#Caution! Raw Chicken

[shroommutantxx]

I love you in every universe 💘💌

[milf--adjacent]

Salmonella is "a part of life" too, but y'all don't go around forcing others to lick raw chicken. Why have you given up all caution around covid and other airborne diseases?

[zooophagous]

Were you the one I saw who was speaking out against raw feeding cats or dogs? I remember seeing something cross my dash at somepoint, and I'm not familiar with the topic so just curious and looking to read up, but didn't remember who said it till I saw a little joke reply on the April fools post LOL

I think that may have been one of the veterinary blogs here. I don't remember making a post addressing raw feeding but my brain is Swiss cheese because of my various neurodivergences.

I don't feed raw personally and for a lot of people I think trying to make your own raw fed diet is a bad idea. It does have its applications and many pets do very good on it but for the majority of pet owners I find it to be a lot of work and a lot of added risk for very little measurable gain.

Right now especially its not recommended to feed any pet raw poultry but especially cats as there have been a decent handful of animals that succumbed to bird flu from eating infected chicken. So far it hasn't infected humans from eating chicken, but we typically cook it enough to kill it. There is a known link to it in cats though and given how fast it mutates and spreads to new hosts a lot of vets are cautioning against raw meat at all.

[moss-in-my-shoes]

-Linked Universe Headcanons-

When reader is injured

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Caution: mentions of injury/blood/broken bones DO NOT interact if you would be triggered by these topics. Thank you.

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⌛️Time⏳

Light injury - Time isn’t going to freak out if you’re a bit scraped up. He used to jump off buildings and fall off bridges as a child, so if you skin your knee or get a small bruise, he’s more or less neutral. He’ll hand you a bandaid if the injury is bleeding enough for it, but most of the time will tell you to just “rub some dirt on it.”

Medium injury - While Time won’t freak out if you get a bad cut or a decent sized bruise, he will worry about infection or underlying issues. Anything bleeding enough to drip is immediately getting disinfected and bruises are prodded at and inspected. He cares quite a bit and isn’t above banning you from helping Wild prep dinner if you accidentally slice your hand.

Deep injury - Time is good in high-stress situations, able to keep a calm and clear mind. If you’ve been stabbed, have a broken bone, or are actively writhing in agony, he’s quick to aid you. Once you’re stable and alright, he doesn’t give you a choice but to rest and sleep. He has the chain do rounds of checking up on you, giving you potions, rewrapping your wounds, etc. Although, this man can’t help but press two of his fingers to the pulse behind your ear when you sleep, just to be sure.

🌙Twilight💫

Light injury - Akin to Time, doesn’t see it as a big deal. He’s a farm boy, scrapes is his middle name. He does ask if you’re okay if something does happen, no matter how small, and unconsciously breaths a sigh of relief if you can brush yourself off and give him a thumbs up.

Medium injury - A bit more worried. He doesn’t freak out in battle, but you slice your finger open cutting raw chicken and then go to put your finger in your mouth? You’re getting grabbed immediately. Twilight is rushing to disinfect and bandage your cut while ranting about why what you almost did was stupid. He doesn’t pay too much mind to big bruises, but will check to make sure that nothing is broken.

Deep Injury - AAAAAH. This is where the guy panics. A stab wound, broken bone, writhing in agony, this man is PANICKING. Although, he’s silent panicking, stitching you up and shoving a healing potion down your throat. He becomes overprotective for at least a week, until Time tells him to calm down.

☁️Sky🌤️

Light injury - A bit worried, gets all soft with you for a moment to ask if you’re okay. You find it silly that he takes such little things so seriously, but you appreciate his concern. He always checks the injury, no matter if there’s blood or bruising.

Medium injury - Tell me why this man made you sit down?? Dude won’t let you do anything until he’s sure you aren’t going to keel over- you only got hit by a club! You’re fine! It wasn’t a sword! Sky isn’t budging, he’s firm about you holding something cold to your bruising flesh until the swelling goes down.

Deep Injury - A mess to be honest. He’s quick to aid you and help, but he’s shaking as he tries to wrap up your wound. If the injury is bad enough and his shaking is too much, someone is going to have to take over. He’s just so scared of losing you, but he’ll make sure to nurse you back to health.

🗡️Warriors🏹

Light injury - He cares yeah, but honestly does not gaf. He fought in a goddamn war, you’ll be okay if you get a little bruise or scratch.

Medium injury - You’re getting praise out of this guy for taking a decent hit and being okay. He’ll take a moment to ask if you’re fine, but won’t freak out or be honestly too worried. Injury is a sign of hard work to him, which isn’t necessarily the healthiest way of seeing it.

Deep injury - Calm and collected. He’s quickly pulling you from whatever caused the injury and laying you down, barking orders to the others to grab what he needs to help you. He’s nimble and fast with his hands, able to patch you up well and quick. He’s snapping bones back into place, putting in stitches, etc. Warriors isn’t afraid. He’ll check up on you later with more emotion in his words, glad he didn’t lose you.

🏰Hyrule🏘️

Light injury - Any injury in his Hyrule could be life or death, so he’s always quick to make sure you’re okay. He may do it nonchalantly, but he always has this air of deep concern around him. A scrape or bruise gets a bit of healing potion in your system whether you want it or not.

Medium injury - Freaks out like you’d been stabbed, when in reality you just bruised your leg pretty bad. More health potion, he’s carrying you back to camp regardless if your legs work or not, scolding you to be more careful. He cares a lot and for good reason.

Deep injury - A lot of emotions. Hyrule feels unadulterated rage if you were attacked, so whatever hurt you isn’t going to have a heartbeat for much longer. Others may have to take care of you because Hyrule is too busy enacting revenge. If he’s taking care of you himself, his ways of doing so may seem rough, but you’ll be okay. (It’s the trauma)

🔥Wild🥘

Light injury - Wild finds it pretty funny in a charming way. He thinks you slipping and tumbling is cute and fun and may just throw himself down after you. He’s quick to pull you close and laugh, quietly asking through chuckles if you’re okay.

Medium injury - Claps you on the back first, laughs a little second, asks if you’re okay third. He’ll make you something nice to eat that night if he thought the injury was bad enough to warrant it. Double checks with Time/Twilight to make sure you’re okay.

Deep injury - OH SHIT OH FUCK OH GOD. He doesn’t really know what to do! Healing potion?? Stitches?? He’s not a medic for Hylia’s sake! He probably goes and gets the nearest in the chain to help, but if left by himself to help you, he’ll do his best. It’s not perfect, but it’ll keep you alive.

🌺Legend🐳

Light injury - Makes fun of you for at least three days minimum if it was something stupid. Ruffles your hair and tells you to suck it up because it’s really not that big of a deal. He cares enough to get you a bandaid though, he’s just a bit of a prick about it.

