#and then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted over an open fire

[radio-charlie]

Its my day off and i was hoping to sleep in but woke up at 7-something anyway. its ok. actually kind of nice to up right now and make a good hot cup of tea. shame there’s no more pulut panggang

[eazy-group]

Campfire Cooking: Easy Recipes, Cooking Techniques & Tips

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Campfire Cooking: Easy Recipes, Cooking Techniques & Tips

There are so many methods to make awesome camping food. When you want to add the most excitement to meal creation, you have to choose campfire cooking! Not only do you end up with yummy culinary creations, you get to build, maintain and relax near a crackling fire with mesmerizing dancing flames too.

Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.

Our Most Popular Campfire Recipes

We have tons of campfire recipes to inspire you to make awesome campfire meals. Here are some of our most popular ideas.

1. Campfire Corn On The Cob

Campfire Corn On The Cob by CampingForFoodies

Nothing is better than campfire grilled corn on the cob in the summer! It is easy, fun and delicious! You cook it in the husk on a campfire grill grate directly over the coals in your fire pit.

2. Pie Iron French Toast

Pie Iron French Toast Recipe by CampingForFoodies

Dip you bread into a simple egg mixture and cook it in your pie iron over hot campfire coals. This breakfast is a real crowd pleaser.

3. Campfire Stew

After beef chuck roast simmers over low heat you can cut it with a butter knife. We use bacon, vegetables including potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and, dried herbs like rosemary, parsley, thyme to create amazing flavor in this fork-tender stew.

4. Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese by CampingForFoodies

You can make this sandwich using a cast iron skillet or griddle. Watch our VIDEO to see how easy it is to create this indulgent meal.

6. Chicken Souvlaki Pitas

Chicken Souvlaki Pita Recipe by CampingForFoodies

After marinating chicken pieces you can thread them onto skewers or just grill them over grates to make these Mediterranean chicken gyro sandwiches.

10. 4 Ingredient Banana Pancakes

4 Ingredient Banana Pancakes by CampingForFoodies

These simple pancakes are almost as easy as opening a bag of trail mix for breakfast. From start to finish, they’ll be on your table in 15 minutes, so, you can just leave the trail mix for your hike! Check out all of our delicious and easy camping breakfast ideas.

11. Campfire Donuts

Powdered Sugar & Cinnamon Sugar Campfire Donuts And Doughnut Holes by CampingForFoodies

Refrigerator biscuit dough is the secret to making these amazingly tasty fresh donuts in just minutes.

12. Rich & Creamy Campfire Hot Cocoa

Ditch the pre-made powder if you want a special treat! Cool weather camping experiences don’t feel complete without a warm cup of hot chocolate and this one is velvety smooth.

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Foil Packet Meals

Aluminum foil can be your best friend in the great outdoors when you want terrific meals without a pile of dirty dishes to wash. One of the most popular methods of camp fire cooking is using foil packets. The cleanup is almost non-existent too! Try all of our campfire meals in foil, here are a few of our favorites.

15. Shrimp And Asparagus Foil Packs

Shrimp And Asparagus Foil Packs by CampingForFoodies

This is a sort-of fancy meal made with simple ingredients. Shrimp and asparagus are flavored with a little white wine (or chicken broth), Cajun seasoning, garlic, butter, salt and black pepper to create a delicious 20-minute meal.

16. Campfire Chili Cheese Fries

Campfire Chili Cheese Fries by CampingForFoodies

Frozen fries never tasted so good! And, you won’t believe how easy it is to make them!

Dutch Oven Recipes

Dutch Oven Camping Recipes: Looking for easy and tasty Dutch oven recipes? We’ve got loads of them!

17. Dutch Oven French Toast

You don’t have to make individual slices of French toast if you make this casserole version.

18. Mac And Cheese

Dutch Oven Mac And Cheese Camping Recipe by CampingForFoodies

This ooey, gooey, cheesy hot dish is great when served with a simple grilled meat.

19. Dutch Oven Campfire Goulash

Dutch Oven Goulash by CampingForFoodies

Try this goulash if you want yummy comfort food. If you like campfire cooking in the summer, you’ll LOVE winter campfire cooking! You stay warm and cook your meals all at the same time. Check out our favorite winter camping recipes for your next cold-weather menu plan.

20. One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken One Pot Camping Pasta by CampingForFoodies

This easy meal starts with pre-cooked chicken and combines it with pasta, fire roasted tomatoes and cream cheese that is all cooked together. Check out all of our awesome one pot camping meals.

Camping Desserts

Your outdoor vacation won’t be complete unless you indulge in a few yummy camping desserts.

21. Campfire Smores Recipes

You can’t cook over a campfire without having s’mores for dessert at least once during your trip! You can certainly enjoy the traditional toasted marshmallow sandwiched between two graham crackers with a chocolate bar. But, why not get creative with ingredients like caramel sauce, berries, white chocolate coconut candy bars, fruit and different types of cookies? We’ve put a twist on these classic sweet treats that kids and adults will love!

