#Pickled Plum Rice Ball

[bumblebeeappletree]

Easy Japanese breakfast recipes for beginners!

Breakfast recipes including 6 different types of delicious, easy rice balls (onigiri). Also, you can see how to make miso soup in ONLY 1 MINUTE! It's perfect for busy mornings, don't miss it!

#JapaneseBreakfastRecipe #HealthyBreakfastRecipe

Recipe: https://misosoup.site/easy-6-rice-bal...

【CHAPTER】

00:00 Grilled Rice Ball Breakfast

02:24 Spicy Cod Roe & Pickled Plum Rice Ball Breakfast

04:49 Kombu & Cheese Rice Ball Breakfast

06:44 Wakame Rice Ball Breakfast

08:45 Pickled Plum Rice Ball Breakfast

10:38 Egg & Crab Stick Rice Ball Breakfast

13:23 How to Make Miso Balls

1. Grilled Rice Ball Breakfast

Ingredients [for 1 serving]

Grilled rice ball

・4.5 oz (130g) Cooked rice

・1 tsp Butter

・1 tsp Soy sauce

Rolled omelette

・3 Egg

・1 oz (30g) Crab stick (Imitation crab)

・2 tbsp Minced green onion

・A pinch of Salt

・1/2 tsp Oil

Miso soup (made with miso ball)

・1 tbsp Miso paste

・1 tsp Dried bonito shavings

・1-2 tsp Minced green onion

・Fu (wheat gluten)

・0.7 cup (170ml) Boiled water

======================

2. Spicy Cod Roe & Pickled Plum Rice Ball Breakfast

Ingredients [for 1 serving]

Rice ball

・6 oz (170g) Cooked rice

・1/2 tsp Salt

・Nori seaweed

・1 Pickled plum

・1 tbsp Spicy cod roe

Rolled omelette

・2 Egg

・A pinch of Salt

・A pinch of Sugar (optional)

・1/2 tsp Oil

Carrot warm salad

・1.7 oz (50g) Carrot

・1/2 tsp Sesame oil

・1/2 tsp Soy sauce

・1/3 tsp Grated garlic

・A pinch of Salt

・1/2 tsp White sesame seeds

Broccoli

・1 oz (30g) Broccoli

・Salt and pepper

Miso soup (made with miso ball)

・1/2 tbsp Miso paste

・1 tsp Dried bonito shavings

・1-2 tsp Minced green onion

・1 tsp Pickled plum

・1 tsp Black sesame

・0.7 cup (170ml) Boiled water

======================

3. Kombu & Cheese Rice Ball Breakfast

Ingredients [for 1 serving]

Rice ball

・4.5 oz (130g) Cooked rice

・1 tbsp Salted kombu*

・1 tbsp Cubed cheese

・1 tsp White sesame seeds

・1/2 tsp Sesame oil

・1/2 tsp Soy sauce

*Please use regular kombu and salt when you don't have salted kombu.

Spinach egg

・1 Egg

・1 oz (30g) Spinach

・A pinch of Salt

・1/2 tsp Oil

Miso soup (made with miso ball)

・1 tbsp Miso paste

・1 tsp Dried bonito shavings

・1-2 tsp Minced green onion

・1 tsp Dried wakame seaweed

・0.7 cup (170ml) Boiled water

======================

4. Wakame Rice Ball Breakfast

Ingredients [for 1 serving]

Rice ball

・3.5 oz (100g) Cooked rice

・2 tsp Dried wakame seaweed

・1/2 tsp White sesame seeds

・1/2-1 tsp Sesame oil

・1/2 tsp Mirin

・1/2 tsp Soy sauce

・A pinch of Salt

Cabbage stir-fry

・1.7 oz (50g) Cabbage

・1 oz (30g) Sausage

・1/2 tsp Mirin

・1/2 tsp Soy sauce

Scrambled egg

・1 Egg

・1/2 tsp Oil

・1/2 tsp Ketchup

Miso soup (made with miso ball)

・1 tbsp Miso paste

・1 tsp Dried bonito shavings

・1-2 tsp Minced green onion

・0.7 cup (170ml) Boiled water

======================

5. Pickled Plum Rice Ball Breakfast

Ingredients [for 1 serving]

Rice ball

・3.5 oz (100g) Cooked rice

・1 Pickled plum (Salted plum)

・Nori seaweed

Miso soup

・0.7 cup (170ml) Water

・1 tbsp Miso paste (Add 1/2 tsp dashi powder as needed)

・1 oz (30g) Nanohana*

・Half of thin deep-fried tofu

*Nanohana is cruciferous green vegetable, closely related to rapini and broccoli, which is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Please use your favorite green vegetables!

Grilled shishamo smelt

・1.4 oz (40g) Shishamo smelt

・1/2 tsp Oil

======================

6. Egg & Crab Stick Rice Ball Breakfast

Ingredients [for 1 serving]

Rice ball

・6 oz (170g) Cooked rice

・1 oz (30g) Crab stick (Imitation crab)

・1 Egg

・Salt and pepper

・2 tbsp Minced green onion

・1/2 tsp Soy sauce

・A pinch of Salt

Snap peas

・0.7 oz (20g) Snap peas

・A pinch of Salt

・1/2 tsp Olive oil

Miso butter potato

・6 oz (170g) Potato

・2 tsp Miso paste

・1 tsp Honey

・1/2 tsp Butter

[charliesinfern0]

i dont like them

[arugulafriend]

Pickled plums <3 <3 <3 <3

[strawhatbaby]

I can’t choose between “onigiri” and “a silence of three parts” for the WIP game, can you tell me about both of them?

answered a silence of three parts here

Onigiri is a oneshot that I'm writing to delve into Zoro's wano culture and childhood a bit more because the wano arc + the family tree Oda gave us only juuuust scrapes the surface of it and I want more damn it!! Tell me more about Shimotsuki, Oda!!

In this one, Zoro is trying to figure out why the onigiri from Wano taste so familiar, but even Sanji can't tell. It doesn't click until he accidentally drops one and adds another ingredient to it.

The rice ball slipped from his fingers and landed in the dirt at their feet. “Oi, shitty—” Sanji started angrily, then sighed, reaching for it on the ground. “Give it here, I’ll eat it.” Zoro slapped the hand away. “Fuck off, shitty cook. I dropped it, I’ll eat it. It’s not the first onigiri I’ve eaten with a little dirt on it.” This one would at least be made with salt, though Rika's really hadn't been half bad. He picked it up and tried to brush some of the dirt off, but it clung to the rice like seasoning. He eyed it, then shrugged and went to take a bite, determinedly ignoring the freaky intensity Sanji was staring at him with. As it neared his mouth, he froze. He breathed in. This scent. This was it. This was exactly it. But what was it? After a short second, Sanji gave a frustrated huff and made a grab for the onigiri. “Just give it to me, marimo. I’ll eat it.” Zoro jerked it away from him, holding up a hand to ward him off. He brought the onigiri to his nose and took in the scent. Rice. Seaweed. Pickled plum. He could smell the familiar mystery ingredient. Sanji had been right, it was in the rice. Then the earthy scent of dirt struck him.  In an instant, he was back in a tiny kitchen in the East Blue. A figure bent over and plucked a grain of rice from his cheek. Her fingers were smudged with dirt. She gardened. He used to help her garden. “I think my mom used to make them like this," he said distantly.  He took another bite. It was like setting a bone. A crack of longing surged through his chest as the memory slotted into place. He held the bite in his mouth, remembering the seasoned rice and garden dirt, then chewed and swallowed hard against the lump in his throat. “Is she…?” Sanji’s voice brought him back to himself. He blinked. He hasn’t thought about his mom in years.

ask about my WIPs!

[cynicalstudy]

I’ve translated some Precure interviews from the 20th Anniversary Character Chronicle! This post is dedicated to Delicious Party Precure. Information under cut😊 (Note: I am not a professional translator! There will/may be some errors, but I tried my best!)

~🍴~🍴~🍴~🍴~🍴~🍴~🍴~🍴~🍴~🍴~🍴~🍴~

Plain Text:

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Page 1:

1.“Pretty Cure! Delicious Standby! Piping hot rice overflowing with power! Cure Precious! I’ll bring a smile with a satisfying meal!”

2.The Precure Yui transforms into. Yui meets Rosemary and Komekome the energy fairy, and they become friends. In order to protect the Recipipi from the Bundoru Gang, Yui asks Komekome to share her powers and becomes Cure Precious. “Delicious Precious Heat!” is her signature attack.”

3.A second-year at Shinsen Junior High. She is athletic and loves eating. Her home is her family restaurant, and she cherishes her grandmother’s words, “Food is smiles!” Her catchphrase is “Delicioussmile~!”