Medium injury - Immediately asks if you’re okay, but then shakes it off and starts poking fun. He’s embarrassed that he was that scared of you being hurt and tends to overshadow his concern with teasing and making fun of you. He does make sure you’re okay though.

Deep injury - Can’t hide his worry as well as he think he can and may even start crying afterwards. He’s a really anxious guy and doesn’t want to see anyone he cares about hurt, so big injuries make him very emotional. He’s a big “holding it together in the moment” person, but he’s all tears and regret after. Big self blamer too.

💰Ravio🐰

Light injury - He’ll sell you a bandaid for five rupees- OW! Okay- fine. Just take the stupid thing! Is a bit pouty that you punched him in the shoulder, but is glad to see you’re fine.

Medium injury - Quite freaked out. If you can just get up and keep going like nothing happened, cool. He thinks you’re a bit weird for it because he’d take the excuse to lay down for a bit. Always lays a cautious hand on your shoulder and anxiously asks if you’re okay.

Deep injury - Faints at the sight of large amounts of blood or broken bones, so he may not be as much help as he could be. He’ll aid you afterwards while you’re on bed rest- but don’t underestimate him, you’re staying in that bed whether you want to or not. He’s not above pushing you back down or lying on top of you. Ravio will try to charge you a fee after, but one look and he’ll stop.

⚒️Four🐁

Light injury - Will ask if you’re okay, and if you are, teases you that he’ll kiss it better. Will chase you around yelling, “just let me kiss it! Cmoooon!” While you scream for help.

Medium injury - The Minish in him and all four of his voices are worriers at heart. Minish are kind creatures who wish to help humans where they can and see them safe. The four voices are all protective in their own right, so he’ll immediately ask in the most serious tone if you’re okay and it’s like- a bad bruise or something.

Deep injury - Immediately splitting apart to have multiple sets of hands to help. If you’d been stabbed, a set of hands has a cloth to catch the blood, another is stitching you up, one has your head in their lap and another is standing guard. You’ll sleepily ask later what that was all about and Four will just shrug and blame your blood loss. There weren’t four of him! What??

🌊Wind🏴‍☠️

Light injury - Laughs like Wild does, but is a lil worrier and asks quietly if you’re okay. Pats your back and distracts you from what happened with a story or going to do something else.

Medium injury - Kind. Very kind. He’ll ask what happened while he helps bandage you up or put an ice pack to a bad bruise. He’ll try to cheer you up by telling his own story of getting hurt, to maybe distract you also.

Deep injury - Wind is a child, he’s a lil baby man. He’s tough, sure, but he’s also a kid. He cries his eyes out as he tries to help as best he can, calling for Time or Twilight as he keeps you conscious. You’ll have to hug him tight and let him bury his face in your shoulder so he’ll believe that you’re alive and safe.

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Hope you enjoyed! This is a pretty simple concept, but I thought it was fun to do!

Have a nice day and stay safe!

- Moss Man :3

[followthebluebell]

Update on October 12, 2023: An additional lot of Darwin’s pet food has tested positive for Salmonella. FDA tested this product after receiving a consumer complaint. 

To date, the firm has not recalled any of the affected product lots of product manufactured in 2023.

The affected food appears to be the chicken based recipes:

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs, Lot 9774, manufactured on Jun 13, 2023.

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe for Cats, Lot 9795, manufactured on Jun 28, 2023.

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe for Cats, Lot 9830, manufactured on Jul 19, 2023.

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats, Lot 9802, manufactured on Jul 7, 2023.

The products are in white and clear plastic packages. The dog food has blue labeling, and the cat food has blue and green labeling. Each package weighs two pounds and consists of four separate units. The lot codes are printed on the front of the lower left unit of the package.

If you have these lots of pet food from Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, or you can’t be sure of the lot code of the products you have, throw them away. Do not feed them to your pets.

[clairelutra]

in light of the brucepac listeria outbreak, please know that the bacteria involved die at 150F. unlike some bacteria it CANNOT be killed by freezing and the bacteria can continue to grow while refrigerated unless you've got your fridge set to like 33F or something.

note that most microwave foods say to heat them to 165F anyway, so if you follow the instructions, you are at vastly lower risk of catching it than if you don't. if you're worried or have good reason to worry (e.g. pregnant, compromised, old), check with a thermometer.

DON'T eat pre-cooked chicken that you're not heating up to at least 150F. i believe that canned goods should also be safe, but exercise caution.

If you're cooking the chicken from raw, be extra super careful about cleaning up both before and after handling the raw chicken, don't use the same utensils to handle the chicken before and after cooking, and use a thermometer to ensure the chicken hits 165F for at least 15 seconds (you're supposed to do this anyway, but some of us are home cooks not beholden to the government). those are the good practices that brucepac cut corners on.

listeria is a bacteria introduced from surface contamination, so keep this in mind, keep your space clean, and don't eat anything you're not cooking right before consumption.

listeria is MOST DANGEROUS to PREGNANT WOMEN in addition to the children/elders/immunocompromised. please, please, please, if you are pregnant take extra good care of yourself and your baby.

[nezclaw]

hey. hey you. yeah, you there cooking on your own for the first time. i'm glad you're doing it, it's a great idea, but do you know food safety? cuz you can potentially make yourself sick if you're not careful.

if you don't know, here's some things to keep in mind. this may not be comprehensive, i don't work in food service but both my parents did so they taught me caution.

The 40-140 rule ( or 4 to 60 in C) If your food is between 40 F and 140 F for more than two hours, (or one hour if above 90F/32C) that's where bacteria flourishes. This is particularly important when it comes to raw meat and seafood, but applies to all perishable food.

Cross Contamination If you're processing raw meat of any kind, you need to use a separate cutting board and knife than the one you're using to process vegetable ingredients, or at least clean both with hot soapy water before changing ingredient types.

Cooking Meat There's a couple rules when it comes to cooking meat. First, chicken, pork, fish, and any ground meat needs to be cooked all the way through. No exceptions. -Chicken is full of salmonella, at least in the States, and needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165F (74C) -Ground meat has had all the bacteria on the outside mixed in, so it needs to be cooked to 160F (71F) -Solid chunks of meat* need to be cooked to at least 145F (63C) and allowed to rest for three minutes. *some of you may have opinions about how rare your meat should be. i would suggest not experimenting with rare meats** until you have more experience **chicken pork and seafood MUST be cooked all the way through.

Eggs they say don't eat raw eggs and yes i know you steal raw cookie dough but that's not safe not just because of the eggs but also the flour can be contaminated with e. coli. -when buying eggs, check to make sure the shells are intact. if an egg is broken, bacteria can get in. -if an egg breaks after you get it, use it immediately or discard.

source: https://www.foodsafety.gov/

[rebel-1006]

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️

This is a work of fictional transgressive literature containing extreme and sensitive content that may be disturbing. It includes:

- Graphic violence (death, mutilation)

- Explicit sexual content (including unconventional acts)

- Drug use

- Animal cruelty

- Profane and offensive language

- Themes of nihilism and despair

Recommended for readers 18+ only. Please proceed with caution.

