early.” Dazai smiles. “Will let you all know how it goes.”

“Please do!” Some one called out.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

“President!” Kunikida yelled as the silver haired man stepped through the door.

“I will be on my way out finish any work needed and head home.” He smiled.

“Yes sir. It’s just paperwork and everything should be done as soon as possible.” Kunikida answered.

“Good to here. Have a good evening I have a young man to go scare.” The president let out a deep chuckle.

“Pardon President?” Junichiro asked.

“Oh my daughter, I’m meeting her boyfriend- goodbye everyone.” Fukuzawa laughed again as he left.

“The president has a daughter!?” Naomi called out, Kunikida stood with his jaw dropped.

“The president has daughter and Dazai has a girlfriend.” Atsushi mused... his eyes widened. “Hey guys-“

“Yeah?” The detectives responded.

“Is there a small chance Ko is the president’s daughter and dating Dazai... Dazai is meeting her father and the president is meeting his daughters boyfriend?” Atsushi pondered. The room fell deadly quiet leaving only the sound of Ranpo eating his snacks. “Ranpo?”

“The president’s daughter is named Kosuke.” Is what he says. “She’s a mirror image of her father- I met her when the agency was forming.”

The agency fell silent again with only one question in mind- if it’s true will Dazai live to see tomorrow?

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

“Kosuke.” Dazai pouted and dug his face further into the silver haired woman’s neck.

“Yes Osamu?” She hummed.

“I want attention.” He whined.

“My love when don’t you want attention?” She giggled. Dazai’s arms tightened around her waist pulling her back flush against his chest. She giggled again and gave his arm a pat as she continued to finish setting up dinner.

“Yeah but you are so focused on your dinner and stuff that I haven’t even gotten a kiss yet.” She placed the last of the cutlery on the table and spun in her lovers arms, her own wrapping around his neck as they nuzzled noses.

“Still want a kiss from me?”

“Always.” He breathed pressing his lips against hers, leading her towards a wall. Their lips fit together perfectly, his hands fit perfectly with her own it was like her body was half of his to create a perfect whole- he loved her he truely did.

“That’s enough love.” He pouted as he rested his forehead against hers. “Go get cleaned up dad should be here soon.”

“But Ko..”

“If you do well with dad I’ll give you a special present later.” She winked and off he went excited and merry. She laughed and shook her head.

A knock sounded at the door- her father was here. The door swung open to show a silver haired man, his metallic eyes glimmering in the harsh light of her apartment- she really was a mirror image of her father.

“Dad!” She exclaimed wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

“Sunflower how are you?” He grinned.

“I’m great.”

“Where is the boyfriend?”

“Osamu dad is here!” She called out. “Sorry he was just in the bathroom washing up.” Kosuke let her father inside and ducked behind him to shut and lock the door.

Osamu? The president raised a brow at the name, now wouldn’t that be funny if~

“President!” A familiar voice started Yukichi from his thoughts and at first he was shocked- why was Dazai in his daughters apartment... oh... OH.

“Dazai?”

Dazai on the other hand his mind was racing Fukuzawa that name should have clicked much... much earlier in the relationship than it did. Yukichi’s eyes widened at Dazai’s appearance, he had on his usual outfit without his trench coat and most importantly without his bandages for his eyes to notice many many marks... he was comfortable in this apartment.

Kosuke turned to see her father and boyfriend in a confused-frightened-worried-nervous stare down. Then it clicked.

“Oh shit Osamu why didn’t you tell me you worked for my dad?”

“Why didn’t you tell me your dad was my boss?”

“Why did neither of you tell me you were dating specifically.” Yukichi pinched the bridge of his nose.

“How about we sit down and eat before the food gets cold okay?” Kosuke’s voice raised in pitch as she asked. They all sat at the table and slowly began to dig in.... shit it was awkward.

“So dad.” He hummed. “How was your day?”

“My day was good. Not much to do though mostly drank tea, looked over new assignments and signed paper work though I did see a fluffy cat outside the apartment.” Yukichi said fondly.

“Oh that’s Mrs Nakamoto’s cat Whisky... yah I made the same face dad.” Kosuke laughed trying to ease the tension. “I’m going to be adopting that cat we were talking about Osamu. I finally got the paperwork through.”

“We can officially get Bella.” Dazai’s eyes widened- Yukichi watched Kosuke fondly whilst offering tiny glares towards Dazai but more or less he was happy for them.

“You should get a second one later and name it Donna.” Yukichi said seriously. Kosuke snorted and began laughing so hard her stomach hurt. Osamu laughed quietly. “Now... May I say something serious~ I have to say something fatherly now don’t I?” He smiled.

Osamu gulped. He just had big flashing lights in his mind screaming ‘He will kill you! You are dead! RIP Osamu Dazai didn’t even get to make Kosuke, Kosuke Dazai’ - not that that was going to happen for at least another year.