🩷🍙🩷🍙🩷🍙🩷🍙🩷🍙🩷🍙🩷🍙🩷🍙🩷

Page 2:

1.“With the motif of “rice” in the works, Cure Precious was created as a Cure with a Japanese theme. We had a hard time figuring out how to incorporate Japanese taste into a Precure-like costume.” (Next Quote) “The bow in her hair is inspired by pickled plum rice, but since it was too direct, we changed it to a flower. Precious’s motif, the triangle, was derived from the shape of onigiri (rice balls).”

2.“The ribbon on her costume is made of Japanese “Maruguke”, a type of belt. Multiple colors were used to create a sense of pop culture world view. The outfit itself has the silhouette of a kimono, but with a slightly different approach.”

3.“Precious’s boots are inspired by tabi socks. The idea stemmed from the difficulties we were having trying balance the precure aesthetic and Japanese style. We gave it a pink theme color to give it a precious feel.”

4.“We asked Hana Hishikawa (Precious’s VA) for words of inspiration as Precious. She states, “Thank you for the hearty, warm meal! Precious is a name that conveys the gratitude of food when you have it. I love the expression of piping hot rice; it fits Precious well.” Hishikawa-san enjoys the unique design of the tabi sock boots.”

Plain Text:

💙🍞💙🍞💙🍞💙🍞💙🍞💙🍞💙🍞💙🍞💙

Page 1:

1.“Pretty Cure! Delicious Standby! A dainty sandwich, spice for you! Cure Spicy! You won’t forget this shared tastiness!”

2.The Precure Kokone transforms into. When she saw Yui fight as Cure Precious, she felt a strong desire to protect important places with her. Asking Pampam to share her power, she transforms into Cure Spicy. “Delicious Spicy Bakin’” is her signature move.

3.A cool-looking second-year junior high student. She loves cute and fashionable things. She was used to being alone, but after spending time with Yui, she gradually opens up. Her family runs Restaurant du Lac.

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Page 2:

1."Kokone transforms into a Precure with a more Western image. Cure Spicy was designed with a cute round shape similar to bread, showing off the smooth version of this Precure design in this season.” (Next Quote) “Spicy’s hair is inspired by bread buns, like pom-poms. The rounded edges of the skirt are like bread too..

2.“Next, some of her accessories are inspired by Western cook wear. The arms were exposed to allow for a sense of looseness. Because Spicy’s skirt design is simple, the big bow on the back helps to balances this out. Her hair is two toned to create a more modern pop feel, specifically the pink mesh.”

3.“While everyone has the common apron theme, they are in different colors. It was initially going to be larger, but we kept it small to befit more of a decoration.

4.“We asked Risa Shimizu (Spicy’s VA) for words of inspiration as Spicy. She stated, “I’ll sear the deliciousness of sharing! It is empowering, and when I said her catchphrase, I felt empowered too.” Shimizu-san states she enjoys how the hair is styled to resemble a donut, and she thinks the sleeves give Spicy a perforated design.”

Plain Text:

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Page 1:

1.“Pretty Cure! Delicious Standby! Sparkling noodle emotion! Cure Yum-Yum! I won’t let you hog all the yummy stuff!”

2.The Precure Ran transforms into. Ran becomes angered that the taste of the ramen in her family’s shop changed after the Recipipi was stolen and confronts Gentlu to return it. With Menmen, she turns into Cure Yum-Yum. “Delicious Yum-Yum Drain” is her signature move.

3.A second-year junior high student who speaks well and has a bright personality. She has a strong curiosity for food and posts about it on her blog, called ”Curestagram”. Her home is her family’s ramen restaurant.

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Page 2:

1.“Cure Yum-Yum, who loves to talk and eat, was the most tiresome and tested character we had to design for. We imagined Chinese among other cuisines, and got the idea from “ramen”.” (Next Quote) “The image color appears yellow, but the final design includes orange, green, and red. The colors make it appear as hiyashi chuka! (type of ramen).”

2.“The hair arrangement was cute and resembles a panda. A mini-bowl style to hold the buns in place made her design more glamorous. The frayed hair also represents noodles. The dress itself is an arrangement of Chinese dress elements, with the striped pattern on the waist reminiscent of noodles. To accentuate an air of maturity, we chose high heeled shoes, since Yum-Yum is petite and cute.”

3.“Her skirt is the first tight-fitting skirt in the series. We chose this skirt to avoid overlap with previous seasons of Precure. Adding frills gives it a cuter look but keeps the maturity within.”

4.“We asked Yuka Iguchi (Yum-Yum’s VA) for words of inspiration as Yum-Yum. She states, “Hannya~! It is such a cute catchphrase! Yui’s “Delicious Smile” is also one of my favorite phrases!” Iguchi-san likes Yum-Yum’s twin buns and the heart shaped highlights.”

Plain Text:

💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜

Page 1:

1.“Pretty Cure! Delicious Standby! Gentle and gorgeous, sweetness in full bloom! Cure Finale! I shall be the one to adorn this feasts’ finale.”

2.The Precure Amane transforms into. Once a member of the Bundoru Gang named Gentlu, she was freed from her brainwashing and returned to normal. Though troubled by her past, she, with help from Yui and her friends, moves past and turns into Cure Finale. “Delicious Finale Fanfare” is her signature attack.

3.A determined third-year junior high student and the student council president of Shinsen Middle. She has a strong sense of justice and practices karate, excelling there and in academic studies. Her family runs a fruit parlor, and her favorite food is ohagi.

💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜🧁💜

Page 2:

1.“The student council president is a caring and solid person. Finale, as her name suggests, overcomes her conflicts and was designed based on a “gorgeous feel”. Mainly, based on a wedding cake, which is a little different from Japanese.” (Next Quote) “The heart motif on her tiara is a common part. However, unlike the others, where it is on their chest, hers is on her tiara, symbolizing the finale.”

2.“Since her home is a fruits parlor, the headdress, sleeves, and collar have elements reminiscent of a café worker. It is a princess styled design with gorgeous fruits to accompany it. Her hair changes from black to a dazzling blonde, and the konpeito in her hair are like her transformation item. The shape of her skirt is also inspired by a fruit cake.”

3.“Her strap pumps resemble cake! Cherry and cream was perfect for her, but she is a Gold Cure, so the expression was a bit challenging.”

4.“We asked Ai Kayano (Finale’s VA) for words of inspiration as Finale. She states, “I will carry out my own justice! The finale is where she pursues her righteousness without being bound by the past.” Kayano-san enjoys her design as a whole.”

[felassan]

Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas lore compilation / notes / thoughts [Part 1 of 2]

(Link to Part 2, in text form (pls copy-paste) as Tumblr won't let me add it as a normal link: https://felassan.tumblr.com/post/732826339350102016/dragon-age-the-official-cookbook-tastes-of)

Reference, info & general observations/ramble post ◕‿◕ (Post contents under a cut, in case anyone would rather not read cookbook spoilers. also due to post length)

[☕ found this post or blog interesting or useful? my ko-fi is here if you feel inclined. thank you 🙏]

If I have forgotten, misread or misunderstood something, please let me know.

This post is part 1 of 2, as it was getting rly long.

Dishes by type

Starters & Refreshments: Eggs à la Val Foret, Nevarran Blood Orange Salad, Fried Young Giant Spiders, Stuffed Deep Mushrooms, Rivaini Couscous Salad, Crab Cakes from Kirkwall, Fluffy Mackerel Pudding, Snail & Watercress Salad, Cave Beetles

For the Road: Spiced Jerky, Grey Warden Pastry Pockets, Pickled Eggs, Unidentified Meat, Seheron Fish Pockets, Fereldan Hearty Scones, Crow Feed, Black Lichen Bread, Hearth Cakes, Peasant Bread

Soups & Stews: Merrill's Blood Soup, Fereldan Potato and Leek Soup, The Hanged Man's Mystery Meat Stew, Fish Chowder, Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup, Lentil Soup, Nettle Soup, King Alistair's Lamb and Pea Stew

Main Courses: Stuffed Cabbage, Antivan Gnocchi, Antivan Paella, Grilled Poussin, Gurgut Roast with Lowlander Spices and Mushroom Sauce, Nug Pancakes, Fish in Salt Crust, Roasted Wyvern, Nug Bacon and Egg Pie, Starkhaven Fish and Egg Pie, Cacio e Pepe, Turnip and Mutton Pie, Smoked Ham from the Anderfels, Roasted Turkey with Sides

Sides: Sera's Yummy Corn, Stuffed Vine Leaves, Honey Carrots, Nevarran Flat Bread and Yogurt Dip

Sweet Delights: Blancmange, Poison Stings, Dalish Forest Fruit Cobbler, Dwarven Plum Jam, Sour Cherries in Cream, Treviso Energy Balls, Rice Pudding, Goat Custard

Baked Goods: Antivan Apple Grenade, Found Cake, Varric's Favorite Cinnamon Rolls, Croissants, Cherry Cupcakes, Chocolate Cake, Varric's Favorite Pastries, Sugar Cake, Lamprey Cake, Tevinter Pumpkin Bread

Drinks & Potions: Lichen Ale, The Hissing Drake, Hot Chocolate, Antivan Sip-Sip, Dragon Piss, Rivaini Tea Blend, The Golden Nug, The Emerald Valley, Chasind Sack Mead

Notes: These dish 'categories' are from the book contents pages, which can be viewed here.