1.

I came home to a fuckin' burnt-down shack, my old lady's corpse charred to crispy bacon.

I hacked off her head, jammed my dick into the greasy stump of her neck, and blew my load like a goddamn firehose. The car survived, though-least I got wheels. My shitty assets: Mom's carcass (gobbled up in 10 days), the ride, some trash in the backseat, soggy posters, and a bank account drier than a nun's cunt. Lost my job too. Quit like a rat fleeing a sinkin' ship. Time to hit the fuckin' road.

2.

No plan, just drove like a meth-head chasing ghosts. Ended up in some piss-stained forest 20 clicks away-trees thick as a junkie's veins.

3.

Met A in that shithole woods. She was part of some backwater cult, fuckin' a rooster she called "husband." They fed me drugs that night-syrup thick as cum. I stole As dress, fingered their pigs, and she begged me to be the "best man" at her poultry wedding. We fucked that chicken raw—its shithole burst, shit drippin' down my leg. A licked it clean.

(First time bangin' somethin' warm-usually I stick to roadkill or freezer meat.) Next day, we ate the cock. Passed chunks around like communion wafers.

4.

Mom's bones picked clean. I scavenge dumpsters now, suckin' moldy scraps like a sewer rat. A and me live in the car, stinkin' of gas and stale jizz. We wash in park fountains, scrubbin' filth with fuckin' gutter water. She's a relapsed junkie, rationing her fixes like I ration piss-warm beer. Says I gotta score her fresh powder. Sometimes I huff that shit with her. You can live on trash and cum, but hope?

Nah. Kill that, and you're a walkin' corpse.

Lost my job, lost my fuckin' soul. All those pats on the back? Just lies to keep me numb.

[beardedmrbean]

TikTok has given oxygen to some truly outlandish dietary suggestions. Last year, the recommendation to cook one's chicken in NyQuil trended enough that it caused the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to issue a formal statement warning against the practice. "Healthy Coke" went viral as well after a TikTok influencer claimed that mixing sparkling water with salad dressing could create a healthy alternative to drinking Coca-Cola. Claims or recommendations like these often masquerade as "hacks," but they fly in the face of scientific research - or in most cases, even sound logic.

The latest such trend that's gone viral, thanks to TikTok influencers like Pauly Long and the Liver King, is the suggestion to consume raw meat, purportedly to increase energy and improve digestion.

Can you eat raw beef?

Such benefits aren't backed by science, however, and the recommendation to eat raw beef isn't supported by any health agency either. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) specifically recommends against the practice or even sampling small amounts of raw or undercooked meat.

Not only should you not eat raw beef, it's also important to be careful when handling it. "Make sure to wash hands, separate raw meat from other foods, and promptly store leftovers to ensure safe handling of all cooked foods," advises Audra Wilson, MS, bariatric dietitian at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.

What is dangerous about eating raw beef?

Failing to do so or choosing to eat raw meat despite warnings against the practice can lead to some potential consequences. Raw beef often contains harmful bacteria such as salmonella, campylobacter, listeria and E. coli - each of which can disrupt the body's digestive tract and cause foodborne illness. Such illnesses can lead to "food poisoning symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea," cautions Wilson. In the elderly, children, and pregnant women, she adds, such bacteria "can cause more severe illness or even death."

The only way to eliminate such risks and kill harmful bacteria associated with raw meat is by cooking it thoroughly, says Julia Zumpano, RD, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition.

At what temperature is beef considered safe to eat?

That means cooking one's meat to temperatures that surpass even what some people order their steaks at in restaurants. "Rare or medium rare steaks still have potential for these bacteria," cautions Zumpano, "it's just much less when compared to raw beef."

To stay on the safe side, the USDA recommends cooking beef, bison, veal, goat, and lamb until it has an internal temperature of 145 degrees, then letting it rest for 3 minutes before cutting into it or eating. Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, a sports dietitian for the Kansas City Chiefs and founder of Active Eating Advice, says that ground beef and sausage needs to be cooked even longer, until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. "That's the only way to destroy harmful bacteria that causes food poisoning," she says.

And don't forget to use a meat thermometer when checking meat temperatures. "Accurately use a meat thermometer by inserting it into the thickest part of the beef," advises Wilson. "Using your eyes or nose alone are not effective ways to determine the doneness of meat," echoes Bonci. ___________________________________

Can we maybe just let the herd cull itself here on this one?

Just this once maybe we could try it

[shroommutantxx]

they all drank the upgrade juice 🥤

[workingdownthewordmine]

Love Thy Neighbour - Chapter 2 Shadows in the House

Bucky is haunted by an unwanted presence all too close to home.

Read this chapter on AO3 here.

Chapter 1 | Chapter3

Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe Characters: James "Bucky" Barnes Rating: T CW: Threat, injury, paranoia, hearing voices, flashbacks, choking Prompts filled: Fandom Free Bingo (Frosty Edition) card 1: Helping the injured @fandom-free-bingo Febuwhump 2024: Day 18 - Too weak to move @febuwhump Multifandom-Flash (Round 2): Through the eyes of madness @multifandom-flash Multifandom-Flash (Discrimination): Dehumanizing insult Whumpuary 2024: Day 2 - "Get away from me"/collapse/choking @whumpuary

Dividers by @unfortunate-beetle-and-friends

“Will he not fancy that the shadows which he formerly saw are truer than the objects which are now shown to him?” 

Plato 

The temporary soothing effect of the whimsical gift and its accompanying note wore off as soon as night fell. There was work to do before he could turn in. He travelled every floor, setting his alarms, dragging armfuls of lumber with him to plug up as many points of entry as he could. If someone was going to get in here, he wanted to know exactly what route they’d have to take. No one was going to sneaking up on him down some eccentric crawlspace left behind by decades of half-funded renovations. Every pinch he squirmed through seemed to reveal another crack in the building’s shell until he was choking on dust and the ache in his shoulder and side was making his entire torso throb. How could a building so full of holes still be standing? Even when his lumber supply dried up and he was forced to return to the apartment, he couldn’t stop circling from one window to the next, scanning the streets outside. What had been caution wound about him tighter and tighter until he moved through his home like a deadly sharp coiled spring, poised to taste blood. Eventually he did force himself to lie down, but it didn’t do him much good. The spring would not unwind. 

Bucky slept about as well as he predicted – a little worse than an insomniac who’d been trying to treat their chicken pox with cocaine. He lay with his back pressed to the wall, trying to shield himself against the phantom fingers waiting to close around his throat. 