“I don’t expect you to drop formalities with me at work Dazai but since Kosuke is clearly happy with you I cannot refute or disagree even if I did disapprove.” Kosuke’s eyes widen, “Don’t worry I don’t. He’s careless yes but you both clearly care for each other. I’m still your boss but I’m also your partners father so I give you permission to drop formalities you may call me Yukichi instead of President or Mr Fukuzawa.”

“Thank-you pres- Yukichi. I think it’s safe to say Osamu is fine for you to address me as. I won’t hurt her ever never intentionally and hopefully never unintentionally either. I love her.. I love you Ko.” Dazai held his hand out across the table for the older man to shake. “This is a little awkward I will say that no offence is to be made but Ko you are near identical to your father.”

Kosuke started laughing again and nodded.

“Yeah we get that a lot.” Yukichi’s eyes were drawn towards his daughters neck- he hadn’t noticed earlier but she didn’t have her bandage on around her neck- she truely trusts and loves Osamu Dazai and that’s good enough for him.... but if dead Uncle Mori found out, hmm.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The next day Dazai had stumbled into work tired, disheveled and kind of dopey. His shirt was messy and the bags under his eyes indicated a strong strong lack of sleep.

“Is Dazai okay?” Haruno asked after watching the man stumble around for a few hours now.

“Hmm? Yes I’m fine.”

“Damn was her old man that scary?” Kunikida laughed.

“Oh no we got along quite well after a few minutes of awkwardness.” Dazai perked up and fixed his shirt, leaving his hair a tangled mess. “I just got a present for being good is all.” He winked.

“What is her dad like?”

“Uh well-“

“Osamu.” Yukichi smiled as he entered the angency office. The agents looked to the pair in question- is Dazai in trouble why did the president use his first name? Where they right about him and the president?

“Oh more Yukichi- President sorry.”

“It’s fine. Ranpo my daughter will be dropping off those sweets you asked for.” The president said.

“Yay Kosuke!”

“Speak of the devil and I shall appear.” The woman who walked in- Ranpo wasn’t kidding when he said she looked like the president.

“Hey Koko.” The Great Detective calked our as she handed him his box of sweets.

“I thought I was going to be late but I arrived as the shop opened so I just zoomed over. Hi everyone I’m Kosuke Fukuzawa.” The woman had a nice rich voice and a pleasant smile.

“Ko.” Dazai grinned and jumped towards her. “You were gone when I woke up.”

“You pout like a small child love.”

Beat

“EH! Love!” The agents yelled.

“Yeah this is my girlfriend.” Dazai’s shit eating grin was evident and sent the other agents into a spin. Ranpo, Yukichi, Kosuke and Osamu began to laugh.

“Your coworkers are strange.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Yukichi gave Kosuke a pat on the head before walking to his office. “Goodbye.”

[ren1327]

Sweater Weather Ch. 6

Kenji noticed how quiet Ben was as he packed his suitcase again, too focused on folding his shirts a certain way.

“You excited?” Kenji asked.

“About what?”

“The hotel stay?” Kenji asked.

“Oh! Yeah. We’re coming back after the run through, right?”

“Yeah, it’s just a week.” Kenji said and stared at his suitcase.

“Oh…Um, will it be that short?” He asked.

“Do you wanna just…stay here?” Kenji asked. “I mean, we still go in a couple days and make it the night before if you want. Have some time to cool our heads.”

“Will that be okay?” Ben asked.

“Sure!” Kenji said. “Let me just go tell my Dad.”

 *

 Candy hugged him extra tight.

“I hope your cold feels better, Mijo.” She said and smiled at Ben, who smiled back, bundled in pajamas and a blanket wrapped around to his ears.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to take Carmen?” Kosei asked and his daughter huffed.  

“Daddy! I can feed myself and I’ll stay out of the way. Besides. That means I get to know Ben better!” She said. “I can make him caldo and spiced atole!”

“I don’t know what those are, but I’m gonna eat them.”

“Heck yeah, we are!” Kenji said excitedly. “Cause I’m gonna help!”

“You still cook, Mi Bebe?” Candy asked with a smile.

“I…I lived alone.” Kenji said. “It’s not as good as yours but…”

Candy cocked her head and kissed his cheek, pinching it.

“Pobrecito…” She said with a laugh. “Be safe and stay warm.”

“Owen will bring you two back in two days.” Kosei said and hugged Carmen close.

“Okay. Have fun!” Carmen yelled as they left.

She turned around with a grin, scooping up Bumpy.

“I’m going to make caldo for dinner, but for now, me and Bumpy are gonna go watch Ducktales and eat jerky!”

“Floss after!” Kenji called as she ran up the stairs.

“Think they bought the sick act?” Ben asked, dropping the blanket from his head down to his shoulders.

“Nope. But they’re catering to you.” He said, placing his hands on Ben’s exposed shoulders.

“Isn’t that my boyfriend’s job?” Ben asked with a smile.