Dishes by place / culture of origin (DA Cookbook-specific list)

Ferelden: Pickled Eggs, Fereldan Hearty Scones, Fereldan Potato and Leek Soup, Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup, King Alistair's Lamb and Pea Stew, Nug Bacon and Egg Pie, Turnip and Mutton Pie, Chocolate Cake

Kirkwall: Crab Cakes from Kirkwall, The Hanged Man's Mystery Meat Stew, Roasted Turkey with Sides

Orlais: Eggs à la Val Foret, Grey Warden Pastry Pockets, Honey Carrots, Blancmange, Sour Cherries in Cream, Croissants

Tevinter: Unidentified Meat, Stuffed Vine Leaves, Cherry Cupcakes, Tevinter Pumpkin Bread

Antiva: Crow Feed, Fish Chowder, Antivan Gnocchi, Antivan Paella, Cacio e Pepe, Treviso Energy Balls, Antivan Apple Grenade, Antivan Sip-Sip

Nevarra: Nevarran Blood Orange Salad, Nevarran Flat Bread and Yogurt Dip

Rivain: Rivaini Couscous Salad, Goat Custard, Rivaini Tea Blend

Seheron: Seheron Fish Pockets

Starkhaven: Starkhaven Fish and Egg Pie, Roasted Turkey with Sides

Free Marches: Roasted Turkey with Sides

Anderfels: Smoked Ham from the Anderfels

Avvar: Snail & Watercress Salad, Stuffed Cabbage, Gurgut Roast with Lowlander Spices and Mushroom Sauce, Fish in Salt Crust, Roasted Wyvern

Chasind: Grilled Poussin, Chasind Sack Mead

Dalish: Spiced Jerky, Hearth Cakes, Peasant Bread, Dalish Forest Fruit Cobbler

City Elf: Peasant Bread, Lentil Soup

Orzammar / dwarven: Fried Young Giant Spiders, Stuffed Deep Mushrooms, Cave Beetles, Nug Pancakes, Dwarven Plum Jam, Lichen Ale, Black Lichen Bread

Unspecified (DA Cookbook-specific list): Fluffy Mackerel Pudding, Merrill's Blood Soup, Nettle Soup, Sera's Yummy Corn, Poison Stings, Rice Pudding, Found Cake, Varric's Favorite Cinnamon Rolls, Varric's Favorite Pastries, Sugar Cake, Lamprey Cake, The Hissing Drake, Hot Chocolate, Dragon Piss, The Golden Nug, The Emerald Valley

Notes: Fluffy Mackerel Pudding seems to be Fereldan as it's found in DA:O in this Codex entry at the Arl of Redcliffe's Estate in Denerim. Snail & Watercress Salad isn't traditional Avvar cuisine; though snails are standard Avvar fare, this salad which has them in conjunction with other ingredients is Devon's take on snails that they made for their Avvar hosts. The given Spiced Jerky recipe is Dalish, but the book notes that preserved foods like it play an important role in many different Thedosian cultures. Grey Warden Pastry Pockets are a variation on a tough Grey Warden pastry which incorporates the far more delicate Orlesian puff pastry, that was championed by newer Warden recruits from Orlais. Unidentified Meat is usually served with Nevarran Flat Bread. Black Lichen Bread doesn't explicitly say but is clearly dwarven, as it references "underground" versus the "surface" and the dwarf Garin in Orzammar mentions it in DA:O. Peasant Bread is both Dalish and City Elf. Merrill's Blood Soup could be Dalish in origin as it's a recipe of Merrill's. Devon's Lentil Soup recipe has classic Tevinter flavors in it. Roasted Turkey with Sides is found throughout the Free Marches. Sera's Yummy Corn could be Fereldan in origin as it's a recipe of Sera's. Poison Stings is likely Tevinter as Dorian is fond of it. Rice Pudding could be Antivan or Rivaini as in Thedas you don't see much rice outside of Antiva or Rivain, or perhaps Tevinter or Qunari as it was a dish made by Krem, Iron Bull and the Chargers. Found Cake could be Fereldan as it's based on Dog's Found Cake in DA:O. Sugar Cake was purchased from a surface dwarf merchant and is based on Sugar Cake from DA:O (Feraldan dish? Dwarven?). Lamprey Cake was Devon's pickled lamprey-inspired cake, with pickled lamprey itself being a "singular" (implied: odd) favorite of an Orlesian noble. The Hissing Drake, The Golden Nug and The Emerald Valley are drinks served at the Gilded Horn in Orlais. The Emerald Valley's place of origin isn't given in the book, but we know from this Codex that it includes a spirit that is Orlesian, having been made in Lydes. Going by Iron Bull's dialogue with Varric, hot chocolate/cocoa is not from the south and is rare there. Dragon Piss could be Fereldan as it's based on Dragon Piss which is found in Ferelden.

Alphabetical ingredients / 'foodstuffs and drinks which exist in Thedas' list (DA Cookbook-specific list)

Notes: These ingredients are derived from the dish names and the lore blurbs (which appear to be in-world), not the recipes and associated ingredients lists themselves (which appear to be our world/irl-based). Also, this is a sort of scrappy list with mixed singular/plurals, some repeating stuff (e.g. I know pork, bacon, pig and ham is all "pig"), some non-specific stuff e.g. "herbs", and some stuff that is more 'a combo food' than 'a single ingredient' e.g. "dough", but just go with it ok hh, it's just meant to be a quick 'n' dirty reference list as a resource not a perfect culinary thing:

“Bitter greens”, Ale, Almonds, Antivan pasta, Antivan wine, Apples, Apple blossoms, Apricots, Assorted “forest fruits”, Ayesleigh gulabi goat (a breed of goat from which some goat’s milk is derived), Bacon, Bark, Bark bread, Barley, Beetroot, Biscuits, Black cherries, Black lichen, Blended teas, Blood oranges, Brandy, Bread, Buns, Butter (halla and other types), Cabbage, Carrot, Cave beetles, Celery, Chasind Wildwine, Cheese, Cheese sauce, Cherries, Chicken, Chickpeas, Chocolate, Chocolate cream cake, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Cocoa powder, Corn (yellow and non-yellow varieties), Couscous, Cows, Crab, Cranberry, Cream, Croutons, Currants, Custard (many variations), Cuttlefish, Dark bread, Deep mushrooms (several varieties), Dough, Dracolisk? (in one ‘sus meat’ recipe Devon wondered if it could be this), Dried fruit, Dry cheese, Eggs, Egg-white foam (for drinks, due to the The Gilded Horn’s Drink List codex), Fereldan ale, Fereldan barley, Figs, Fish, Flat bread, Flour, Flowers (over 70 different types of herbs and flowers used for food & drink exist), Giant spiders, Giant? (in one ‘sus meat’ recipe Devon wondered if it could be this), Gnocchi, Goat’s milk, Goats, Grains, Grapes, Grease, Gurguts, Halla butter, Ham, Harts, Herbs (over 70 different herbs and flowers used for food & drink exist), Hirol’s Lava Burst (due to the The Gilded Horn’s Drink List codex), Honey, Hot peppers, Jams & preserves, Jasmine flowers, Jerky, Lamb, Lamprey, Leeks, Lemon, Lemon juice, Lemon verbena, Lentils, Lichen (underground and surface varieties), Lichen ale, Licorice root, Llomerryn red, Llomerryn rum (due to the The Gilded Horn’s Drink List codex), Lurkers, Mackerel, Mango, Marshmallow (presumably meaning both the marshmallow plant and marshmallows, the confectionary that was originally made from the marshmallow plant. The form given in the cookbook is Orlesian guimauves, which accompany Iron Bull’s hot chocolate. “Guimauve” is French for marshmallow), Mead, Milk, Mincemeat, Mint, Mushroom, Mussels, Mutton, Nettle, Noodles, Nug, Nug bacon, Nuggets (nug-gets), Nutmeg (due to the The Gilded Horn’s Drink List codex), Nuts, Oats, Oil, Olives, Onion, Orange, Orange peel, Oregano, Pasta, Pastry, Peas, Peanut butter, Peanuts, Pepper (as in black pepper etc), Peppermint, Pickled things, Pickled vegetables, Pie, Pig, Plums, Pomegranate, Pork, Potatoes, Poussin, Prawns, Puff pastry, Pumpkin, Quillback (in one ‘sus meat’ recipe Devon wondered if it could be this, and in DA:I some NPCs mention it), Rabbit, Raisins, Rams, Raspberries, Red bell peppers, Red grapes, Rhubarb, Rice, Rolls, Royal elfroot (due to the The Gilded Horn’s Drink List codex), Rum (due to the The Gilded Horn’s Drink List codex), Saffron, Salt, Semolina flour, Sheep, Shrimp, Smoked meats, Snails, Sour ale, Sour cherries, Spices, Spinach, Spirits (as in alcohol), Strawberries, Sugar, Tea, Toasted bread, Tomatoes, Truffles, Turkey, Turnip, Tzatziki sauce, Vine leaves, Waffles, Water, Watercress, West Hill brandy, Wheat, Whipped cream, Whiskey (due to the The Gilded Horn’s Drink List codex), White chocolate, White frosting, White Seleny wine, White wine, Wildflowers, Wine, Wraps (soft), Wyverns, Yogurt

'See also' / 'did you know':

Eggs à la Val Foret

Fried Young Giant Spiders: previously made an appearance in the DA tabletop. The player party arrives at Chanra Thaig and sees "Bonfires built inside steel drums provide warm and heat for the dwarves huddled around them, cooking deepstalkers, what looks like the legs of giant spiders, and small rodent-like animals on spits". The dwarves have "fuel, water, and domesticated spiders and nugs in deeper chambers for food".