The voice that crept from his lips was barely a breath in the dark. “I won’t go back.” He dipped his chin in the tiniest nod. “I won’t go back. I won’t go back.” 

He shunned his sleeping bag. He needed to sleep lightly, not lulled by softness. He felt every splinter in the floorboards. Every change of light through the window above him or soft creak from the aging building had his hand tightening on his sidearm, jerking his shoulder until each movement meant a wince and an effort to stay silent. Even without his almost hourly patrols of the building, gun in hand, the night was more exhausting than the day. 

Daylight came as a relief, for as much as fifteen minutes. He lit the stove and poured hot water onto half a cup of coffee granules. Nothing less had a hope of making it through to his central nervous system before his body neutralised it. By the same token, he downed a handful of pills with the first scalding swallow. In defiance of Hollywood’s beliefs, pain wouldn’t sharpen his reflexes, just hinder his control. And he needed to be in control of himself. The painkillers hadn’t even kicked in before his short-lived respite was over.  

It was no more than a car backfiring. He was certain of that. He was no raw recruit filling his shorts with shit at the snap of a twig. So, why was it a full ten minutes before he could thaw from his crouch at the window and stop examining every inch of Legion Street through his scope? Why was every nerve ending already blazing when the alarm sang out overhead? 

Fuck. Fuck. He’d fucked up. All the traps he had laid, all the potential openings he’d boarded up… useless. Someone was up there right over his goddamn head. Useless. Fucking useless. He strapped a knife to his thigh opposite his gun, hesitated, and added another to his shin. The he removed the board from the wall cavity in the hall closet as quietly as possible. 

He’d walked into this situation and no one was going to save him if he didn’t get his shit together and do it himself.  

Even if they could, why would they bother? They’d probably be relieved to have the embarrassing fuck-up taken care of…  

The reptilian voice crawled through the back of his mind as he eased through the gap and into the dark, dusty recess. They wouldn’t come, not even if he called, not when he’d pushed them all away. 

He pulled himself around a beam, metal fingers biting deep into the wood, struggling to breathe in the suffocating gloom. And he couldn’t call. Because his phone was back in his apartment, now fifteen feet below him. Because he knew, didn’t he? He knew and had always known that the best, kindest – hell, the only- thing he could do for anyone he cared about was to stay away from them. Stay entirely out of contact. 

Higher. No beams here. Back and feet braced against either wall. Level with the third floor ceiling with the alarm still wailing above him. Idiot. The noise would tell whoever was up there that they’d been detected. There went any element of surprise and any chance he’d had of tracking their movement until he had eyes on them or that fucking noise stopped. Fucking stupid of him. The shrieking alarm reverberated around his skull. The only thing worse than a monster was an incompetent monster. He moved slower. He pushed through prickling sheets of insulation. The air in his chest burned and his head spun. The shrieking alarm mingled with the mocking sneer inside his head. What good was this half-assed fucking around inside a fucking wall? Without his leash, he was no better than a stray dog loose in the traffic, waiting for a speeding car to end his miserable existence. 

Head already spinning, he didn’t realise he was falling until he smashed through a beam and twisted, raking down the rough wall, the light from his own apartment flashing past him and receding, disappearing into the darkness along with everything else. Ice cold air tearing past him. Agony searing through his arm, rock and snow racing up to meet him… Worthless piece of shit… 

He woke and fought not to scream. The debris around him gouged his flailing body as he wrenched free. He rolled, dropped again, then he was kneeling, shaking, on the mouldy piss-stinking basement floor. He groped at the cracked edges of tile around him, grasping in desperation. Cold, dark, pain… he could feel  the restraints around his limbs dragging him down. The scream ripped free. He kicked furiously, scrabbling for purchase in the dirt, throwing himself towards the doorway and the dim light filtering down the stairwell. His shoulder slammed into the doorframe. He felt the wall tremble as though the whole building was ready to fall.  

Do it… bury me down here. In the pit. Where I belong. 

Merciful darkness swallowed him. 

They took a little longer to reach the basement. They followed the sounds. His fall. His scream. The ringing impact of Vibranium on concrete. Then they hesitated at the head of the last flight of stairs. If he was still conscious, what sort of condition would he be in? To them it seemed most likely they’d find him catatonic or maybe crazed with distress, like a wounded, cornered animal… They’d heard those sounds before. No one who made sounds like that was going to be in a state to roll out a welcome mat. Softly, they descended. 

He woke in a rush of panic, his eyes and lungs burning, unable to recognise his surroundings. There were straps on his arms. His legs. His chest. No. No. No! He forced himself upright, wrenching his left arm across to tear at the fabric binding his right, heedless of the pain in his shoulder. Fresh blood welled under his digging fingertips. He had already shredded the fabric before he realised it wasn’t secured to anything. There was still an intact sea knot amongst the pieces he had stripped away. The cloth was tacky with blood. Not restraints – bandages. Someone had bandaged him while he was unconscious. He heard his own harsh breath filling the room, bruising the silence, as he scanned frantically.  

Newspapered walls. Light blotted out by heavy boards across the windows. The floor stained and pitted but fairly clear of garbage… because he had shovelled it all out into the alley during his first week here. He remembered deciding he’d get his own place fixed up first but that he wouldn’t leave all that gross shit and trash to stink everything up and rot the wood even further. It had taken him a day or two to haul everything out. Him. He was in one of the downstairs apartments. Alive. Unrestrained. No more harmed than he’d been after…  

The fall. That fucking voice. He whipped around, ignoring the flares of pain all over him, expecting to find a familiar silhouette looming over him. Expecting rusted metal to choke him at any moment. But he was alone. The only presence he could detect was his own. Still, he didn’t trust it yet. He hadn’t forgotten the story Steve had related – waking up in a room Fury’s people had designed. Who was to say the same wasn’t happening to Bucky right now? Maybe they’d decided they weren’t comfortable with having him on the loose after all. Maybe Hydra had copied the trick. He wouldn’t put it past them. But why now, when they’d never troubled themselves to make him feel at home before? 

It was only as he got stiffly to his feet that he noticed he had not been lying on bare floor as he’d assumed. Where his head had rested there was a bundle of cloth. He pulled it towards him and it unrolled into a stained black hoodie, heavy with the mingled smells of blood and sweat. And someone had rolled it up into a pillow for him. He dropped it beside his feet and paused to examine his bandages more closely. They didn’t look like they’d been very neat even before his violent clawing but those that had survived his panic were still fairly secure, tied off like the one he’d destroyed, not pinned or taped. The worst of his wounds – a deep gash in his right thigh – had an extra strip of fabric tied over the top of the crepe bandages. Improvised bandages had changed somewhat since France; the addition wasn’t scavenged linen. He plucked at the thin stretchy cotton and recognised part of an old t-shirt. He grunted with amusement, in spite of the weird situation, when his probing fingers found a green paw mark printed on the black fabric. That, more than anything else, struck him as an unlikely ploy for any of his enemies. He thought of the plant in its bright pot and the friendly note that had accompanied it. 