“Just act sick today and we can do something tomorrow.” Kenji said, turning around to hide his blush.

“Okay.” Ben said. “So…I’m assuming most of this act will be bumming around and cuddling?”

Kenji cleared his throat.

“My parents aren’t here…” He said.

“Practice.”

Kenji blinked and looked at Ben, looking up from hooded eyes.

“I…okay. You wanna read a book while I look at my phone?” Kenji asked.

“You know me so well, Honey.” Ben said with a tilt of his head.

Kenji’s heart thudded as he looked down at his pretend boyfriend.

 *

 Carmen knocked gently on the door and Kenji called out to let her in.

She opened it slowly and peek in, the smell of rich chicken soup wafting through the house.

“Kenji, can you help me with something?” She asked.

Kenji looked down at Ben, who was curled up in another one of his sweaters and sleeping soundly.

“Sure.” He said and wrapped a blanket around Ben, kissing his forehead.

“Aw~” Carmen cooed.

“Shut up. You’ll get it.” He said knowingly.

He followed her to the kitchen, where she had a large crockpot full of shredded chicken and veggies.

“I always get the spices wrong even when I follow Mama’s recipe.” She whined.

“I got ya.” He said and grabbed a rotating spice rack of glass shakers filled with chopped herbs, ground spices and full leaves.

“First off, no cilantro. It taste like soap to some people so just better to nix it. Next, we add cumin, black peppercorn, a whole bay leaf and chili paste.” He said, making a showoff adding the spices and stirring it with a wooden spoon. “I don’t smell that certain…twang.”

“Not everyone can handle your spice!” She reminded him. “But…maybe jalapeno juice?”

“Ding ding ding! Prize to the cutie in Steven Universe socks!” He said and she smiled, getting him a bottle from the fridge.

He added a splash, stirred it once more and covered it. “And now we wait two awful hours.”

“We can start the rice after about an hour and a half, right?” She asked.

“So…what do you say we go all the way with this meal?” he asked.

“You mean-?!”

“Chocolate time, Baby!” He said and she squealed.

He quickly grabbed a few bowls and pans. Carmen placed her phone in a speaker and quick tempered guitar sounded in the kitchen.

It was no secret that the Kon siblings took after their mother’s culture when it came to food. They joked that was how she had seduced their father before winning him over with her empathetic personality. They had explored her childhood hotspots, from the River Walk, to the Art Museum to Fiesta Square and the Quarry Market, they had walked and shopped with their Mama and visit old friends in the barrios near downtown to check on them.

“When I was little, my Tia lived with two other families in a house meant for one. But they cooked together and worked hard so their children could go to school and do something with their lives. And we made sure to return and take care of them.” She said as their old Tia sat in a plush chair, eyes closed in content and body relaxed as Carmen chattered on about her day at school, Kosei watching them worriedly to make sure the old woman did not get overwhelmed in the small hot kitchen.

“But I remembered the food and how good it was. Even if there wasn’t a lot, there was still so much love and flavor in it.” She said, stirring the red rice and a teen Kenji adding peas and sliced jalapenos to it. “So when I cook, I remember the love and care that went into it and remember what my family did, where we came from. How a lot can go into a little still.”

She then held out a small spoon of rice and Kenji took a bite; lemon, tomatoes, and pepper blending together perfectly into the rice and blooming over his tongue. He felt his Mother’s kiss on his forehead and smiled.

He sighed happily as he mixed the chocolate and then held the spoon to Carmen to taste. She took it and happily put it in her mouth with a hum.

Had Ben experienced what his mother had in her childhood?

Had his mother shown him her love in what little she could give. Kenji Recalled how he and Carmen had nice clothes and food growing up. How Carmen asked for a game and got it the same day.

His parents worked their butts off and he…

He had just run away.

No wonder his father was so pissed at him all those years and now…

Now he saw him and Ben and looked hopeful. Like Kenji might pull himself together for Ben and that…that…

“That’s not fair.” He said out loud and noticed Carmen had paused holding out the small desert bowls decorated with diamond.

“Kenji?” She asked.

“I…I’ve been such a dick.” He sighed and hugged Carmen.

“Um, let’s plate these and put them away and then…you wanna talk?” She asked.

“Yeah.” Kenji said and she held the bowls as he filled them.

Carmen placed them in the freezer, and they started on the dishes, washing them by hand this time.

“I’ll wash, you dry.” Carmen said and Kenji nodded, both of them rolling up their sleeves in unison.

As they settled in a nice silence, Kenji looked at Carmen.

“I ran away after the breakup and I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing to me?” She asked.

Kenji took a breath and turned to his sister, leaning against the counter top.

“I know about the bullying.”

“I…of course you do.” She sighed.

“Carm, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it’s no big deal.” She huffed, handing him a pot.

“It is to me!” Kenji said, aggressively wiping it down with a towel. “My little sister is hurting and I…”

“What would you even do?” She asked.