24. Blueberry Cobbler

Campfire Dutch Oven Blueberry Cobbler by CampingForFoodies

When blueberries are in season, THIS is the dessert you need to make!

25. Chocolate Lava Dutch Oven Cakes

Dutch Oven Chocolate Lava Cakes by CampingForFoodies

These little individual cakes are baked in cupcake liners. That keeps them moist and easy to serve.

Campfire Cooking Techniques

We love cooking over campfires so much, we have tons of resources to help you master the art of cooking over a fire.

Dutch Oven Temperature Chart: Knowing how many coals to use and where to place them is super important, especially if you are baking things like … Mountain Man Breakfasts, Dutch Oven Pizzas, breads, cakes and pies!

Dutch Oven Camp Cooking Tips: You can test your knowledge in this post with questions like:

How much heat comes from a coal?

Do ashes add or reduce heat?

Where should you place coals?

What size Dutch oven should you use?

Should you use a standard depth or deep Dutch oven?

What type of wood is best for campfire cooking?

Campfire Cooking Tips: Learn the best campfire cooking techniques including:

Efficient campfire cooking setups

Getting maximum flavor from your food

Open campfire heat control

How to cook in windy conditions and more

Campfire Cooking Equipment: When you have the right campfire cooking gear, you instantly become a wilderness chef! See our top picks for:

Over fire grills

Griddles, Dutch ovens and pans

Dutch oven accessories

Cooking on sticks and more

How To Start A Campfire: You can’t cook over a campfire unless you know how to start one! Learn the most efficient way to start a fire for:

Cooking

Warmth

Relaxation

Rescue

Best Fire Starters: These tips will help you start your campfire even in the roughest weather conditions.

How Much Firewood Do I Need For Camping: Do you know how much wood you’ll need for your entire trip? Consider these factors:

Length of trip

Weather

Type of fire (including fires for cooking)

Size of pieces

Firewood type

Camping wood’s moisture content

Best Dutch Oven For Camping: Most campers who cook over campfires like the durability of cast iron Dutch ovens. We have tips to help you choose the best Dutch oven for your type of camping and cooking!

How To Use A Dutch Oven: Cast iron Dutch ovens are the cooking vessel of choice for many campfire chefs. Learn how to use them like the pros do! Learn about:

Regular vs deep Dutch ovens

Different types of cooking methods

Baking

Roasting

Simmering & Stewing

Frying & Boiling

Cooking utensils

Cast iron cookware care

Dutch Oven Accessories: Add a few essential Dutch oven accessories to your camp kitchen gear for simple and efficient:

Transportation

Storage

Cooking

Cleaning

Lodge Dutch Oven Accessories: Lodge is a favorite brand when it comes to campfire cooking. They have a great line of accessories that make cooking and cleanup simple.

Camping Food Storage Ideas & Handling Tips: You want to start and finish your campfire meal with smiles on faces! Keep your camping clan healthy with proper food handling techniques.

FREE Printable Menu Planner

Source

[thinkhealthylivecreative]

The Philosophy Of Chinese Cooking

The electric range can additionally provide a concave induction along the food preparation surface area. A frying pan is a tool made use of for cooking. Chinese dishes have different methods in cooking. Here's exactly how it's done: Step 1: Unique volcanic stones are discovered as to give the warmth for the cooking. The timber used can alter the preference of the Hangi for good or poor. On the other hand, treated lumber or chemicals in the lumber will certainly most likely make you ill and also poisonous substance your food. Which approaches of cooking are typically made use of in Africa? Toasting refers to cooking food over an open fire, without water. The fire may be an open timber fire place or a fireplace, or a charcoal heater. Foods that are frequently roasted in Africa consist of meat, fish, tubers such as sweet potatoes, arrowhead roots, Irish potatoes and also cassava, as well as some types of banana. Boiling refers to cooking food with water, without oil. Often, an earthen ware cooking pot may be used. Food preparation tools made of metal or other materials are also gaining in appeal. Foods that are boiled include veggies, pulses such as peas and beans, roots such as potatoes and cassava, and grains such as rice. In northern Uganda, odii - groundnut paste, is added to the boiled meal as a sauce. In southern Uganda, steaming is an essential approach of cooking. Cooking bananas - matoke - are steamed inside banana leaves, over a pot full of boiling water. Fish, meat and vegetables are additionally wrapped in banana leaves as well as steamed. Due to the fact that it is claimed to better maintain the nutritive value of foods, steaming is an advised food preparation method. You'll eventually come to be a much better cook by utilizing test as well as mistake with your own creations. Period Your Food in Layers Have you ever had a dish that wasn't very flavorful? Possibly you utilized spices on one part of your recipe, but left out the salt in other components. Many people are currently eating at house as well as they are discovering that they are not just saving money when they do so, they are able to enjoy a range of foods that are cooked to their taste. One of the first things that I usually such as to take into consideration when cooking food is the kinds of active ingredients that I have offered. If you truly enjoy food, it is most likely that you take pleasure in, not just the method that it tastes however likewise the way that it is prepared. The electric cooktop can likewise offer a concave induction along the cooking surface area. A wok is an utensil made use of for cooking. Regularly, an earthen ware food preparation pot may be used. Steaming is a recommended cooking approach due to the fact that it is said to better maintain the nutritious worth of foods. One of the very first points that I frequently like to consider when cooking food is the kinds of components that I have offered.