He tested his arm and legs. Bruised, bleeding in a few places, but nothing broken. His bones didn’t break readily. He took a deep breath and doubled over choking. His throat was raw. His cheeks grew hot at the memory of his terrified screaming. It was probably too much to hope that no one had heard. 

What an embarrassment you are. So much training wasted… 

He had to get out of here. 

The stairs were a difficult climb. His lungs were full of fire. The absence of the tripwires on his floor registered mostly in relief that he wouldn’t have to negotiate them with watering eyes and stumbling feet. He stepped carefully round the stakes he had embedded beneath false patches of linoleum in his entryway, holding the wall for balance. He squinted painfully out of the window, trying to gauge how long he had been incapacitated. Looked like afternoon. Hours, then. Guilt and shame twisted in his gut.  

He stared through streaming eyes between the doorways of the hall closet and his bedroom. He wasn’t exactly going to be safe with that big fucking hole into the wall  sitting there open and visible, but how safe was he anyway? He’d completely failed to make this place any kind of fortress. The alarm was no longer screaming. Had the battery died? Had someone turned it off? He swayed as he turned his gaze to his sleeping bag. God, he needed rest. How long had it been since he had screamed so much that it hurt to breathe? He ran his hands over his torso, searching, but the pain wasn’t right for broken ribs and he found no evidence of them. Gravity pulled at him. He leaned on the door jamb, willing the smooth surface to cool his prickling forehead. Was it possible to come down with the flu in the space of a couple of hours? Could he even still catch the flu? That was enough thought to set his head spinning. His fingertips splintered the doorframe as he rocked on his feet. Down. Lie down. Important. The sleeping bag seized his gaze again.  

You’ve been sleeping all day. Why should a performance like today’s earn a nap? 

The last word was spat in his face, with all the disdain the childish concept deserved.  

What do you think you deserve for humiliating yourself? A pat on the head and a cookie? 

“I’ll do better…” he found himself muttering. He scrubbed his hand across his red eyes and drew in a sharp breath at the fresh wave of pain left in its wake. Mastering himself, he crossed back to the closet and hauled up the board that covered the hole. He set it in place and cast about for the tools to fix it there. So dark in this shadowy recess, out of sight of the apartment’s few windows. He blinked, trying to clear the terrible gritty feeling from his eyes. The closet seemed darker each time it came back into view. The darkness flickered like the static on a television set. The unsteady floor rattled as he crashed down on his knees then pitched forwards onto his face. 

Consciousness returned with punishing weight, yet left him in the dark. The force that had woken him pressed him down against the bare wood. He jerked under another blow, the impact echoing around his skull. Stop. Please. I’ll do better… Please. Another thud. Pleading never helped… Another wince. A voice. He flinched, expecting more pain. But the voice was outside of his head. No… No! He fumbled blindly for his pistol. Both arms were too heavy to move.  

To think I called something like you an asset…  

He gulped, throat closed, no sound beyond a gurgle. Had he- was his jaw broken again? Thud… Thud, thud. The blows sporadic and somehow distant. He couldn’t pull himself from the past, his weakened body seeming to occupy both at once. He groped for the gun again. Couldn’t grip. Slipping. There was a soft scrabbling at the front door. The knob rattled. He made one more grasp for his weapon, then the darkness of memory closed over his face.  

[ourolite2]

꒰꒰ CONCEPT.ㅤ some messy general headcanons with no less than circe himself. so, stay a while, grab a bite, no need to delay us with fight or flight. we'll need you plump and full for the bumpy ride... darling, i said grab a bite, or before long he might. is that what you want? less appetite than appetizer on your mind, is there? ꒰꒰ ALLERGY WARNING.ㅤ includes ... neutrally suggestive themes, lil’ fluff in the head canon portion p chill, yandere-like reader, sub + needy reader who’s also a degradee, teasing/slight degradation, mentions of blood consumption, insinuated human consumption (he is a vampire, what do you want from me), ominous tones, insinuated reader death (not described), addressing him as sir and mentioning him as master (not in any slave play kind of way), and gender neutral reader.

੭᱙. vampire!oc who sautés blood in a pan or drizzles it prettily overtop his meals. circe yué'li incorporates it into his meals creatively, maybe as a dressing, or perhaps as added flavor to some strawberry filling, rather than sucking it down straight from the source. can you imagine? doesn't that feel too.. cannibalistic? he’s a vampire, but please, goodness, he’s not primitive. the man has some dignity, he's not as old as dracula himself, jeez! have some manners.. (*cough, cough* uh.. circe has been tamed by society and an upright consciousness, but there is still something very wrong with him deep down. at the end of the day, he's a raw, sacrifical, eat-or-be-eaten animal. if he were to lose control somehow, circe would attempt to kill countless strangers, associates and loved ones without any recognition of who or what they are! teehee :3)

੭᱙. vampire!oc who is a firm believer that it does matter where the blood comes from. circe's not a fan of chicken blood or any bird-related blood really, so he just feeds the appendages and organs of these animals to his dogs when he's hunting (they're on raw diets, which are really good for dogs btw). this nigga prefers the blood of mythical creatures, however they're hard to come by as prey, since they often end up as his friend or associate or fucking mother-in-law rather than his prey *circe sighs in slight disappointment*. if not mythical, however, then he enjoys the taste of the blood of sea creatures, fellow vampires honestly, and all animals in the cat family (lions, tigers, leopards, his lover— oh, whoops!)

੭᱙. vampire!oc who is territorial as fuck over his home and hunts trespassers by any and all means.

੭᱙. vampire!oc who, despite being a vampire, goes to sleep unbearably early??? he’s passing out between 9 and 10pm generally. anything past that? there’s either a very valid reason as to why, or anyone witnessing him awake at 1am should be careful. no, i will not specify why caution is my word of advice for this scenario.

੭᱙. vampire!oc who wasn't a dog person but now has a doberman and a bloodhound who he'd go to kuzimu and back for. he loves snuggling with his first dog, the doberman, known as yìzé! circe gets nostalgic, yes, but also yìzé is just such a tsundere. he'll behave so stoic, stern and determined in front of others, but when it’s just him and circe he’s like a hopeless, adoring puppy again. <3 most often, he snuggles with babydoll, the oh-so-fitting bloodhound, who is not afraid to give kisses and cuddles!

੭᱙. vampire!oc who has two non-vampire boyfriends. wow, wow, wow! i know right? how lucky is he to be dating two of neso’s oc’s at the same damn time? he's the tallest of the trio, and also the clumsiest— partially due to his height. (i hear that’s a canon difficulty with tall people universally, chat is this real?) anyways, those oc’s will be revealed in time :PP now, stay tuned and snack on a little head canon drabble thing completely unrelated to the previous head canons. :D xD without further edging, introducing yours truly, circe yué’li!