“I…I don’t know, something!”

“Kenji!” She said and looked at him. “You’re here. You’re here and that’s…”

She sniffed as her voice cracked, eyes filling with tears.

“You’re here and I’m okay.” She sobbed the last word, Kenji gathering her in his arms.

“Yeah…” He said and rubbed her back. “And I’m gonna be here for you no matter what.”

“What about—”

“Shh…” Kenji whispered. “Let me be here for you.”

Carmen nodded into his shirt.

“I have something to tell you.” He said. “About Ben.”

“That you two are obviously not an item?”

He pulled her back.

“What the heck, Carmen?” He yelled.

“I could tell, duh. You two are so not okay in each other’s arms and you are so forced.” She said with a smirk. “You can fool Mama and Dad, but not me.”

“So…”

“Explain.” She said and Kenji sighed.

“Well…”

 *

 Ben woke up to Bumpy licking his face.

He took a deep breath and Carmen was there, eyes watery and clutching her dress.

“Carmen?” He asked, then huffed when the teen hugged him around the neck.

“I’m so sorry!” She cried. “I didn’t know my brother dragged you into this dumb mess!”

“Uh…” Kenji said, his left cheek red from a slap.

“You told her.” Ben said.

“He did and I am so mad and sad and…”

“He wanted to make your parents proud.” Ben said with a sigh. “And I needed to get away for a bit.”

“Do you two even like each other?” Carmen asked.

“I…” Ben bit his lip. “I cant answer that right now. I’m comfortable with your brother.”

“You shouldn’t settle with someone who hurt you!” Carmen yelled and Ben looked up at Kenji.

“You told her—”

“Everything.” Kenji said.

“Carmen.” Ben said and pulled her to sit next to him, taking her hands. “Listen. I hated your brother back then.”

Kenji cringed.

“I thought it was his fault my mom got too stressed and…” He took another deep breath. “It wasn’t. We were just stupid kids doing stupid things at the worst time…And yes. Your brother hurt me. Scarred me in some ways. And you know what happened?”

“What?”

“I dated an absolute scumbag cause I thought, ‘hey, I could take years of abuse from Kenji Kon, I can handle this.’ But I couldn’t…He…” Ben covered his mouth and gagged a bit, Kenji grabbing the trash can and holding it under Ben’s head.

He pushed it away, shaking his head.

“He hurt me so bad.” He said and Carmen covered her mouth. “And I was okay with that.”

“W-Why?” She asked.

“I’ve been a victim,” Ben said, voice wobbling. “Like, my whole life. And I hated it. And now, I’m homeless and leeching off the only people who have ever been nice to me. And I hate it.”

He sniffed and wiped his hot face, vision blurry.

“So when I realized I could find a way out with your brother’s help, I thought, ‘well, he owes me’. And yet…He has shown me something I cant believe. He’s changed, Carmen. And I never thought I’d be excited to see Kenji Kon, than I am when he comes through a door. And yeah…maybe this is fake, but I’m happier that he’s willing to help me stand on my own two feet by showing me that change is possible. He went from an absolute dick—”

“I was.” Kenji interjected.

“—to a kind and devoted older brother who adores his parents, his friends and wants to make up for what he did to me.” Ben said. “And I’m giving him this chance. I’m sorry we lied.”

“This is still really messed up. What if Mama and Dad want you two to…y’know…stay together?” She asked.

“I’d tell them everything. In all honesty, it was mainly to show I had gotten over Brooklynn.” Kenji said.

“Have you?” Carmen asked.

Kenji made a face and Ben huffed, grabbing his boots and coat. “Excuse me.”

Carmen watched as Kenji quickly followed Ben out the hall and to the backyard.

“This was so stupid!” Ben yelled into the trees.

Kenji grabbed his arms and pulled him back. “Dude, you’re in pajamas!”

“I don’t care! This is…This was a mistake, Kenji…” Ben said.

“Ben…please, hate me all you want, but I need you, not just for this stupid lie.” Kenji said. “I…You make me happy, Ben.”

“Happy?”

“You make me calm and like…like I can have this.”

“And what is this?” Ben asked with a shake of his head.

Kenji pulled him into a tight hug. Ben blushed as he felt the other’s chest thudding.

“Kenji?”

“I liked you. Back then, I liked you and I was such an asshole.” He said.

Ben shoved him away. “That is such…You are such a…”

His face was red and his nose wrinkled and Kenji could see tears building again.

“I think I still do…” Kenji said, taking a step forward.

Ben covered his face before reaching out and yanking Kenji down by his shirt collar, kissing him as snow started to fall. Ben pushed him back a bit, to glare at him with almost no heat.

“Then do this correctly.” Ben hissed and pulled him back into another kiss.

After a moment, Kenji put his own coat around Ben.

“Let’s get you into a warm bath. It’s too cold for you here.” Kenji said and led him back into the house and past Carmen, who seemed to be grinning behind her hands.