Read more: https://thinkhealthylivecreative.com/

[drvrslcense]

devils roll the dice (angels roll their eyes)

Masterlist | Taglist | Wattpad | Instagram | ao3

+ send your requests!

pairing: leo valdez x daughter of athena! reader

summary: you and leo are dared to skinny dip, what happens if your friends run away with your clothes?

warnings: skinny dipping (a bit of nudity), a few curses, mentions of sex (but not really?) - let me know if you see other ones!

notes: request; this takes place years after the events of hoo (toa never happened)

read this fic in ao3!

Leo Valdez is seriously annoying.

The way he smiles as if everything’s okay and his anger is not something you’re feeling like waves hitting you over and over - it’s just annoying. Why can’t he just get it over with and explode in front of you, use his fire powers and all?

With a scoff, you shook your head, averting your gaze from the curly-haired boy to the campfire in front of you.

Truthfully, this event was supposed to be just the seven - Percy, Annabeth, Jason, Piper, Frank, Hazel, and Leo. Percy invited you to enjoy this night with his friends. He found you earlier by this beach, kicking sand, and muttering how much Leo Valdez just pissed you off. And he just had the audacity to invite you to an event, saying Leo won’t be here. But here he is - grinning as he was roasting a marshmallow over the fire.

“So, Leo,” Percy turned to Leo. “Truth or dare?”

“Dare,” he grinned.

You saw Percy look at you, smiling, like a monkey who finally grabbed the banana from the tree. "Go skinny dipping with Y/N."

"What!?" I'm sorry, but were you just dragged into something that doesn't even include you? "No. I'm not skinny dipping, especially not with him."

"Wow," Leo said, standing up. "Way to hurt my feelings, Y/N."

"Like you have one," you rolled your eyes.

"So, are you doing this or not?" Leo questioned you, already raising an arm to remove his shirt.

"No, I'm not," you crossed your arms over your chest.

"Your loss," Leo shrugged, shirtless. Your eyes scanned over his body. Realizing what you were doing, you averted your gaze from him into the campfire. "Like what you were seeing?"

You can just feel him smirking across from you. "It's not even my dare, how do I lose?"

"It's a dare and you're involved so get on with it," Percy waved his hand dismissively, smiling mischievously as he took a sip of his blue coke.

"Do they really have to be naked?" Thank the Gods for your sister, Annabeth.

"Yeah," Jason echoed. "We're all going to be scarred forever when Leo goes buck naked."

"Fine," Percy sighed in defeat. "You can keep your underwear."

They all looked at Leo expectantly, who raised his hands up. "Oh no, I'm not doing it if Y/N won't."

"It's your dare, Valdez."

"Yeah, and?"

"It's not mine."

"But Percy said I have to do it with you."

"Ugh," you huffed, standing up to remove your clothing. "I hate you."

"Well, I don't exactly like you either," Leo quipped, unbuckling his pants.

You turned around, raising your arms over your head as you removed your shirt, revealing your balconette bikini top in Victorian blue. The matching bikini was a gift from Piper on your birthday last September. This is only the first time you wore this, but under a white cropped top and denim jeans, thinking you won't have to swim as it is mid-winter in New York.

Unfortunately, Percy is a pain in the ass and dared Leo to go skinny dipping with you.

Annabeth handed you a beach towel you wrapped yourself in. Despite the camp's borders protecting you from extreme weather, the air was still chilly, and it sent a shiver down your spine as it hit you.

You turned around and saw that Leo had the matching blue and floral printed towel wrapped around his waist. "Let's just get this over with."

You walked over towards the edge where the waves meet the sun, leaving Leo to catch up to you. "So, how are we doing this?"

"You just don't think," is what you answered as you threw your towel somewhere behind you, diving into the open beach and swimming as far as you can.

As soon as the cold catches up to you, you stand up; the water reaching your chin. You saw Leo standing still at the edge, looking stunned. "What are you waiting for, you elf?"

Leo only shook his head and followed you. You waited a few moments, looking around the vast ocean, with chattering teeth and ragged breaths. In mid-December, the water current felt like icicles hitting your body over and over in different places. You couldn’t wait to get back out on the shore and sit by the fire for warmth.