𑁤 Loitering in Circe Yue'li's lea is the last location any death-abiding being should be. Alas, you're not here to abide or decline death, you're here for him, isn't that right?

He's pinning you. Blades of grass caress and itch your left cheek as your face is pressed along the pervasive greenery, with the crook of your neck being imposed upon as the cedar-skinned man-eater narrows his starved search for the prettiest piece of you to bite down on. He's confident that he'll go for that protruding vein streaming down the side of your neck; it's practically calling his name with every throb and thump, but as he slips out his tongue to take a taste, his prey deems it appropriate to grin. To smile, even? Well isn't that a sanguine way to live. Too eagle-eyed and cat-minded to proceed, your unfocused eye contact is physically demanded unto his own. He turns your head straight, then grants you the privelage of speaking to you, after humming in a dry, rough manner of acknowledgement. "Is there something fun about this to you? I take it you must like trespassing and cannibalism, stuff like this and that. Right?"

With the lack of fear in your visual reaction, as well as your hitched breaths and swallowed whines, he's sure the vengeful one of his boyfriends didn't earn you a death wish by sending him yet another snac- er.. victim. You came along all by your lonesome, of your own blankly lustful avidity, so it seems.

Becoming less phlegmatic with the scenario than unattractively tentative, Circe weighs his limited options. He may, one, give you what treatment you're due and enjoy a prompt lunch, or he may, two, pretend to be as morally upright as a socially-acceptable mortal man and release you back into the wild where you evidently do not belong.

"If you had to choose between a bite in your neck or a bite on your thigh, which would you prefer?" A scrupulous glare complements his straight-faced mug as he focuses on you from above, his gruff yet gentle voice proving his hunger to be placed on the back-burner for today's preference of food-play. But careful. He's becoming a vessel to restlessness as he's not fond of how long his favorite, flared black jeans have been in contact with the ground, as this scenario has exceeded at least a full minute by now.

Responding carelessly with a flirtatious tone and honey-drenched tongue, you sweetly sigh and mutter, "Anywhere.. please, sir? Just one little bite? A.. lick... lower?" Oh, bloody baby. You darling, doe-eyed ditz. How could you know he only asked so he could attest to himself that you were as romantically-disturbed as he envisioned and therefore fully worth ridding of? It's logic he's working with, love, and at this rate it's long overdue.

Really, do you enjoy the feeling of hopelessness in the pit of your stomach? That fluttering, warmness touching along your crotch? Does being such a pathetic presentation for Master Yuè’li turn you on? For fucks sake, you're less than a blood orange to him.

"Hm.. No, no thanks. That's a nice act, but if you could've showed me you were even a little bit sorry, then maaaybe I would've let you go." Presuming you as dead, despite your brief charm and hopeless, dumb-cutie prattle, Circe's grin widens as he leans back into that vein. The one that's been maintaining eye contact with him even more than that teary eyed, desperate, sick puppy-eyed look you've been limiting his lidded eyes to. His plump lips tickle that fleeting pulse beneath your febrile skin, earning your quivering body a chuckle against it from his agape mouth. God, but how blessed you are in your final moments, huh?

"Honestly, I didn't think you'd give in like that, I'm not some common grab, am I? Hm.. heh.. I wonder.." He gives your lash-fluttering peer one last look, his black-nailed hand lightly trapping a grip around your neck as his fangs give you a glimmered wink with his toothy smile. You swallow, and he sighs, asking one more query. "Did my lovers tell you how I like that nickname, sweetheart? How'd you say it..? 'Sir'?"

⑅ leman productions. all rights fucking reserved, do not plagiarize.

[elmalo8291]

Excellent. Let’s flesh out the Cookbook of Madness: Notes from Fizzlewick & The Professor, now bound in charred leather, stained with bone broth, annotated in alchemical shorthand, and sealed with beef tallow and regret.

This volume includes:

Dangerous dimensional meats

Intelligent sentient sugars

Fermentations that whisper back

Emulsions that bend space

Wild substitutions for mortals

Cooking rituals, symbols, and tasting side effects

🔬📖 SECTION I: DIMENSIONAL MEATS

🍖 “Whispers of the Sixth Rib”

Cut: Beef short ribs, interwoven with “memory-thread” Arcane Notes: Cooked at specific planetary alignments. The fat crackles in patterns seen in dreams.

Real World Recipe:

Braise beef short ribs in a mix of:

Smoked lapsang tea

Fermented mushroom soy

Ground star anise + cocoa nibs

Shaved lemon peel

Wrap in banana leaves and sous-vide for 36 hours at 142°F

Magical Presentation:

Plate over a base of crushed obsidian salt

Decorate with edible “dream-dust” (maltodextrin + beef fat + mushroom powder)

Serve with a marrow spoon sealed in beeswax

🍗 “The Chicken that Learned a Language”

Meat: Chicken hearts, gizzards, and livers—minced into a savory mochi

Real World Method:

Mince organ meat

Mix with rice flour, a touch of gelatin, and lemongrass paste

Steam into savory dumpling cubes

Drizzle with burnt maple vinegar + garlic-chili crisp

Magic Notes:

Each cube has a different 'accent'—flavor bursts from alternate regions (lemongrass = Elven Coast; cinnamon = Necromantic Citadel)

☣️ SECTION II: DANGEROUS FERMENTATIONS

🧠 “Koji-Brain Relic Mousse”

Sweetbreads or pork brain

Koji-cured, pressed into a mold

Cold-smoked with dried citrus peels

Real World Caution:

Ferment brain only with extreme lab-grade hygiene. Substitute: pork shoulder, miso paste, white bean puree.

Serve On:

A black rice cracker with charred leeks

Microgreens dressed with mushroom soy + truffle vinegar

🐖 “Fermented Pig’s Whisper”

Ham hock submerged in:

Onion ash brine

Scoby from pickled beets

Burnt fig leaves

Transformation Period: 14 days of darkness

Result: A meat that "hums" with sour sweetness and strange richness

🍭 SECTION III: SENTIENT SUGARS

🕯️ “Sugar That Remembers Fire”

Isomalt + ginger essence + smoked paprika

Molded into a translucent skull

Filled with chili honey and black garlic syrup

Effect: The spice sharpens memories of meals you’ve long forgotten.

Side Note from Fizzlewick:

“Sniffed it. Wept. Think I tasted my own birth cry.”

🍬 “Taffy of Unstable Polarity”

Pulled taffy made with:

Fermented palm sugar

Raspberry vinegar essence

Shiso leaf confetti

Magical Cooking Note: Pull only under flickering candlelight. Store in obsidian-lined jars.