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

Sorry this took so long. But hopefully, I can continue when I have time, and power. Hopefully Texas will get back to normal soon. 

[bulbspoon9-blog]

22 Hot Cocktail Recipes for Cold Winter Nights

[Photographs: Vicky Wasik, Elana Lepkowski]

It's still practically shorts weather in California, where I live, but the folks at Serious Eats World Headquarters in New York assure me that it is, in fact, winter. Back when I lived in places that actually got cold, winter meant hot drinks—hot cocoa and mulled cider when I was a kid, hot cider and hot cocoa with booze when I got older.

But there's more to the world of hot drinks than pouring a shot into whatever's in your mug. If you put some thought into them, hot drinks can have all the class and sophistication of chilled cocktails. To show you what I mean, we've rounded up 22 of our favorite hot toddies, spiked ciders, cocoas, coffees, and other hot cocktails to keep you toasty all season long.

Hot Toddies

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

Next time you're craving a hot toddy, think beyond a simple mixture of whiskey or brandy with hot water. Here we change it up, using caramelly, herbal Averna and adding a sweet-spicy syrup made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and black pepper. Getting rid of the hard liquor keeps the alcohol content down, so you can keep refilling your mug throughout the evening.

Spiced Averna Toddy Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: Autumn Giles]

We make this bright, herbal toddy with citrusy New Amsterdam Gin instead of the brown liquor more commonly found in the drink, and replace the water with mint tea for extra flavor. A sweet-tart cranberry syrup gives this cocktail a festive ruby-red color that's made for the holidays.

The Hot and Cold »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: Nick Guy]

Even more of a departure from the traditional hot toddy, this smoky, Mexican-inspired drink combines mezcal, Green Chartreuse, Angostura and mole bitters, stick cinnamon, and sprigs of fresh mint. A splash of ginger beer complements the spicy notes in the drink and adds a pleasant fizz.

Remontel Toddy Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: Sydney Oland]

This drink may be more mulled wine than hot toddy, but it's a crowd-pleasing option no matter what you call it. To make it, we combine Riesling, brandy, and honey, then steep bay leaves and toasted cardamom pods in the mixture before straining and serving. It's a soothing, herbal mix that'll warm you all the way through.

Riesling Hot Toddy Recipe »

Back to the full list

Spiked Cider

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Anyone can pour a shot of bourbon into their hot cider—for something more interesting, try infusing the liquor with sweet, toasty caramel popcorn first. Once you've made the infused bourbon (which takes just a few minutes on the stove), all you need is the cider and a little pat of butter to float on top of each drink.

Hot Caramel-Popcorn Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: María del Mar Sacasa]

Not sold on popcorn-infused bourbon? This darker, moodier butter-topped cider is spiked with dark rum instead, for a hot buttered rum–like feel, and it gets its sweetness from pure maple syrup rather than caramel. To contrast the rich, deep flavors of the drink, serve it in glasses rimmed with an eye-opening combination of lemon juice and Maldon salt.

Salty Maple Buttered Cider Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: María del Mar Sacasa]

We don't infuse the whiskey with anything fancy for this spiked cider, but we do give it an unexpected twist (or three) by stirring in sweet-and-spicy ginger liqueur, pouring it over rich Luxardo cherries, and finishing with freshly cracked black pepper, which reinforces the subtle burn of the ginger.

Peppery Ginger Cider Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: Tara Striano]

If plain old cider just isn't apple enough for you, you'll fall in love with this aptly named fruity concoction. We triple down on the apple here by adding Granny Smiths and Applejack brandy, and mix in clementine orange and dried cranberries for even more fruity flavor. To balance the drink, we turn to a slew of spices: cinnamon, cloves, allspice, coriander, and black peppercorns.

Eve's Addiction Recipe »

Back to the full list

Boozy Hot Chocolate

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

The best boozy hot chocolate starts with the best hot chocolate, so ditch the store-bought mixes and make it from scratch, using unsweetened cocoa powder, semisweet chocolate chips, and sugar. Once you've taken care of the basics, you can doctor the drink up as you'd like—here, we mix in a shot of amaro and top with homemade Angostura whipped cream. Try subbing fernet for amaro if you want a minty kick.

Amaro Hot Chocolate Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

I rarely say no to a cup of cocoa spiked with Baileys, but you can make a much tastier drink by separating the liqueur into its component flavors—Amaretto, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and Irish whiskey—and adding each to your cocoa individually. Not only are the ingredients going to be better-quality that way, you can also adjust the ratios exactly to your liking.

Better Than Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

I'm sure you're familiar with the concept of spiking Guinness with Jameson and Baileys, so why not use all three to make a seriously boozy hot chocolate? The Baileys and whiskey can be added straight to the cocoa, but in order for the flavor of the beer to come through, you'll need to reduce it into a concentrated syrup on the stovetop first.