Fluffy Mackerel Pudding

Snail and Watercress Salad

Cave beetle previously made an appearance in the DA tabletop. They're described as "scavengers and carrion eaters", "black" and "hard-shelled". They're also known as "rock beetles" and are "little more than a nuisance on its own. Dwarves are even known to roast and eat them out of the shells".

Pickled Eggs (from "The Whole Nug" in World of Thedas)

Seheron Fish Pockets: Iron Bull has dialogue where he says "I remember one guy, he made these things - fish wrapped in thin bread". He was talking of a street food vendor in Seheron who had been forced by Tevinter spies to poison his food. Fittingly, in the cookbook Devon narrates that they learned this recipe from a Charger.

Black Lichen Bread: Garin from DA:O had an incident a few years back where he cut himself and some raw lyrium dust got into his blood. Since then it's been hard for him to concentrate and he's forgetful. He mentions bread that's made by using lichen (I think he mentioned that his lunch was a slice of lichen bread). interestingly, like lyrium, the cookbook lore blurb for Black Lichen Bread contains reference to how black lichen is toxic.

Hearth Cakes (from "The Whole Nug" in World of Thedas)

Peasant Bread: appears in The Masked Empire. in the Dalish camp, Dalish cooks prepared a midday meal, which was served along with peasant bread. "It was almost equal parts wheat, salt, and grease, and in lean winters, it was sometimes the only thing that could put meat on a peasant's bones." Michel watches an old elven woman drizzle honey across a piece and remembers his City Elven mother putting a bit of sugar she had stolen from the tavern she worked in on his piece of bread. The cookbook lore blurb for Peasant Bread says it is eaten by Dalish elves and City elves alike in Orlais, with the recipe being "very straightforward, calling for wheat, salt, and grease in nearly equal parts". Also, in The Last Court, Seraultine (Orlesian) peasants are described as eating bread at mealtimes

The Hanged Man's Mystery Meat Stew: in a DAII loading screen, it says that the tavern's feature dish is a stew made from a different mystery meat every morning

Fish Chowder: in DA:O Zevran says "Can you smell that? Like rotting flesh. Just like back in Antiva City. Now if only you could find me a prostitute or two, a bowl of fish chowder and a corrupt politician, I'd really feel like I was home!"

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup (the cookbook lore blurb mentions the Orlesian troupe of actors from the show Wilkshire Downs. in this codex they are mentioned along with "cabbage stew")

King Alistair's Lamb and Pea Stew: Alistair and Leliana have this dialogue in DA:O about this dish (Ctrl-F "pea stew").

Antivan Gnocchi: In Tevinter Nights (Eight Little Talons), the Crow leaders eat gnocchi with dinner

Gurgut Roast with Lowlander Spices and Mushroom Sauce

Nug Pancakes, two

Fish in Salt Crust

Roasted Wyvern. Also Isabela has dialogue in Mark of the Assassin where she says "I hope I'm not expected to eat roast wyvern after this." The lore blurb in the cookbook for this dish also references this Codex

Starkhaven Fish and Egg Pie (from "The Whole Nug" in World of Thedas)

Cacio e Pepe: First mentioned in Tevinter Nights (The Wigmaker Job). Illario complains "This isn't Cacio e Pepe" while making a show of tapping his dagger against a plate of leftovers. Lucanis replies "You ordered an Antivan dish in Tevinter. What did you expect?", to which Illario quips "Something edible".

Turnip and Mutton Pie

Smoked Ham from the Anderfels: a servant in Mark of the Assassin offers Hawke and Tallis "smoked ham from the Anderfels. They say it tastes of despair". Tallis replies "Wait, does it really? How can ham taste of despair? Why would anyone eat it if it did?". The servant explains "That's what the importer said. They all talk like that" apparently. This dish is also mentioned in DA:I. After WEWH Dorian says "I hope you tried the ham they were serving, by the way. Tastes of despair. Fascinating". The cookbook lore blurb asserts that contrary to rumors and what the importers say, this ham does not, in fact, taste of despair. Also, see The Jade Ham (tumblr won't let me add it as a proper link: https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/The_Jade_Ham), as the cookbook lore blurb references this item and its description

Roasted Turkey with Sides: Roast turkey previously made an appearance in the DA tabletop. Lady Sennova hosts a gala/party in Orlais, which players infiltrate/attend and at which food and drink is served. "The Game is about appearances as much as it is about outright treachery, so a dead rat discovered in the roast turkey could serve as a crueler twist of the knife than an actual twisting of the knife". The cookbook lore blurb references the comic Knight Errant, which involves Sebastian's birthday dinner party

Sera's Yummy Corn (from "The Whole Nug" in World of Thedas)

Dwarven Plum Jam: in DA:O a Diamond Quarter noble dwarf says something like "I will die without my favorite plum jam from the surface!" The cookbook lore blurb references the fact that in Orzammar, jam from the surface, especially jams made from plums, are in especially high demand and cost exorbitant prices

Rice Pudding: in DA:I Krem mentions a time when he, Iron Bull and the Chargers defended a village from fifty bandits. Afterwards the villagers paid them for their services in bags of rice. He says that they made rice pudding after that. The cookbook lore blurb references this story of Krem's

(new text block because the previous text block hit a character limit hh)

Antivan Apple Grenade: the cookbook lore blurb references Antivan Fire Grenades (two), which spread sticky fire. maybe it's my brain conjuring up sticky toffee/toffee apples, but I wanna say that this dish would not only be hot but also sticky :)

Found Cake

Varric's Favorite Cinnamon Rolls: in DAII Sandal says that Orana smells of cinnamon rolls, which was interesting to me as DAII is the game where Varric is introduced and his first (and greatest) batch of cinnamon roll friends, the Kirkwall Crew, are featured in

Croissants: Calix and Vaea eat something which arguably look like croissants in the comic Dragon Age: Deception, in an inn in Tevinter.

Cherry Cupcakes: the cookbook lore blurb says these are served by servants on stilts at the Tevinter theature. in the comic Dragon Age: Magekiller, Marius is depicted serving an array of treats and snacks to a Tevinter elite at the Tevinter theatre while on stilts. some of the cupcakes on his tray bear somewhat of a resemblance to the cupcakes in this recipe.

Sugar Cake

Pickled Lamprey: the cookbook lore blurb is referencing the book Last Flight, where Norbert de la Haine and his unfortunate fondness for pickled lampreys is mentioned.

Lichen Ale

The Hissing Drake. the cookbook lore blurb mentions the Gilded Horn

Hot Chocolate: Iron Bull discusses his penchant for this drink with Varric. "How do you guys live without this stuff?" he says. Varric replies "I don't see what the deal is, honestly, but different tastes..." / "Now I just need some hot milk and some of those Orlesian guimauves to put in it" / "Hey, what you do with this 'cocoa' is up to you. I don't need to hear about it"

Antivan Sip-Sip

Dragon Piss, two

Rivaini Tea Blend: In Masked Empire Celene drinks a Rivaini blend of tea containing cinnamon, ginger and cloves, sweetened with honey. the cookbook lore blurb references Celene drinking Rivaini Tea Blend throughout the day to combat headaches, but this tea blend consists of peppermint, lemon verbena, oregano and licorice root. Rivaini tea also crops up here.

The Golden Nug, two

The Emerald Valley

Chasind Sack Mead

Characters mentioned or alluded to in the cookbook

Devon (new character, writer and narrator of the book), Merrill, Alistair, Sera, Varric, Solas, Cassandra, Fenris, Cullen, Sten, Iron Bull, Bull's Chargers, Krem, Nan (possibly, if she is Devon's mother), Norah (possibly, as the waitress at The Hanged Man), Zevran, Morrigan, the Hero of Ferelden, the Inquisitor, Josephine, Paragon Varen, Leliana, Schmooples, the Hero of Ferelden's mabari, Sebastian, Cole, Vivienne, Dorian, Anders, Loghain, Bethany, Hawke, the Couslands, Bodahn Feddic (possibly, as the Sugar Cake item in DA:O is sold by him and Devon narrates that they purchased one from a surface dwarf merchant who said that the Hero of Ferelden purchased some for their companions), Norbert de la Haine, Isabela, Celene, Briala, Gaspard

"Cookbook canon" (notes about the particular worldstate/universe that Devon wrote the cookbook in)

The cookbook was written at some point after the appointment of Divine Victoria, placing it at at least one month after the DA:I base game concludes (at least one month after the defeat of Corypheus). The narrator, Devon, has met and spoken to at least some of the companions & related prominent NPCs, including Varric and Krem. Devon visited Haven.