You feel something tug at your ankle, pulling you deeper. As you struggled to stay afloat, you kicked whatever it was, deciding ultimately more on your own survival than the welfare of some random sea creature. But it wasn't a random sea creature. Instead, it was Leo, holding a bloody nose as he surfaced beside.

"Fuck you, Y/N," he held his nose, ducking his head a few times to stop the bleeding.

"That's what you get," you shrugged, waving your arms to keep yourself afloat.

"Ugh," Leo groaned. "CAN WE GO BACK NOW?"

"Geez," you covered your ears. "You didn't have to yell that loud."

"YES," you heard Percy yell back, his voice like waves echoing throughout the ocean.

You looked at the campfire, only that it was like a dot of orange in the distance. Your friends were like moving shadows in the distance, dimly lit by the moonlight.

"Come on," Leo started swimming back towards the shore once his nose had slowed down its bleeding. You followed him, careful not to swim too fast and make your head squeeze tighter than it already was. As you surfaced on the edge, you saw Leo yell and tried to run after Percy, who was holding your clothes. “Hey! Get back here.”

Instead of answering, Percy just laughed and ran away towards the parking lot. Leo chased after him.

You stood up, shivering as the chilly air hit you, grabbing your towel and wrapping yourself with it. Instead of running after Leo, you took a seat in front of the fire, with your arm reached out and dangerously close to the flames. Who could blame you for wanting to feel some warmth?

“You could get burned,” Leo commented, making you look at him in surprise. You thought he was with Percy grabbing his clothes, but there he stood, wearing a towel wrapped around his waist. Your eyes dangerously drift down towards his collarbone, but you shook your head, focusing your gaze on the dancing flames in front of you.

“At least I could be warm,” is what you told him as your fingers still dance dangerously close to the flames.

“Here,” Leo offered you a hand, and you stared as if it was the most disgusting thing you ever saw. To be honest, it wasn’t disgusting. You noticed his fingers were long and slender and smooth - no calluses in sight. It must be a benefit from producing flames.

“What do I do with it?”

“Hold it.”

“No.”

“Your loss,” he shrugged, taking a seat across from you.

“So, where’s Percy?” You asked him.

“Gone,” he sighed, running his fingers through his curls. “They said we should work everything out and they’ll come to fetch us in the morning.”

Unbelievable. Still, what they had done didn't surprise you. It was like them to do something like this, you should have seen it coming. Instead, the temptation for a good time blinded you.

“Go on,” you told him. “Yell at me.”

“What?” Leo said in disbelief. “What do you want me to yell at you?”

“I don’t know,” you told him, shrugging. “What were you saying about me after we met?”

“I wasn’t saying anything about you,” Leo answered defensively.

“You so were,” you rolled your eyes.

“Really?” Leo scoffed, crossing his arms. “What was I saying then?”

“That I was rude,” you answered him, sitting up straight.

“That’s true,” Leo agreed. “You were rude. And you are being rude now.”

“Well, excuse me if I was being rude,” You laughed humorlessly. “I was busy and stressed that day. I was being chased by monsters all day until Grover and Percy found me, and I was tired."

“But that doesn’t excuse you from being such a jerk at camp,” Leo argued.

“Sorry I wasn’t feeling bright and cheery as you,” you retorted. “Gosh, you were annoying.”

“You think I was annoying?” Leo asked, offended.

“You were!” You stood up, clenching the towel that was wrapped around you. “You came in all Mr. Smiley Pants, greeting me with a cheer, and then you introduced yourself and told me your life story when I’m exhausted. Gods, Leo, I just wanted to rest that day.”

“But you didn’t have to be so rude about it,” Leo stood up too, walking to stand in front of you. If he thought he was towering over you, he was not. He was only a few inches above you, not even intimidating you with his height.

“What’s rude about ‘stop, I want to rest’ when you were all there smiling and I was a bleeding mess with monster cuts on my arms?” You fumed. “Not to mention, you were telling me that time you and your beloved Festus had to stop at a gas station.”

“And what’s wrong about that?” Leo raised his arms in frustration. “Festus was hungry, and I was out of Tabasco, so we had to take a quick stop at the nearest gas station for some motor oil.”

“Okay, you were out of Tabasco sauce,” You raised your free hand in surrender. “But is that necessary for a girl to hear when she’s bleeding out?”

“Oh, would you want me to tell you the story of how my parents conceived me?” Leo retorted. “Because I’ll gladly tell you! My mommy and my daddy-.”

“I want you to stop!” You yelled at him, getting so dangerously close to his face. Leo seriously frustrated you to no end. He can’t just keep his mouth shut. “I want you to stop talking for a long time. Maybe then, I could work everything out by myself and leave you here.”