Guinness, Whiskey, and Baileys Hot Chocolate Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

Forget commercial butterscotch sauce—it's easy to make your own with nothing more than sugar and heavy cream. (Despite the name, butterscotch isn't actually made with Scotch whisky, but we add a shot anyway, since we like the notes of smoke and vanilla it provides.) We use the butterscotch syrup two ways—most of it is mixed in with the hot chocolate, and the last bit is drizzled on top as a tantalizing garnish.

Salted Butterscotch Hot Chocolate Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

The peak of the all-bacon-all-the-time craze may be behind us, but the combination of bacon and chocolate is tasty enough to be more than a fad. To give this hazelnut hot chocolate as much smoky bacon flavor as possible, we emulsify rendered fat right into the drink before adding Frangelico, bourbon, whipped cream, chopped toasted hazelnuts—and the essential fried-bacon-strip garnish.

Bacon, Bourbon, and Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

Not all boozy hot chocolate recipes have to be quite so involved—this one just requires spiking the cocoa with tequila, a surprisingly appropriate partner for chocolate, and peppermint schnapps. Garnish each mug with mint leaves to complement the schnapps and give the cocoa a fresh, herbal aroma.

Tequila Mint Hot Chocolate Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

You could use tequila in this hot chocolate, too, but if you have mezcal on hand, we encourage you to try it instead—its smokiness works wonderfully with the dried ancho chili and cinnamon that give the cocoa its kick. If you don't have mezcal, try substituting dark rum, which will give the drink some extra richness.

Spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate With Chili, Cinnamon, and Mezcal Recipe »

Back to the full list

Spiked Coffee

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

As good as a classic Irish coffee may be, there's more to spiked coffee than that. This version takes its inspiration from the flavors of Nutella (hence the name, a play on gianduia), replacing the usual whiskey with hazelnut-infused Frangelico and topping the drink off with chocolate whipped cream. We also add a tablespoon of simple syrup to each mug to take a little of the edge off the coffee.

Just-Do-Ya (Hazelnut-Spiked Irish Coffee With Chocolate Whipped Cream) Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

In our opinion, the sugarcane sweetness and slight kick of spiced rum make it an even better partner than whiskey for coffee, so we put it to work in this Irish-coffee variation, topped with butterscotch whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. Malted milk powder and brown sugar in the whipped cream help simulate the slow-cooked flavor of traditional butterscotch.

Everything Nice (Spiced-Rum Coffee With Butterscotch Whipped Cream) Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Fair warning: This recipe isn't going to appeal to everyone, but it will speak to fans of the minty and bitter flavors of Fernet Branca. We start with coffee (already pretty bitter), then pour in the fernet and top the drink off with tangy lemon whipped cream. It's certainly a more assertive combination than our other Irish-coffee recipes, but give it a chance and you might be surprised by how much you like it.

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Fernet-Spiked Irish Coffee With Lemon Cream) Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

If you find Fernet Branca a little too intense, this bittersweet spiked coffee might be just the thing for you. This hot cocktail gets just enough bite from caramelly Amaro Averna and herbal, citrusy Gran Classico, while bourbon gives it a boozier kick and crème de cacao lends it rich sweetness. Look for a good-quality brand of crème de cacao, such as Tempus Fugit.

Bittersweet Amaro- and Whiskey-Spiked Coffee Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: Lizz Schumer]

This recipe also strives for a more balanced, bittersweet flavor, spiking the coffee with spicy rye whiskey, Luxardo Amaro Abano, and Angostura bitters. All those bitter flavors get nicely mellowed out with the addition of apple brandy, Demerara sugar, and a topping of whipped cream; stir a bit of the cream straight into the drink to soften it up even further.

Architects and Kings Recipe »

Back to the full list

Other Hot Cocktails

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

A classic chilled Ward 8 is made with rye, lemon and orange juice, and grenadine. Those fruit juices don't work so well in a drink that has to be diluted with hot water, so to make this version, we replace them with a more intensely flavored oleosaccharum and a couple of ounces of orange curaçao. The grenadine is swapped out for pomegranate juice to give the drink a brighter flavor. This recipe makes a big batch—enough for eight cocktails—so it's ideal for filling up a Thermos on a day of sledding, ice skating, or other winter fun.

Hot Ward 8 Cocktail Recipe »

Back to the full list

[Photograph: Lizz Schumer]

Clarified-milk punches haven't been in the spotlight for a couple hundred years, but that just means this cocktail is super retro and therefore cool, right? Besides the clarified milk, we make this version with a lemon oleosaccharum, lemon juice, simple syrup, cognac, and rum, for a drink that's both rich and citrusy.

The Varnish's Milk Punch Recipe »

Back to the full list

This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Serious Eats. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.