🧪 SECTION IV: ARCANE EMULSIONS

🍳 “The Emulsion That Bit Back”

Emulsion made with:

Duck egg yolk

Mushroom miso

Brown butter foam

Freeze-dried wasabi powder

Real World Process:

Whisk aggressively in a copper bowl with an anchovy-spiked vinegar mist

Use:

Drizzle over chilled pork belly cubes or crispy chicken skin ‘chips’

Side Effect: Tongue tingles like static for 47 seconds.

🌋 “Mayonnaise of Elemental Rage”

Szechuan chili oil + garlic confit + activated charcoal

Stabilized with roasted marrow and raw quail yolk

Magical Plating:

Pipe into rune shapes

Flame briefly with absinthe torch

Professor’s Side Note:

“Used it on toast. Accidentally summoned breakfast demons.”

🪤 SECTION V: DANGEROUS VARIANTS + SUBSTITUTIONS

🕯️ FIZZLEWICK’S NAPKIN NOTES (Soaked in Rendered Duck Fat)

“Never trust a spice you haven’t argued with.”

“Only stir counterclockwise if you’re ready for the consequences.”

“Real meat screams in metaphors. Cook until it’s silent.”

Would you like me to begin SECTION VI: Forbidden Side Dishes & Garnishes?

Or perhaps a map of The Professor’s Dimensional Pantry, where meats are shelved by timeline?

[george43543]

Reaper Squeezins and Gator Sauce: A Tale of Two Fiery Flavors

Reaper Squeezins and Gator Sauce: A Tale of Two Fiery Flavors

For those who crave intense heat and bold flavors, Reaper Squeezins and Gator Sauce are two hot sauces that stand out in the world of spice. While both deliver a fiery kick, they each bring something unique to the table—one being rocky's hot sauces an extreme test of spice tolerance and the other offering a flavorful punch with a swamp-inspired twist.

Reaper Squeezins: The Ultimate Heat Challenge

Reaper Squeezins is not for the faint of heart. Made from the world-renowned Carolina Reaper pepper, this sauce is one of the hottest available on the market. With a heat level that can bring tears to even the most seasoned chili lovers, Reaper Squeezins delivers pure, unrelenting spice.

What Makes It So Hot?

The Carolina Reaper is known for its scorching heat, with an average of over 1.6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and peaks reaching 2.2 million SHU. Reaper Squeezins contains a high concentration of these peppers, along with minimal additional ingredients, allowing the raw heat to take center stage.

How to Use It

Due to its extreme spice level, Reaper Squeezins should be used sparingly. A single drop can add intense heat to:

Soups and stews

Chili and curries

Marinades for meats

Hot wings for the brave

It’s a sauce that true heat seekers will appreciate, but beginners should proceed with caution.

Gator Sauce: Bold Flavor with a Swampy Kick

While Gator Sauce brings heat, it focuses more on flavor than pure intensity. Inspired by Cajun and Southern cooking, this sauce blends a variety of peppers with rich seasonings, creating a tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet profile.

A Balanced Heat Experience

Unlike the extreme burn of Reaper Squeezins, Gator Sauce offers a moderate to high level of spice that enhances food without overwhelming it. Depending on the blend, it may include ingredients such as:

A mix of cayenne, habanero, or ghost peppers

Vinegar for tanginess

Garlic and onion for depth

Citrus or mustard for a unique twist

How to Use Gator Sauce

Gator Sauce is incredibly versatile and works well with:

Grilled seafood, especially shrimp and catfish

Fried foods like gator bites or chicken tenders

Po’boy sandwiches

Gumbo and jambalaya

Its rich and zesty profile makes it a favorite for those who love bold Southern flavors with a little extra spice.

Which One is Right for You?

If you’re looking for an extreme challenge, Reaper Squeezins will put your heat tolerance to the test. But if you prefer a well-rounded hot sauce with complex flavors, Gator Sauce is the way to go. Whether you're a heat chaser or a flavor explorer, both sauces bring something unique to the table, proving that spice is more than just heat—it’s an experience.

[hyefoods]

Can I Feed My Dog Human Food as Part of Their Diet?

Every dog parent has been there—you’re eating, your pup gives you those big, pleading eyes, and you wonder, “Can I share?” The short answer: Yes, but with caution. While some human foods are great for dog nutrition, others can be dangerous. Let’s break down what’s safe, what’s not, and how to balance human food with dog food.

The Pros of Feeding Your Dog Human Food

1. More Natural Ingredients

Many pet parents worry about processed dog food filled with artificial preservatives. Adding real, whole foods to your dog’s diet—like lean meats, vegetables, and goat milk for dogs—can be a great way to ensure they get quality nutrients.

2. Added Nutritional Benefits

Certain human foods can enhance dog nutrition. For example:

Goat milk for dogs is packed with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion and immunity.

Probiotics for dogs from yogurt or fermented foods can improve gut health and reduce digestive issues.

Fresh fruits and vegetables provide fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.

3. Helps Picky Eaters

Some dogs turn their noses up at dry dog kibble. Mixing in fresh, healthy human food can make meals more enticing while still keeping their diet balanced.

The Cons of Feeding Human Food

1. Risk of Toxic Foods

Not all human foods are safe. Some can be toxic, including:

Grapes and raisins – Can cause kidney failure.

Onions and garlic – Can lead to anemia.

Chocolate and caffeine – Harmful to the nervous system.

Xylitol (found in sugar-free foods) – Can cause liver failure.

2. Nutritional Imbalance

Dogs need a carefully balanced diet, and too much human food could throw that off. If you want to incorporate fresh foods, consider the best fresh dog food brands or homemade dog food recipes approved by vets.

3. Weight Gain and Overfeeding

Table scraps and high-fat foods can contribute to obesity. Stick to lean proteins, veggies, and healthy dog treats instead of processed snacks.

Best Human Foods for Dogs

If you want to supplement your dog’s diet with human food, here are some safe and nutritious options:

1. Lean Proteins

Chicken (unseasoned, no bones)

Turkey

Salmon (great for skin and coat)

Beef (in moderation)

2. Fruits and Vegetables

Carrots (great for dental health)

Blueberries (antioxidant-rich)

Pumpkin (aids digestion)

Apples (without seeds)

3. Dairy (in moderation)

Goat milk for dogs – Packed with probiotics and easy to digest

Plain yogurt – A natural source of probiotics for dogs

Cheese – Can be given as a treat (watch out for lactose intolerance)

4. Whole Grains

Brown rice (gentle on the stomach)

Quinoa (high in protein)

Oatmeal (good for digestion)

How to Incorporate Human Food Safely

1. Follow the 90/10 Rule

Your dog’s diet should be 90% balanced dog food and 10% human food to avoid nutritional imbalances.

2. Avoid Seasonings and Additives

Spices, garlic, and excessive salt can be harmful. Stick to plain, unseasoned foods.