“And what?” Leo taunted. “Face the woods alone? Ooh, too bad, Y/N, you could get killed.”

“I’ll gladly take that chance,” you said through gritted teeth. “Than be here with you.”

“Wow,” Leo feigned hurt, putting a hand above his heart. “Another girl who’d rather be killed than be with me. Only this time, I didn’t ask her out.”

“What, do you want me to ask you out?” The words that rolled out of your mouth surprised you more than they did to Leo, who looked at you with wide eyes. You felt your heart pounding in your chest, unable to think of anything to follow up on your previous statement.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think that you actually like me,” Leo said slowly, a lopsided grin forming on his face as he crossed his arms.

“Please,” you shivered as a strong chilly wind came, knocking you off of your stern demeanor. Leo grinned at this, knowing he had the upper hand in the situation as he didn’t once shiver from the cold. “You don’t know any better than a coked-up 2-year-old.”

“Oh, really?” Leo’s eyebrow shot up as if what you said was a challenge to him. “I know you’re cold right now.”

“Of course, it’s mid-December,” You threw your free hand in the air, turning back around to sit in front of the fire again. All this arguing with Leo has put you away from the campfire and near to the ocean, as you could feel the cold rushing winds more than the warmth of the fire. “It should be cold.”

“Way to point that out, you genius,” Leo followed you as you sat, taking a seat beside you. It was far enough so that your hands wouldn’t reach him in case you wanted to strangle him, but near enough in case you burned your hand and he had to help you.

You were still shivering even as you sat in silence in front of the fire. Leo was probably not helping the case as he kept getting awed by his own breath forming smoke in front of him.

“Could you please stop?” You said through shaky breaths.

“Here, take my hand,” Leo once again offered his hand. “Come on, I won’t bite. Can’t you feel the warmth radiating off of me?”

Out of options for warmth, you hesitantly reached out, your hand hovering above his, trying to feel any sort of warmth. Then you felt it. That rush of slight heat entered your skin and buried itself there. It felt much like holding a warm cup on a chilly day,

You took his hand, gripping it just to feel any warmth. It must have been a pretty uncomfortable position as both of your hands were stretched out, but you didn’t care as you could feel something other than the cold air around you.

You closed your eyes for a moment, trying so hard not to think about the fact that you were mad at him earlier and now you were holding his hand for warmth. You felt him scoot a little closer to you, as he pulled your hand a bit and felt him shift. You opened your eyes and narrowed it at him. “Sorry, my hand’s getting sore.” You sighed and just let him sit closer than the two of you intended.

You didn’t know how, but you didn’t fight the feeling of wanting to feel more warmth as you scooted closer to him - dangerously close, almost shoulder to shoulder. You let out a sigh as the warmth coming from him intensified a bit, as you laid your head above his shoulder. You didn't know why, but he didn’t make a move to push you away, not even a bit as he relaxed and laid his head on top of yours.

“Pipes, quick, grab a camera,” you heard Percy loudly whisper. It must have been morning as you hear birds chirping instead of crickets. The harsh sunlight met your hazel eyes as you opened them, making you immediately squint.

You heard a flash go off, and Piper’s voice rang out. “Oops. Sorry, my bad.”

“Whoever’s there should just get away,” you grumbled, snuggling against what’s beside you. Despite the harsh sunlight, your eyes flung open and quickly stood up, making your head spin, as you realized what - or who, for the matter - you’re snuggling. You stumbled as you clutched your head in dizziness.

“Careful there,” Jason gripped your arm, steadying you.

“What,” Leo groggily said, just waking up. “What happened?”

“We fell asleep, you idiot,” You threw a flip-flop at him. “It’s morning.”

“Oh,” Leo rubbed the spot where you hit him. “Oh, hey, guys.”

“Hey,” Percy greeted him with a smile. “Looks like you had quite a night, huh?”

“More like it,” Leo lazily smiled at you through squinting eyes.

Despite everything in you screaming to deny everything, you smiled at him. “Yeah. It was nice.”

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS I A THIRSTY INTERLUDE

First time reader click here

Bun Bun at 2:30 AM posting: This is 110% pornography. I wrote that when I was feeling extra thirsty over Tony and his Nano suit so yeah... A bit of choking a bit of mild suit bondage. Daddy kink 👉🏻👈🏻🥺 BDSM themes. Humor & porn. Has minimal correlation with the story and can be read as standalone smut-shot. Inspired by this NSFW tik tok audio (headphones!).

"OH MY GOD, NO! NO, NO, SHIT, FUCK, NO!"

"Princess, what's wrong?" Steve's worried voice rang high in the kitchen, followed by an alarming clattering of the dishes against the sink. "Are you hurt?" He didn't even remark on my use of profanity, which meant I'd startled the Captain for sure. He appeared in the doorway ready to fight, run; his eyes immediately drawn to his shield in the corner.