The HoF was a Cousland. The HoF caught Schmooples for Leliana. Loghain survived DA:O and DA:I, as he's referred to in the present-tense at the time the cookbook is written. Alistair is King of Ferelden. The HoF may have been a lady who romanced Alistair (if you argue that the inclusion of Alistair's love letter to the Warden & the necklace from this merch item as a prop in the photo for Rivaini Couscous Salad as indicator. interesting that the photo where this item is prominently displayed is for the Couscous of all things. back in the day I remember folks calling Cousland "Couscous" hhh).

Hawke was a warrior or rogue and Carver died in the prologue. Hawke was probably Diplomatic. Hawke did not romance Sebastian (in the cookbook he is Prince, and Sebastian reclaims his title as Prince by DA:I unless romanced, in which case he's the Chantry advisor in Starkhaven).

The "worst of [Cullen's] lyrium withdrawals" are mentioned so it could be that the Inquisitor advised Cullen to stop taking lyrium. Cassandra Pentaghast is the Divine. Celene is the Empress of Orlais - possibly ruling "alone" or possibly in the Celene-Gaspard-Briala "work together option", going by "Given how messy Orlesian politics are wont to be, with chevalier cousins vying for the throne and elven handmaids turned both spymaster and lover".

Also, this might be just me and my assumptions or reading of it, but of the companion characters referenced in the book (see section above, Characters mentioned or alluded to in the cookbook), such as Cole, Sera, Merrill, Fenris etc, I feel like it's safe to assume that in this worldstate they were all recruited by the relevant PCs are alive and well (including the Chargers).

Merch items & similar that appear as props or edits in photos

Alistair romance bundle (necklace and letter in Rivaini Couscous Salad. the necklace appears again in Goat Custard. the box can be seen in The Golden Nug)

Grey Warden pendant that shows the griffon heraldry (not sure if this is from the Gear Store or somewhere like Etsy. Grey Warden Pastry Pockets). this reappears in Sugar Cake

Solas Jawbone Necklace (Pickled Eggs. hhhh. unlike in Eggs à la Val Foret the blurb here doesn't mention Solas, but he's repped here anyway by the necklace hanging in the background hh)

Cullen's Lucky Coin (The Hanged Man's Mystery Meat Stew, Stuffed Vine Leaves, Antivan Sip-Sip)

In Nug Pancakes this red Inquisition banner with the handprint is in the background (seems to be from game files/in-game props). the red Inquisition banner appears again in Chasind Sack Mead

In Nug Bacon and Egg Pie, there is a nug in the background, presumably looking on in horror as their spouse has been transformed into a pie

In Turnip and Mutton Pie is a necklace that looks like the one Varric wears

Templar Banner (Roasted Turkey with Sides)

Inquisitor's iconic helmet replica (Roasted Turkey with Sides. hhh, this reminds me of the ones that are props in the queue area for the Dragon Age-not Dragon Age-ride)

In the background of Dalish Forest Fruit Cobbler a nug is peeking out

Antivan Apple Grenade contains a map of Westeros hhh. You can see the Three Sisters, the Neck and the Bite

A physical version of this Thedas map appears at various points e.g. Chasind Sack Mead

DA:I advisors coin set (Tevinter Pumpkin Bread) - for some reason Tumblr won't allow me to add the link to this one as an actual link, but you can find it here: gear.bioware.com/en-eu/products/dragon-age-three-advisors-coin-set

A green orb that I would guess is meant to be reminiscent of the ones Solas has you use during Measuring the Veil (Tevinter Pumpkin Bread)

Inquisition symbol pendant (not sure if this is from the Gear Store or somewhere like Etsy)

(You can get 20% off in the BioWare Gear Store until November 6th using my latest discount code BWCUISINE. After that date check back here for a new code. alternatively, you can use my >tracking link<.)

Some random thoughts

Shoutout to the photo for Starkhaven Fish and Egg Pie. It looks a lot like the illustration in World of Thedas of this dish! you can see that they really took it into consideration when creating this dish/image.

I feel like you can also sense the inspiration in general vibe/feel in Dalish Forest Fruit Cobbler from Dalish Deep Forest Comfort in WoT.

The black and gold theme colors of the cover remind me of when DA:D branding was black and gold.

Recipe pages I have posted that you can view in full: Spiced Jerky, Dalish Forest Fruit Cobbler, Hearth Cakes, Merrill's Blood Soup, Lentil Soup, Peasant Bread, Dragon Piss

Recipe and other pages that were already available to view in full from the official preview pages: intro page, intro page 2, intro page 3, Contents page 1, Contents page 2, intro page 4, Devon's letter, intro page 5, Starters & Refreshments section intro page, Eggs à la Val Foret, Fried Young Giant Spiders, Fereldan Hearty Scones, Nug Pancakes, Roasted Turkey with Sides, Varric's Favorite Cinnamon Rolls, Nevarran Blood Orange Salad recipe (pic), Stuffed Deep Mushrooms recipe (pic), Rivaini Couscous Salad recipe (pic), Crab Cakes from Kirkwall recipe (pic), Fluffy Mackerel Pudding recipe (pic), Snail & Watercress Salad recipe (pic), Cave Beetles

Source of the above information: Dragon Age The Official Cookbook - Tastes of Thedas

If you’re not able to get the book, and there’s a recipe or two in the Contents that you’d like to see/read, let me know and I’ll show you (❁´◡`❁)

Link to Part 2, in text form (pls copy-paste) as Tumblr won't let me add it as a normal link: https://felassan.tumblr.com/post/732826339350102016/dragon-age-the-official-cookbook-tastes-of

A post you may also be interested in: Food and drink lore compilation from Dragon Age: The Last Court

[☕ found this post or blog interesting or useful? my ko-fi is here if you feel inclined. thank you 🙏]

[writingwhimsey]

Married to The Enemy- Shingen Ch. 35

Chapter 35

I was sitting in the waiting room with Sasuke. It had felt like it had been hours, but in reality it had only been about one hour. The doctor had said the surgery was likely to take three or four hours. It just depended on if there were any complications once he got into Shingen’s lung to remove the tumor. Then of course, he would be in recovery for a bit before being transferred back to his room where I would be able to see him.

“There you are.” 

I looked up at the sound of the familiar voice. “Oba-san…” I said standing up.

She instantly came over to me and pulled me into a hug. “On the phone the other night, you said the surgery was today. I wanted to come sit with you.” She said.

I smiled as I hugged her back. “Thank you.”

We were then pulling apart and she was looking at Sasuke. “You must be Sasuke.” Oba-san said.

Sasuke nodded as he rose to bow politely to my grandmother. “Yes, it is nice to meet you.” He said.

She smiled. “I’m just glad to know my Ava has good friends to help look out for her.” She said.

It was then that I noticed Oba-san had a bag with her…and it looked like it was full of something. “Oba-san what is that?” I asked.

“Oh just some snacks I made for you.” She answered. “And Sasuke you are welcome to some as well.” 

I took the bag from Oba-san and opened it. My eyes widened and my mouth began to water. “We’ll have to save at least two for Shingen when he’s able to eat regular food again.” I said.

“What is it?” Sasuke asked.

I held out the box. “Oba-san’s homemade dorayaki…she makes the best.”

“There’s also some senbei, some mochi, and some fresh fruit and rice balls in the other containers.” Oba-san said.

I smiled at my grandmother, grateful to her. Feeding people was one of the ways she showed her love. “Thank you, Oba-san.”

“Of course.” She replied.

The three of us were sitting down then and digging into the treats she had brought. “So, Sasuke, Ava tells me you two are time travelers together.”

Sasuke looked at me. “You told her?”

I nodded. “One, I am a terrible liar.” I explained. “And two, I knew if anyone were going to believe me it would be Oba-san.”

“She’s right.” Oba-san said. “So, how exactly did you become a ninja? Ava says you’re really good at it.”

Sasuke nodded. “Well, I always practiced parkour before…and then I underwent intensive training under Lord Kenshin.”

“What exactly was your training?” I found myself asking, happy for the distraction.

“Pretty much Lord Kenshin always ambushing me.” Sasuke answered. “I had to be prepared to fight or flee at a moment’s notice.”

“So…is he still training you then?” I asked, recalling the many times I’d witnessed just such a thing.