3. Choose High-Quality Dog Food

If you want the best of both worlds, opt for best fresh dog food, raw dog food, or homemade dog food alongside human food. Look for healthy dog food options without fillers and artificial preservatives.

4. Introduce New Foods Gradually

Adding too many new foods at once can upset your dog’s stomach. Slowly introduce fresh foods and monitor for allergies or digestive issues.

Final Verdict: Should You Feed Your Dog Human Food?

Yes—if done correctly! Human food can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when chosen wisely. Just ensure it complements high-quality dog food, like best dog food brands that prioritize real ingredients. Supplementing with goat milk for dogs and probiotics for dogs can also boost your pup’s health.

At the end of the day, balance is key. A mix of fresh dog food, natural dog treats, and safe human food will keep your pup happy, healthy, and begging for more—safely!

For more information, visit us at: www.hyefoods.com

Read more article:

How Pet Food Can Impact Your Dog’s Skin and Coat Health

The Benefits of High-Protein Dog Food for Active Breeds

What’s The Best Dog Food for Puppies and Growing Dogs?

How to Read Cat and Dog Food Labels: What Matters Most?

Cracking the Kibble Code: Finding your Cat’s Inner Foodie with the Purrfect Diet

A Comprehensive Overview on Goat Milk for Dogs: Health Benefits, Risks, and Practical Tips

Delicious Goat Milk Watermelon Popsicles

How Your Dog’s Diet Affects Their Skin: Let’s Talk About Dog Food and Skin Allergies

Care for your Aging Dog — Wagging mustn’t stop in their Golden years!

Hyefoods launched the best food product For your furry friend. indulge the Goat milk powder with probiotics to give them love and care and better digestible. Our products 1. Goat milk powder for pets 2. Goat milk with probiotics for pets 3. Camel milk for pets

[babiesbasic]

Best Baby-Led Weaning Finger Foods for Beginners

Baby-led weaning (BLW) introduces your baby to solid foods in a way that encourages self-feeding and independence. Choosing the right finger foods is essential for ensuring safety, ease of handling, and balanced nutrition as your baby begins their journey into solid foods.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best baby-led weaning finger foods for beginners, along with tips for preparing and serving them safely.

1. Why Finger Foods Are Important for BLW

a) Encourages Independence

Finger foods allow babies to control how much they eat, fostering confidence and self-regulation.

b) Develops Motor Skills

Picking up food helps babies refine their hand-eye coordination and pincer grasp.

c) Introduces Textures and Flavors

Babies explore food through touch and taste, learning to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors.

Tip: Start with soft, easy-to-hold foods that are large enough for your baby to grasp but soft enough to mash with their gums.

2. Best Finger Foods for Beginners

a) Fruits

Bananas: Cut into thirds or thick strips for easy gripping.

Avocado: Slices or chunks with the peel partially left on for grip.

Soft Pears or Peaches: Sliced into wedges.

b) Vegetables

Steamed Carrots: Cut into sticks and steamed until tender.

Sweet Potato Wedges: Roasted or steamed with no added salt.

Zucchini: Steamed or roasted slices.

c) Proteins

Shredded Chicken: Soft, moist pieces that are easy to pick up.

Boiled Eggs: Cut into quarters or strips.

Tofu Cubes: Soft or lightly pan-fried for texture.

d) Grains

Soft Toast Fingers: Spread with unsweetened nut butter or avocado.

Pasta Shapes: Cooked and served plain or with a light sauce.

Rice Cakes: Unsalted and broken into smaller pieces for easy handling.

e) Dairy

Cheese Strips: Mild cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar.

Full-Fat Yogurt: Serve with a spoon or let them use their hands to explore.

3. How to Prepare Finger Foods Safely

a) Ensure Proper Texture

Foods should be soft enough to mash between your fingers.

Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could pose a choking hazard.

b) Cut Foods into Manageable Shapes

For younger babies, serve food in thick strips or wedges they can hold with their fist.

For older babies, offer bite-sized pieces to practice their pincer grasp.

c) Avoid Added Salt and Sugar

Babies’ kidneys are not ready to process added salt, and sugar can contribute to unhealthy eating habits.

d) Always Supervise Mealtimes

Stay close to your baby while they eat to monitor for any choking or difficulty.

Tip: Learn basic first aid techniques for added peace of mind.

4. Tips for Introducing Finger Foods

a) Start with One Food at a Time

Introduce single-ingredient foods to monitor for any allergies or sensitivities.

b) Offer a Variety of Colors and Textures

Presenting different foods encourages curiosity and exploration.

c) Let Your Baby Set the Pace

Allow your baby to decide how much to eat without pressure or interference.

d) Use Baby-Friendly Feeding Tools

Serve foods on suction plates or bowls to keep them in place and reduce mess.

👉 Shop baby-safe feeding tools here: https://babiesbasic.com/.

5. Foods to Avoid for BLW Beginners

Choking Hazards

Whole grapes, cherries, or berries (slice or mash instead).

Hard vegetables like raw carrots.

Large chunks of meat or cheese.

Highly Processed Foods

Chips, cookies, and sugary cereals.

Foods with added salt, sugar, or artificial flavors.

Allergenic Foods (Introduce With Caution)

Nuts, shellfish, or soy (introduce in age-appropriate forms under guidance).

6. Sample BLW Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Ideas

Breakfast

Sliced avocado with soft toast fingers.

Banana oat pancakes cut into strips.

Lunch

Steamed sweet potato wedges with shredded chicken.

Boiled egg quarters with cucumber sticks.

Dinner

Whole-grain pasta with a mild tomato sauce.

Roasted zucchini slices with tofu cubes.

7. FAQs About BLW Finger Foods

Q: How do I know if my baby is ready for finger foods?

Your baby is ready for BLW if they can sit upright, show interest in food, and bring objects to their mouth.

Q: How can I prevent choking during BLW?

Ensure foods are soft and cut appropriately. Always supervise your baby and avoid known choking hazards.

Q: How do I encourage my baby to try new finger foods?

Offer new foods alongside familiar favorites and let your baby explore at their own pace.

8. Why Choose Babies Basic for Mealtime Essentials?

At Babies Basic, we provide tools to make BLW stress-free and enjoyable:

Suction Plates and Bowls: Keep finger foods secure.

Soft Silicone Spoons: Ideal for dipping and scooping practice.

Silicone Bibs with Food Catchers: Minimize mess during self-feeding.

Conclusion

Introducing finger foods is a key milestone in baby-led weaning, helping your baby develop independence and a healthy relationship with food. By offering safe, nutritious, and easy-to-handle options, you can make the process enjoyable for both you and your little one.

Ready to simplify mealtime? Explore our range of baby-safe feeding essentials at Babies Basic and make every meal a success!