"Only what's left of my dignity," I sighed.

"Oh, okay," He visibly sagged, tension leaving his voice and his body. "What happened?"

I inhaled several times, feeling heat creep up my neck and blossom on my cheeks. It took a lot, and I mean A LOT, to make me feel embarrassed enough to fumble my words and palm my face but that was exactly what I did. "Well, umm... Tony found a couple of thirst tweets. Mine, from my sophomore year. And uh, retweeted them." I thought I'd cleaned up my social media quite well, actually. My fingers twitched remembering manually sorting through thousands of posts. Apparently, my fingers weren't clever enough.

Steve snorted, evidently having had someone tell him what a thirst tweet was. He, however, did not understand the sheer mortification that I would be subjected to at the hands of Tony. And my classmates. And Peter, oh my God. Natasha and Wanda too, probably. And Loki.

I. Was. Toast.

"How bad was it?" Bucky piped up, finally having dealt with the mini laughter fit.

"Not worse than what you two get up to in the gym when you think nobody is home," I immediately retorted in hopes of avoiding teasing from the metal-armed man. He would take the chance, of course, he would.

"Oof, I'm sorry, doll," Bucky whistled sympathetically. And promptly pulled out his phone, to, what I assumed, see the offending social media posts for himself. I assumed correctly. Bucky was bent over laughing in no time - was it my doing or did Tony's own commentary on them that made the whole situation so hilarious to the gramps on steroids?

"I will light you on fire," I seethed but remained where I was standing. There was no point in doing anything about them now. Screenshots were probably already being saved on everybody's devices.

Steve peeped over his boyfriend's shoulder, chuckling. "You had a crush on Tony? That's embarrassing, doll." He had the audacity to give me an innocent smile before returning to his dishwashing.

"Punk, I don't know if - and I quote: Not to be That Girl™ - it's trademarked, by the way - but Tony Stark could hit it and quit it and I wouldn't even be mad - qualifies as a crush." Bucky pointed out, the sound of his voice being drowned out by Steve's guffaws. "And this one definitely does not qualify for it to be a romantic setting. Listen: I'm not a fucking bottom, okay?.. there are seventeen question marks. But, like, can Tony Stark choke me in one of his Iron Man suits - nine more question marks." Bucky joined his partner's laughter, unable to continue.

I was literally on fire. My face burned, my hands shook. I had the strongest urge to stick my index fingers in my ears and loudly yell "la-la-la" until both fossils ceased to roast me like I was some sort of holiday brisket. "I hate you. I will burn... The heart... Out of you," I seethed.

"O-oh, honey bu-un, da-arling..." I heard Tony's sing-song voice happily calling for me. Too happily. Not good.

I had literal seconds to get myself scarce out of this situation. I'd already avoided the dozen text messages, two calls in hopes the engineer would drop the topic and go back to his Big Bad Science Project. I had underestimated his persistent desire to cause chaos and his terrible, no-good sense of humor.

It was fun and games when we teamed up to prank our friends. I just never expected for the tables to be turned this way, y'know? Betrayal of the highest quality. The turntables had been turned - decidedly NOT in my favor.

In a brief moment of panicked clarity, I opened one of the empty bottom cabinets in the kitchen. It took some uncomfortable folding and maneuvering but I got myself inside and pressed the door shut seconds before his footsteps made the distinctive noise of sneakers on tile.

"Capsicle, Terminator," I heard Tony greet the two laughing supersoldiers. "Have you seen my Princess?"

I melted a little bit at the way Tony called me his, I won't lie.

"Nope," Bucky lied shamelessly.

"She's in the empty cabinet," Steve chuckled at the same time. Top 10 anime betrayals, right there.

"Wow - and I thought we were friends," Tony scoffed, I assumed at Bucky. My body tensed and I prepared to dial-up my puppy eyes to eleven. My hiding spot was wack.

The door was roughly tossed open, my eyes landing on Tony's oil-stained jeans. He crouched down, his brown eyes positively sparkling. The engineer's body radiated smug mischief, fingers twitching in anticipation.

"Sorry, Princess is unavailable right now. May I take a message?" I said, pulling on the cabinet door and fully prepared to slam it shut in his face. I was NOT ready for any more mortification.

Tony's chuckle shook me to the core, louder and ten times more expressive in the cramped, dark space of my temporary lair. "Come on out, baby girl. I didn't peg you for a wallflower."

"Duly noted," I said warily, having been expecting for him to drag me out and carry me to his bedroom, caveman style. I had noticed that my dorky self revved up his gears faster than any stereotypical seductive shit. It was no secret, at least not for us 'vengers, that Tony was a huge dork himself but I guess it takes one to know one.

"So, my suits, huh?" He smirked after a brief moment and just like that, I Did Not Like Where This Was Going. The receding footsteps and quiet snickering only confirmed my suspicions. Tony's form blocked the opening of the cabinet, crowding me even further into the already cramped space.