“I’ve come to learn that surprise attacks are just how he shows he cares…or tries to cure his boredom.” Sasuke answered. “It can be hard to tell which it is in the moment.”

“Then he REALLY cares about you a lot.” I replied. 

“And Lord Shingen, too.” Sasuke said. “Death threats are also a way he shows he cares.”

“I can see that.” I replied.

“It sounds like castle life is quite lively.” Oba-san said, a smile on her face.

“Definitely.” I replied. “Even more so when the Oda forces come to visit.”

“Yes. We almost run out of sake and pickled plums then, though trying to keep Lord Kenshin from starting a war.” Sasuke replied.

My eyes widened. “Oh my…”

“What is it?” Oba-san asked.

“I just remembered, the Oda were supposed to be coming to visit for the alliance meeting…” I said, looking at Sasuke.

“Poor Yukimura.” Sasuke said. “We may have to bring something extra special back then.”

“If there’s even a place to come home to.” I replied. “Hopefully the alliance is still intact when we return.”

“I am sure it will be.” Sasuke replied. “It isn’t completely on Yukimura’s shoulders alone.”

I nodded. “True, he does have Saki to support him.”

“And we had already been preparing. So there should be plenty of pickled plums and sake to placate Lord Kenshin.” Sasuke added. “And while Kanetsugu is extremely loyal to Lord Kenshin, he is also quite disciplined and able to keep a level head.”

I nodded. “Right. They’ve got this.”

“It sounds like life is quite interesting for you two.” Oba-san said.

“It’s never a dull moment.” Sasuke agreed.

Oba-san kept the conversation going, continuing to ask us both questions about our life in the Sengoku. It really didn’t seem to phase her and she seemed genuinely happy to hear about our adventures. I was also grateful for the conversation as it helped the time pass as we waited to hear how Shingen’s surgery went. Of course, that is probably exactly what my grandmother had planned to happen all along.

“Mrs. Takahashi?” A nurse called as she entered the room.

I stood up. “Yes? Is my husband out of surgery?”

She smiled. “Yes. Dr. Sato just called out to say he finished the surgery. Mr. Takahashi did fantastic. He is being moved to the recovery room as we speak. He will be monitored there for about an hour before he is moved back to his room. Once settled there, you will be able to go see him.”

I let out a sigh of relief and sent up a silent thank you to whatever deity might be watching. “That is such a relief to hear.” I said.

She smiled. “Dr. Sato has a few other surgeries this morning. But once he is finished with those, Mr. Takahashi should be more alert and Dr. Sato will be coming in to talk to you both.”

“Alright, thank you so much.” I said.

“Oh and I should add, only one visitor at a time.” She said, looking at Sasuke and my grandmother. She was then leaving.

I turned to Sasuke and my grandmother. “I…”

“Ava, don’t worry.” Sasuke said. “I am pretty sure the only face Lord Shingen will even be interested in seeing when he wakes up is yours.”

“And I am not meeting him without you there. When he’s out of the hospital, you’ll have to bring him by the house for dinner.” Oba-san told me,

I smiled. “Thank you. Both of you. So much.”

Back in the Sengoku…

Gathered in a room at an inn outside the castle…basically hiding from Kenshin. “I checked the stores, Sasuke and Lady Ava had already stocked up on pickled plums.” Saki said as she looked at the list she had on the table.

“That was some really good planning on their part.” Yukimura said, grateful for their planning.

“I had an idea for the banquet.” Yoshimoto spoke next. “Some entertainment that I think everyone will enjoy.”

“If it’s dancing girls, Lord Kenshin won’t like it.” Yukimura spoke up.

“Lord Kenshin doesn’t enjoy such frivolities.” Kanetsugu agreed.

“I know. Every time I have tried to bring in dancers he always says no…and threatens to kill me.” Yoshimoto replied. “I was actually thinking of a troupe of actors who will put on a play that involves a mock battle.”

“That…that’s actually a good idea.” Yukimura spoke up.

“A brilliant idea.” Saki agreed.

“I believe that would indeed please Lord Kenshin.” Kanetsugu replied. “It should keep the Oda entertained as well. Who from the Oda is attending anyways?”

“My report says Lord Nobunaga, Lord Hideyoshi, and Lord Ieyasu.” Saki answered.

“Ieyasu…perhaps I shouldn’t be in attendance.” Yoshimoto said. Though he honestly had great respect for Ieyasu…he understood why Ieyasu might hate him. Might still hate him after all these years. It was a fate he had been willing to accept.

“No, you should be there.” Saki said. “This alliance is about moving forward and away from the wounds of the past. Lord Ieyasu knows that.”

“You really think he can put aside his feelings like that?” Yukimura asked Saki.

Saki nodded. “Yes. Everyone in the Oda forces agreed to the alliance for a reason.” She said. “And also, even though Lady Ava won’t be there, her presence lingers for them.”

“What do you mean by that?” Yukimura asked.

“Lady Ava…she is very special to the Oda forces. They all have a strong bond with her and they wouldn’t ever do anything they knew would hurt her.” Saki answered. “They know this alliance is important to her. Plus they honor her decision to enter into the political marriage with Lord Shingen, realizing her true strength and bravery in doing so. They wouldn’t do anything to disrespect or dishonor her in her absence.”

“It still amazes me how one woman can have such an effect on so many people.” Kanetsugu said.

“Oh like the rest of you haven’t noticed it or been unaffected by it.” Saki replied. “I notice any time any of you get a tear in your clothing, you go to her instead of any of the other seamstresses. I also know you all helped with retrieving different items for her to make her feel at home here.”

“I only care about her because of Lord Shingen and Sasuke…and you.” Yukimura said to Saki.

Saki grinned and reached over to pinch his cheek. “You’re so cute, dummy.” She said. “It’s okay to care about your friends, you know.”

Yukimura’s cheek flushed under Saki’s touch. He reached over and pinched her cheek in retaliation. “Who are you calling a dummy, dummy?”

“Can we keep this meeting on track instead of you two doing this weird…mating ritual you have.” Kanetsugu spoke up, annoyed though there was a teasing almost gentle look in his eyes.

“Love really is a beautiful thing…even when it is strange.” Yoshimoto said, smiling as he watched the young couple. He couldn’t help but to think of his cousin and look forward to the day he would return, with renewed life. We shall see something truly beautiful when the two of you return, won’t we? He thought. I look forward to how lively and beautiful things will be upon your return.

Taglist: @limonzu @zulablaise @oda-princess @kisara-16 @tele86 @lovely-bubb1es @lucyw260 @selenacosmic

[paldean-sandwich-rater]

A sandwich.

It contains ice cream, whipped cream, sponge cake, meat balls, broccoli, pineapple, strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, rice, noodles, mac and cheese, bacon, beef jerky, dried fish, seaweed, one of every Pokemon berry, jam, olive oil, lotus, dragon fruit, ravioli, ramen, tempura, teriyaki chicken, macaroons, escargots, mint, pepper, salt, sugar, croquettes, pickles, apples, avocados, sausages, bell peppers, grapes, pizza, a donut, cheese, more cheese, even more cheese, mushrooms, mustard, olives, a fried egg, a scrambled egg, blueberries, a poached egg, chawanmushi, a red bean bun, mochi, bbq sauce, chicken nuggets, french fries, takoyaki, pancakes, mackerel, salmon, coffee beans, spinach, a tiny bit of corn cream soup, ramensanga, fettucine alfredo, a plain bagel, pretzels, chocolate chip cookies, sweet potato, yam, potato, scallions, scallops, squid, crab stick, fish balls, fish cakes, oyster sauce, silken tofu, barley, cereal, paprika, oysters, red snapper, sea bass, plums, bean sprouts, garlic, string cheese, camembert, swiss cheese, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, yogurt, brinjal, a macdonald’s happy meal (without the toy and the packaging of course), truffles, caviar, tapioca balls, fried chicken, century eggs, cake sprinkles, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, milk tea (just a tinge), coffee (also a tinge), pudding, pumpkin, honey, mutton, mashed potatoes, bananas, icelandic fermented shark that they bury in the ground for months, raisins, dried mangoes, a drop of water, jelly, nata de coco, prunes, roasted pork, rosemary, bee pollen, peas, deer meat, rabbit meat, fish maw, ham, turkey, m&ms, chub, fufu, watermelon, winter melon, rock melon, coffee jelly, cacao, carrots, blueberries, black tea, dumplings, carrot cake, beetroot, purple cabbage, corn, celery, edamame, red beans, black beans, green beans, kidney beans, cashews, peanuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, walnuts, chickpeas, almonds, daikon, MSG, tamales, anchovies, tabbouleh, lions mane mushroom, chicken of the woods, kelp, octopus, durian, kimchi, crème fraîche, popcorn, cotton candy, everything bagel seasoning, capers, pears, marinara sauce, bittercress, butter cream, every single iteration of galarian curry, sushi, sashimi, kale and a very very specific ramen bowl (without the actual bowl) from a very particular shop located in Iwatodai.