Source: https://www.seriouseats.com/roundups/hot-cocktail-recipes

[cucinacarmela-blog]

22 Hot Cocktail Recipes for Cold Winter Nights

New Post has been published on http://cucinacarmela.com/22-hot-cocktail-recipes-for-cold-winter-nights/

22 Hot Cocktail Recipes for Cold Winter Nights

amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "carmela-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "cooking"; amzn_assoc_default_category = "Kitchen"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "51fe4d035c7af8dc5928e6f5e5b79c4e"; amzn_assoc_default_browse_node = "284507"; amzn_assoc_rows = "4"; amzn_assoc_design = "text_links";

[Photographs: Vicky Wasik, Elana Lepkowski]

It’s still practically shorts weather where I live in California, but the folks at Serious Eats World Headquarters in New York assure me that it is, in fact, winter. Back when I lived in places that actually got cold, winter meant hot drinks—hot cocoa and mulled cider when I was a kid, hot cider and hot cocoa with booze when I got older. There is more to the world of hot drinks than pouring a shot into whatever’s in your mug, though. If you put some thought into them, hot drinks can have all the class and sophistication of cold cocktails. To show you what I mean we’ve rounded up 22 of our favorite hot toddies, spiked ciders, cocoas, coffees, and other hot cocktails.

Hot Toddies

Spiced Averna Toddy

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

Next time you’re craving a hot toddy think beyond mixing whiskey or brandy with hot water—here we change it up by using caramelly, herbal Averna instead and adding a syrup made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and black pepper. Getting rid of the hard liquor keeps the alcohol content down, so you can keep refilling your mug throughout the evening.

Get the recipe for Spiced Averna Toddy »

The Hot and Cold

[Photograph: Autumn Giles]

We make this toddy with citrusy New Amsterdam gin instead of the brown liquor you more commonly find in the drink and replace the water with mint tea for extra flavor. A sweet-tart cranberry syrup gives the cocktail a festive ruby-red color.

Get the recipe for The Hot and Cold »

Remontel Toddy

[Photograph: Nick Guy]

Moving even further from a traditional hot toddy, this smoky, Mexican-inspired drink is made with mezcal, Green Chartreuse, Angostura and mole bitters, cinnamon, and mint. A splash of ginger beer complements the spicy notes in the drink and adds a pleasant fizz.

Get the recipe for Remontel Toddy »

Riesling Hot Toddy

[Photograph: Sydney Oland]

This drink may be more mulled wine than hot toddy, but it’s a crowd-pleasing option no matter what you call it. To make it we mix together Riesling, brandy, and honey, then steep in bay leaves and toasted cardamom pods before straining and serving.

Get the recipe for Riesling Hot Toddy »

Spiked Cider

Hot Caramel-Popcorn Bourbon Apple Cider

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Anyone can pour a shot of bourbon into their hot cider—for something more interesting try infusing the liquor with sweet, toasty caramel popcorn. Once you’ve made the infused bourbon (which just takes a few minutes on the stove), all you need is the cider and a little butter to float on top of each drink.

Get the recipe for Hot Caramel-Popcorn Bourbon Apple Cider »

Salty Maple Buttered Cider

[Photograph: María del Mar Sacasa]

Not so sure about popcorn-infused bourbon? This butter-topped cider goes with dark rum instead, getting its sweetness from maple syrup rather than caramel. To contrast the rich, deep flavors of the drink we serve it in glasses rimmed with lemon juice and Maldon salt.

Get the recipe for Salty Maple Buttered Cider »

Peppery Ginger Cider

[Photograph: María del Mar Sacasa]

We don’t infuse the whiskey for this spiked cider, but we do give it an unexpected twist (or three) by stirring in sweet-and-spicy ginger liqueur, pouring it over rich Luxardo cherries, and finishing with freshly cracked black pepper.

Get the recipe for Peppery Ginger Cider »

Eve’s Addiction

[Photograph: Tara Striano]

Apple cider just not apple-y enough for you? Here we triple down on the fruit by adding Granny Smiths and applejack and mix in clementines and dried cranberries for even more fruity flavor. To balance all that fruit we turn to a slew of spices: cinnamon, cloves, allspice, coriander, and black peppercorns.

Get the recipe for Eve’s Addiction »

Boozy Hot Chocolate

Amaro Hot Chocolate

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

The best boozy hot chocolate starts with the best hot chocolate, so ditch the store-bought mixes and make it from scratch with unsweetened cocoa powder, semisweet chocolate chips, and sugar. Once the basics are done you can doctor the drink up as you’d like—here we mix in a shot of amaro and top with homemade Angostura whipped cream.

Get the recipe for Amaro Hot Chocolate »

Better Than Baileys Hot Chocolate

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

I wouldn’t say no to a cup of cocoa spiked with Baileys, but you can make a much tastier drink by separating the liqueur into its component flavors—Amaretto, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and Irish whiskey—and adding each one individually. Not only are the ingredients going to be better, but you can adjust the ratios to your liking.