"Um," I found myself pretty much speechless. Part of me was excited and yearning - of fucking course I was curious if Tony Stark, genius and former playboy, had found a way to incorporate his suits of armor into the bedroom. Daresay, it was the question of the decade, according to Cosmopolitan, GQ, and a whole lot of other large media outlets.

The more sensible part of me screamed shame for that, playing with an essentially massive, powerful destruction machine. Something meant to protect millions of people from bad guys and aliens. It seemed blasphemous to waste such an important thing on scratching a curious itch.

I blinked owlishly, squirming.

"Okay, out you go." Tony's patience had run out and he withdrew himself, promptly standing up.

I heard the tapping of his fingers as I ungracefully stumbled out. He was occupied with his tablet so I turned around to adjust myself and the things on the countertop I had accidentally jostled in my rush to preserve some dignity.

An arm snaked around my waist, cold and unyielding, brushing against my exposed midriff with metal fingertips. Goosebumps followed the touch as I shivered involuntarily, stuttering in my breathing. "Fuck." The sound came out as if it was punched out of my throat with force, breathy.

"What's your safeword?" Tony's neatly groomed beard scratched against my ear. His voice was heavy and his lips were moist.

"Banana," I blurted the first thing that came into my mind. My body was hot and yet, I froze in place. The sheer power that the man behind me contained demanded unyielding obedience. I had no choice but to comply.

"Friday, lock the door. Nobody but me, in and out." Tony growled, pulling my hips into his metal-covered form.

Were we really doing this in the communal kitchen? With Steve and Bucky probably fully aware of what exactly was going on in here? Tony seemed to have zero reservations about that; in fact, I was almost sure he'd orchestrated the whole thing somehow. Steve owed like a dozen favors to the engineer.

The thick of Tony's leg firmly wedged itself between my thighs, spreading them open just enough so I was forced to put a slight arch in my back to keep still, my ass and shoulders firmly pressing against his Iron Man suit. I felt the coldness of the metal through my clothes, heard the hum of the nanobots in my ears.

My blood responded, heartbeat pulsing in my ears in sync with the electrical currents supplying the man behind me with the immense physical power to match his mental one. "Shit," The sound of my voice was faint. His other arm began creeping up my side to my shoulders, making an unmistakable beeline for my neck.

Tony applied firm pressure on it, wrapping the gauntlet carefully - not restricting the airflow, just steering me as he wished. And apparently, he had some very strong ideas about my current predicament: "Got me right where you wanted me?" He asked, low and breathy.

As I attempted to make noise, his hand tightened on my throat. Eyelids involuntarily sliding closed, my lips shook with the force it took me to muster up enough oxygen to hum a sloppy. "Mhm..."

"Can't hear you, baby girl," His cheek rested against mine, scratchy and hot and smelling like iron and gasoline and Tony.

Another shaky breath, I attempted to force the words out - for some reason, Tony's presence commanded me to obey him like never before. I nearly shivered from the sheer aura of power surrounding my man and it was his cue to lessen the careful pressure on my throat - just enough for blood to rapidly rush to my ears, making the world even hazier. "Yeah, Tony," It didn't take me much time to give him the enthusiastic consent he was looking for.

"Uh-uh," Tony tutted cheerfully. His other arm snaked around my waist, dipping lower to play with the hem of my skirt. God bless me for wearing a skirt! The rough pads of his fingertips scratched against the soft, sensitive flesh of my inner thighs. "I think we're past first name basis, baby," The suit retracted, mostly. The nanotech allowed for different parts of it to cover Tony's body in odd places: I felt the gauntlets and the arm braces, as well as part of a chest plate, but waist down my man was wearing simple jeans and tee.

"Uh," My brain supplied unhelpfully, feeling the bulge pressing against my ass. "Daddy?"

"That's my girl," I was rewarded with a groan, so sinful and delicious, falling from his lips straight into my ear. The hand that had gone down south cupped the mound of my pussy with a tender gesture. "Or Iron Man's?" He teased, grinding into me from behind.

"Yours," I keened obediently, my body seeming to find it impossible to decide between rubbing myself on his hand and his cock. It was a hard choice - pun absolutely intended. I was long uncomfortable in my panties and Tony's clever digits surely felt it, yet he made no further moves. "Daddy," I tried to put how much I ached for him into words.

Tony hummed, placing his wet mouth on the juncture of my neck for a moment. His hot breath seared my skin. The curious fingers finally, finally, reached the apex of my thighs. "Fuckin' shit, baby, you're..." He didn't bother finishing the sentence, speaking with his actions instead, scissoring his fingers between my labia, running the knuckles over my clit.