And the top and bottom buns are somehow made from 50 different kinds of bread in a checker box pattern.

It comes with a picture.

Ingredients: I am not typing all of that out again. What the fuck.

Smell: You’ve taken an entire food court’s worth of food and made it into a sandwich. This isn’t even possible. Why am I considering this. 3/5

Taste: How do you eat this. 2/5

Texture: You get like 5 different foods every bite. This is not balanced. There is no harmony. This sandwich is the embodiment of disorder and chaos. 1/5

Presentation: The fact that this even looks sandwich adjacent is a fucking miracle. You don’t get full points though. Because I don’t like you. 3/5

Would Chunk Eat It?: He would eat maybe 1/50th of it. So no. 1/5

Final Score: 2/5

Critic’s Notes: Why would you waste this much food. Just host a party. Donate it. Something fucking anything I am begging at this point.

[swanmaids]

aredhel/vana, rated e. for @imakemywings <3

There was a reason Írissë had never sworn herself to any Valar. Acolytes, she grumbled to herself, made the worst adventuring partners. 

And she’d been looking forward to the trip for ages! Tyelkormo had made it sound so exciting when he’d pitched it to her. Let’s spend a few weeks in Oromë’s Woods, he’d said to her, he’d show her all of the hidden parts that most were unable to find. They could explore all of it, it would be so much fun. 

But only two days into their trip, he’d woken her with an apologetic smile. Oromë had spoken to him the night before, apparently, and wanted him to go to the temple in the heart of the forest that day. Yes, alone. No, he didn’t know how long for. Sorry. Then he’d sped off on his horse, leaving her to pack up their camp. 

“Yeah, really fucking fun for me,” Írissë called aloud to the near-silent forest, “You prick!”

The forest said nothing. 

What to do now? 

The Woods had lost all appeal. But she didn’t feel like going back to Tirion either. She’d been promised adventure — or at least entertainment. 

In the beginnings of the Woods they had passed a diverging path: one way led deeper into the forest, and the other towards an orchard planted by Vána, which Írissë had never seen. It wasn’t quite the same as a weeks-long expedition, but she supposed she could pass some pleasant hours among the fruit trees while she planned her next move, and Vána’s maia handmaidens who tended them were said to be very beautiful. 

It was as good a plan as any. She mounted her white mare, and headed back to the path. 

The orchard was beautiful. Dozens of trees were almost bent under the weight of so much ripe fruit – plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and many more that Írissë had never seen, and couldn’t name. Írissë had imagined only a small group of trees, but the trees were only part of a great green meadow that stretched beyond the horizon – it would take at least a day to cross it. Bare-breasted handmaidens lounged amid the scene, feasting on fruit or gossiping or practising at some craft. One was entertaining a small group with a stringed instrument, picking out a tune that Írissë recognised as one of Elemmirë’s better known compositions. 

She sat alone beneath a plum tree slightly secluded from the rest of the scene, set her horse free to roam the grass, and watched in silence. 

“Please don’t sulk so loudly here,” a sweetly melodic voice said from somewhere unseen, interrupting her thoughts, “you’ll turn the fruit sour.”

Írissë jumped and spun around. “I wasn’t even saying anything!” She cried in her own defence, before looking up and meeting the eyes of the speaker. 

She was wearing the fána of one of the Eldar, but there was something about her that reminded Írissë of a birch tree or a reed. She was tall and long limbed, dark hair spilling down her back, and inkings of vines winding around her arms and legs. She was clad in a grass-stained linen shift, and her feet were muddy and bare. 

Vána the Ever Young was smiling down at her. 

“No, I suppose not… but your thoughts are written all over you.”

Írissë was not sure how she ought to respond to that, so she did not. Vána went on. 

“I know — you wanted to spend some time with your little friend, but he ran off to fuck my husband instead. That’s tough, but worse things have happened — and it’s definitely not worth upsetting my garden over.” 

Írissë smiled, in spite of herself. Of course Oromë’s wife would not be ignorant of anything that happened in the Woods. “What do you propose I do instead, then?” 

Vána smiled back. “Stay a while! There is beauty, food, and entertainment here. You’ll find this is far too lovely a place to be grumpy in for very long.” 

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

The Valië had a servant bring them a sort of picnic. There were rice balls filled with acidic pickled plums, pale-fleshed peaches bigger than the palm of her hand, an ice-cold bottle of plum wine with two cups. It was all predictably delicious, and she ate quickly, sucking the dregs off her fingers. 

But Írissë was surprised by how much she enjoyed the company. Perhaps her tongue was loosened by the wine, but she found herself laughing easily around Vána as she listened to her describe her appreciation for a new Vanyarin play based on the Ainulindalë, or some of the antics of her favourite maiar. It was true what people said — that she was somewhat flighty and silly, but it was a harmless silliness, and one that Írissë suspected masked a shrewder mind. Once the food was finished, she realised that her earlier mood was gone, and she felt entirely better.

Perhaps she shouldn’t have been surprised when Vána poured the last of the wine into her cup, drank it in one mouthful, and pressed her sugar-sticky lips against Írissë’s. But in truth, she was caught off guard – which was not a feeling that was familiar to her – , and could scarcely respond. 

The Valië pulled back, a slight frown marring her pretty features. “I’m sorry,” she said, “did I misunderstand you? Did you not want…” she trailed off. 

Írissë looked at her again. She looked at Vána’s girlish wild beauty, and thought of her unexpected kindnesses that day, how she had gone to lengths to cheer a strange Eldar woman she had never met. 

“I did want it,” she said, “I do.” 

This time, Írissë leaned forward and kissed her. 

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

The picnic basket was cast aside, the empty wine bottle rolled away, and Vána laid Írissë down gently on the grass, still kissing her. Vána’s lips were soft, as Írissë surely knew they would be, and tasted of the wine and the fruit. As Vána began to trail sucking kisses over her jaw and down her neck, Írissë felt as though she had drunk the whole bottle of wine herself. She felt light and heady. She felt as though she could do anything. 

When Vána’s hands began teasing at the hem of her tunic, a question in her eyes, the feeling only intensified. Írissë nodded, perhaps over-enthusiastically if Vána’s little giggle was anything to go by, but she could not care. Vána pulled off her tunic, baring her breasts; and Írissë, not wishing to wait any longer than she had to, tugged off her own pleated trousers and fumbled with her shoes, leaving herself in only underwear. 

Apparently the stained shift was the only thing that Vána had bothered to wear that day – she tugged it over her head and revealed her naked form, just as pretty as the rest of her. The vine drawings covered her entire body, wrapping around her breasts and torso. 

Írissë didn’t bother pretending not to stare. After all, the Valië was openly staring at her. 

“Can I take these off, too?” she asked, gesturing at Írissë’s underwear.

“Please.”

Vána’s tongue flicked out over her lower lip in appreciation once Írissë was finally naked. “Touch me if you wish,” she murmured, rolling over so that she was braced on her hands and knees, body covering Írissë, “but there’s so much that I want to do to you.” She bent down and kissed her again, hard, as though she wanted to devour her. 

Írissë thought suddenly that she wouldn’t mind being devoured. 

Vána skimmed a delicate hand down her body, leaving gooseflesh rising in her wake, before she reached between her legs. She skimmed over the dark wiry hair that covered her pubic mound, making an interested noise, and reached down, skimming her fingers over her opening, where Írissë knew she would find her wet. 

Vána slid her first finger in easily, Írissë’s body opening up for her as though it was the most natural thing in the world. Gently, she stroked her thumb over the nub of her clit, making her shiver, and Írissë found herself rolling her hips upwards towards the contact. 

A second finger followed. Vána slid the fingers apart, then brought them together, in an unpredictable rhythm that made Írissë pulse hot. And when she stroked one particular spot inside of her, she gasped, and felt herself burning. Adjusting her position slightly, Vána pressed the heel of her hand against Írissë’s clit as she stroked her from the inside out, and Írissë ground downwards, the small of her back arching off the grass, needing the contact. 

She hadn’t even realised that her hands were thrashing about amid the grass before Vána reached up with and caught them both with her free hand – it would have been a surprising show of power for one so seemingly delicate, if it were possible to forget that Vána was a creature who had sung the universe into being. 

“Perhaps I ought to summon up some vines, to hold you down for me properly,” she murmured, and Írissë heard herself whimper. 

“Hmm. It’s certainly something to consider…” the Valië continued, but Írissë scarcely heard her, because Vána chose that moment to grind her palm harder against Írissë’s clit while rubbing against the hottest spot inside of her, and her vision turned white as she came. 

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

Afterwards, Írissë, still naked, gratefully ate through three sweet nectarines that Vána fetched her. She was hungry again -- she was starving. Which felt a little unfair, she thought then, as it seemed that Vána had done all of the work. 

“Um,” she said, “I’m sorry – that I didn’t –” she felt uncharacteristically embarrassed. 