Get the recipe for Better Than Baileys Hot Chocolate »

Guinness, Whiskey, and Baileys Hot Chocolate

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

I’m sure you’re familiar with spiking Guinness with Jameson and Baileys, so why not use all three to make boozy hot chocolate? You can add the Bailey’s and whiskey straight, but in order for the flavor of the beer to come through you need to reduce it into a concentrated syrup on the stove first.

Get the recipe for Guinness, Whiskey, and Baileys Hot Chocolate »

Salted Butterscotch Hot Chocolate

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

Forget commercial butterscotch—it’s easy to make your own with sugar and cream. Despite the name butterscotch isn’t made with Scotch whiskey, but we add a shot in anyways because we like the notes of smoke and vanilla it adds. We use the butterscotch two ways—most of it is mixed in with the hot chocolate, with the last bit being drizzled on top.

Get the recipe for Salted Butterscotch Hot Chocolate »

Bacon, Bourbon, and Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

The all bacon everything craze is well in the past, but the combination of bacon and chocolate is tasty enough to be more than a fad. To give this hazelnut hot chocolate as much bacon flavor as possible we emulsify rendered fat right in before garnishing with a strip of fried bacon.

Get the recipe for Bacon, Bourbon, and Hazelnut Hot Chocolate »

Tequila Mint Hot Chocolate

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

Not all boozy hot chocolate recipes have to be quite so involved—this one just requires spiking the cocoa with tequila and peppermint schnapps. Garnish each mug with mint leaves to complement the schnapps and give the cocoa a fresh, herbal aroma.

Get the recipe for Tequila Mint Hot Chocolate »

Spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate With Chili, Cinnamon, and Mezcal

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

You could use tequila in this hot chocolate too, but if you have mezcal on hand then try that instead—its smokiness wonderfully the dried ancho chili and cinnamon that we use to give the cocoa a kick. You can also use dark rum, which will give the drink some extra richness.

Get the recipe for Spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate With Chili, Cinnamon, and Mezcal »

Spiked Coffee

Just-Do-Ya (Hazelnut-Spiked Irish Coffee With Chocolate Whipped Cream)

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

There’s more to spiked coffee than the classic Irish coffee—this Nutella-inspired variation replaces the whiskey with Frangelico and is topped with chocolate whipped cream. We also add a tablespoon of simple syrup to each mug to take a little of the edge off the coffee.

Get the recipe for Just-Do-Ya (Hazelnut-Spiked Irish Coffee With Chocolate Whipped Cream) »

Everything Nice (Spiced-Rum Coffee With Butterscotch Whipped Cream)

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

We think that the sugarcane sweetness and slight kick of spiced rum make it an even better partner than whiskey for coffee, so we use it in this Irish coffee variation topped with butterscotch whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. We make the whipped cream with malted milk and brown sugar to simulate the slow-cooked flavor of traditional butterscotch.

Get the recipe for Everything Nice (Spiced-Rum Coffee With Butterscotch Whipped Cream) »

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Fernet-Spiked Irish Coffee With Lemon Cream)

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Full disclosure: this recipe isn’t going to appeal to everyone. We start with coffee, which is already bitter, then pour in Fernet-Branca and top with tangy lemon whipped cream. It’s certainly more assertive than our other Irish coffee recipes, but give it a chance and you might be surprised.

Get the recipe for Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Fernet-Spiked Irish Coffee With Lemon Cream) »

Bittersweet Amaro- and Whiskey-Spiked Coffee

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

If Fernet is a little too intense, this bittersweet spiked coffee might just be the thing for you. Adapted from a drink created by Aaron Paul of the Daniel Patterson Group in San Francisco, the cocktail gets just enough bite from caramelly Amaro Averna and herbal, citrusy Gran Classico.

Get the recipe for Bittersweet Amaro- and Whiskey-Spiked Coffee »

Architects and Kings

[Photograph: Lizz Schumer]

This recipe also goes for a more balanced, bittersweet flavor—the coffee is spiked with rye whiskey, Luxardo Amaro Abano, and Angostura bitters, and it’s mellowed out with with cream, apple brandy, and demerara sugar.

Get the recipe for the Architects and Kings »

Other Hot Cocktails

Hot Ward 8 Cocktail

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

An old-school Ward 8 is made with rye, lemon and orange juice, and grenadine. The fruit juices don’t work in a drink that has to be diluted with hot water, so in this recipe we replace them with a more intensely-flavored oleo-saccharum and a couple of ounces of orange curaçao. We also replace the grenadine with pomegranate juice for a brighter flavor.

Get the recipe for the Hot Ward 8 Cocktail »

The Varnish’s Milk Punch

[Photograph: Lizz Schumer]

Clarified milk punches haven’t been in the spotlight for a couple hundred years—that just means this cocktail is super retro, right? In addition to the clarified milk, we make this version with oleo-saccharum, lemon juice, simple syrup, cognac, and rum.

Get the recipe for The Varnish’s Milk Punch »

amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "carmela-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "cookware"; amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "b45319dac495d29e17b5eff312392025"; Source link