“Don’t worry!” Vána said airily, “it was more than my pleasure to take care of you.” Then she gave her little grin again. “Of course, if you’re really upset about it, you could always stay here a little while. I’m sure you can make it up to me.” 

It seemed that Írissë had found an adventure after all. 

[ecargmura]

My Deer Friend Nokotan Episode 10 Review - Fawning Over Plants

We’re already at the double digits and back at segmented shenanigans for this episode! It’s closing in on spring in-story, but no one seems to be talking or thinking about graduation. Well, the narrator did say that the concept of time is whacked now.

Anyways, the first segment is Nokotan realizing that she’s allergic to pollen. She tried to play it off as her being a deer wouldn’t make her allergic like how humans are…I’m sorry Nokotan, I’ve got some bad news for you. Anyways, it’s hilarious how it’s not only her body reacting, but her antlers too. Neko is also allergic to pollen. The funniest part of the segment is that they were taken to a vet of all places…

The second segment has Nokotan be absent from the Deer Club for a week. It turns out that Nokotan has been wandering around clubs and Koshitan has found her in the flower arrangement club where shenanigans ensue. I find it hilarious that the flowers Nokotan brought in are rafflesia and pitcher plants—the former known for smelling terribly and the other known for being carnivorous. She even plays guitar for them! I wonder if the rafflesia and pitcher plants are a Pokemon reference as the Vileplume and Victreebel are based on those plants.

The last segment is rather interesting. It’s not about Koshi or Nokotan. Rather, it’s about Anko and Bashame. You’d think that Anko’s whole schtick is being an obsessive siscon, but she does have some character too. While she isn’t interested in making a rice paddy like her fellow club member, she does make rice balls for Bashame and even suggests making umeboshi or pickled plums for her next feat. Bashame’s still a little one-note with her obsession with rice and what not. Though, I do admire her determination for doing something illegal on school grounds. Tsucchi even helps out! I think these two have great chemistry and there should’ve been episodes dedicated to their interactions sooner.

Now that we’re at the final stretch of the show, what is your favorite segment in this episode or overall? How are you enjoying this show? 

[curried-mermaid]

Manga Review: Fruits Basket

We often forget that love is more than just romantic. Natsuki Takaya does an excellent job delving into the human heart and analyzing the different ways people fall in love. Tohru, your average bakadere, accomplishes this just by being herself and soothing the other character’s hearts. She listens to them and says exactly what they need to hear most, even if it comes out weird. Takaya doesn’t portray romance like we normally see in anime or in western media. She focuses on how unconditional love can heal all wounds.

            A perfect example of this theme is when Tohru helps Yuki (the dandere) defend his ‘secret base’ (a small vegetable garden) from a typhoon. Yuki expresses that he only acts nice for himself, it’s not because he’s a nice person. He’s jealous that Kyo (the tsundere) can easily make friends and that’s why he’s nice. He wants to be liked. Tohru tells him that everyone has their own kindness that develops through their experiences. Yuki’s “is like a candle. It suddenly lights up” (Takaya, Vol. 1, 131-137).

            Another theme pops up as she is talking to Kyo as she makes rice balls with him. She mentions that he’s really good at making them and someone who’s been trying to learn would be jealous. He responds with that’s dumb. She comes up with the analogy that everyone has great qualities they cannot see in themselves because they’re like pickled plums that stick to rice. They’re stuck on someone’s back. Everyone else can see them except the person they’re stuck to. Kyo is a wonderful person (Takaya, Vol. 1, 262-267). This theme is important because it helps Tohru develop relationships with the other characters that pop up in the series. She can see everyone’s good qualities regardless of what trauma they’ve been through and how they lash out at those around them. She heals by accepting them for who they are, zodiac spirits and all.

            Takaya’s writing style helps keep the audience at ease as she tackles the hard topics of trauma. This easy-to-read format makes Tohru an effective protagonist. We find out that one of the other zodiac members, Hatori, fell in love only to have to erase his love’s memories after they tried to get permission from the family head, Akito, to marry. Akito lashed out and caused Hatori to go mostly blind in one eye, and his love, Kana, was mentally broken because she thought it was all her fault (Takaya, Vol. 1,  374-395).

            This introduces Akito as Tohru’s “rival” in this series. This is evidenced by Yuki telling Tohru’s friends “She (Tohru) deserves the moon but would never ask for it” (Takaya, Vol. 1, 224) versus Akito saying that he wants the moon (242). This is an excellent way to introduce and show the differences between Tohru and Akito. The narrative style follows a third person omnipotent view. The story is told mostly through dialogue and various character inner monologues. This is effective because the audience can get a clearer picture of what’s going on. The flashbacks are relevant to the story and help us understand what each character has gone through up to the point of the story.

            The largest problems I have with Takaya’s narrative is the story moves slowly and Tohru is a passive protagonist. If you’re not paying attention to the small details, you’ll miss how the relationships develop. The other important thing is the ending for this first volume is sad and nostalgic at the same time. It’s just the daily life of an average girl who stumbled into a supernatural family.

            Overall, I’d say this series is worth checking out and is one of my favorites because it brings a refreshing take on love through deep connections. Love is more than just romance. Be [1]prepared to fall for this series over and over through bittersweet heartache and blissful triumph.

Takaya, Natsuki. “Fruits Basket Collector’s Edition”. Volume 1, 2016, Yen Press.

[moustawott]

Law hates pickled plums so much, it’s hilarious

(One Piece Novel Law Fan Translation)

One day, while Wolf was shutting himself in his workshop, Bepo and I were harvesting vegetables in the greenhouse. Here, one could grow plants that couldn’t be found in the winter, and even control the speed at which they wanted them to grow. Honestly, it was hard to not admit that it was an exceptional invention.

“Say, Law, can I also pick these plums?”

“Especially not, moron! What do you want to make with them? Pickled plums, I bet?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I love pickled plums, they go so well with rice balls.”

“Shut up! I never want to hear the words ‘pickled’ and ‘plum’ coming from you again, got it?!”

“Eeek! Ok, alright, but it’s not a reason to get angry…”

Uuurgh, there he goes being depressed again. This polar bear really lacks a backbone. But it doesn’t mean I’ll apologize. He shouldn’t have told me about pickled plums, that’s all. Honestly, what’s up with that sourness? It stings the tongue in such an unpleasant way. In my eyes, it’s the pickled plum, the real devil’s fruit.

What did pickled plums ever do to you, Law

[peachsukii]

I'm hosting a party! Who are you coming with, and what are you bringing??

Thank you for inviting us! 🥰💜 Katsuki and I will bring sriracha mayo deviled eggs and pickled plum rice balls 💥

[sailor-aviator]

The lunch lineup for tomorrow:

Pickled plum rice balls

Pork and mushroom dumplings

Bunny apples and peanut butter

Lychee

Greek yoghurt bars

Dark chocolate raspberries

Two chocolate chip cookies

Taro tea boba

I’m eating good tomorrow 😎

[pix4japan]

Plums and Pipes: Unveiling the Unique Charms of Mukoyama Shoten in Yokohamabashi

Location: Yokohamabashi, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan Timestamp: 17:33 on December 19, 2023

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter ISO 3200 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8.0 Astia Soft film simulation

Step into the vibrant Yokohamabashi shopping district, and one of the first shops you'll encounter on your left is an establishment named Mukoyama Shoten, offering an quirky mix of tobacco and plum products.

Several years ago, the store underwent a renovation, transforming its appearance into a more modern and inviting space. Originally specializing in tobacco-related items, Mukoyama Shoten has expanded its inventory to include a totally unrelated selection of renowned plum (ume) and pickled plum (umeboshi) products, notably the Nanko-Ume.

Nanko-Ume, a distinctive plum variety, thrives in the historical region known as “Kishu,” encompassing present-day Wakayama Prefecture and southern Mie Prefecture. The coastal climate in this area is particularly conducive to the cultivation of these flavorful plums.

Beyond their unique origin, pickled plums (umeboshi) are served with vinaigrettes, salad dressings, noodles, sandwiches, and rice balls. A popular way to enjoy umeboshi is to pair them with rice, complemented by side dishes such as fish, meat, or vegetables like cucumbers and carrots.

For those inclined towards homemade drinks, buying unripened green plums in late spring or early summer opens up the possibility of crafting umeshu—a delightful fruity liqueur. Made by steeping unripened ume in distilled liquor with sugar, the steeping time is left to the brewer’s discretion. Many of the older parents of my Japanese friends, treasure personal umeshu recipes passed down through generations. These homemade concoctions are served warm in winter and served cold in the summer months.

Yokohamabashi, like many other shotengai shopping streets in Japan, boasts the charm of small mom-and-pop shops, each with its own quirky blend of products. The juxtaposition of tobacco items and plum specialties at Mukoyama Shoten exemplifies the unique character of these establishments, making a visit a fun exploration of diverse offerings.

Google Maps links, references for further reading, and source materials can be found at the latest blog post at pix4japan.com: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20231219-yokohamabashi