Just to feel me pant and shiver. I was sensitive and so aroused it was nearly unbearable. Tony always made me feel some type of way and, once again, my man had outdone himself. There was no shame left in me as I shifted my hips to the rhythm of his hand.

"Please?" I asked him prettily, knowingly that one little word would get me everything I wanted. A hard fucking, a new dress, a car, or, Hell, my own private island. My eyes were pretty when I begged, he had said. I would move the world for you, he had meant.

"Baby," The whisper was rushed as Tony turned me around and claimed my lips, hoisting my ass onto the marble countertop of the common kitchens. My legs wrapped around his hips, seeking the warmth and relief of his skin on mine. I wanted him inside of me, inconvenient location and two layers of clothing be damned. I wanted to bury myself in him until either of us couldn't tell who started and ended where.

"Daddy," I whispered into the thin line of his mouth, conveying my all-consuming need in a single word.

My skirt was hiked up in a second, the gauntlets of his suit still on his hands tearing my pants in a single clean motion. Eagerly, I scooted forward to pop the button on his jeans; grateful for the fact more often than not, Tony choose to forgo the belt whatsoever when working in the lab. Today was my lucky day.

His cock, red and thick and hard enough to pound nails with, weighed my hand down for barely a second beforehand Tony's gauntlets closed around both of my wrists, securing them to my chest. His other arm swiftly wrapped around me, pulling me close to him, as close as we could be together without sharing a single body. The blunt tip of his manhood stood at my entrance - not just teasing it but seeking permission.

One keen that seemed to come from deep insight my chest and I felt Tony's breath hitch as our sensitive flesh met; he filled me up at least as superbly as I hugged him. We shared a moan and a breath, just feeling each other, feeling the moment.

We were short on patience. Tony's hand slid onto the small of my back, urging our hips to meet each other, setting a punishing pace from the very start.

"Fuck, Daddy, oh God," I panted. I wasn't used to getting things started with so little prep.

"Baby," Tony rumbled, trying for stern, having it come out as breathless as I felt. "Shit, so fuckin' tight," His words garbled.

The sound of flesh slapping flesh was loud, perhaps, loud enough for certain enhanced folk to hear should they happen to pass the kitchen doors - and if that didn't make my insides clench in the most delectable ways.

Tony grunted in response, a lewd noise adding to the cacophony. "Gonna come?" His teeth caught my bottom lip, pulling it slightly. "For Daddy?" He asked, all traces of his usual cockiness gone, as he pulled away slightly to stare right in my wide eyes with his baby doe browns, equally blown with lust and longing.

Neither of us would last. "Yes, fuck, Daddy, please," I begged.

His hips angled just right, Tony continued mercilessly railing me, holding up my weak body between his arms. I felt the cold metal of the gauntlets through my shirt. The shivers ran across my skin in heaps, like busy little ants.

"Come for Daddy," Tony ordered, yanking me closer to hit that sweet spot deep inside of me. I couldn't resist the command, feeling the waves build up with every brutal stroke, clenching, muffling the screaming of my release in the crook of his neck, relishing in the growl that left his lips as he followed me, releasing my arms and folding his torso over mine. "Fuck," Was the only coherent word that left Tony's mouth, his seed creating a sticky mess between our legs.

"Yeah," I moaned, unwilling to part from him. It was intense. My world was spinning on its axis and my Tony was the center of it. He said something again, something soft and quiet, and my only concern was to rub my nose on his pulse point, to savor and remember the smell of our shared pleasure.

"Baby..." Tony sounded... Concerned. He withdrew slowly, frowning at my sleepy state. His frown only intensified when I absentmindedly rubbed my wrists - there were bound to be some marks left from the force of his grip. It was hot and it was... A surefire way to tell the suits weren't really adapted for bedroom games. Kitchen games.

"Daddy," I mumbled, sounding sad and pathetic to my own ears. I kind of wanted to cuddle and watch a movie but it seemed weird asking that from Tony since we've done crazier things and I had never felt like this, never got this greedy.

"Oh, baby, c'mere," He had come to some sort of conclusion. After re-doing his pants and picking up the scraps of fabric that used to be my panties, his arms made a comfortable nest. I was picked up without any troubles; the gauntlets had disappeared, too, into the thin golden bracelets around his wrists. I allowed myself to play with them, the shiny colors doing a good job of distracting me all throughout the brisk walk through the main living room and the swift elevator ride.

Tony's bed was messy, unmade and smelled like us - just the way I had left it that morning. Tony's hands were gentle as he stripped me and then swiftly chucked his own clothes.

"Watcha' doin'?" I asked as he wrapped his body around mine.

"Shh, we'll talk later," He murmured, looking slightly dazed himself. "Friday, put Stardust on the TV. 25% volume," As soon as the command was spoken, one of my comfort movies began playing on the large screen. Tony's hand kept stroking my hair and I didn't resist the temptation to close my eyes, settling into a peaceful lull atop the glowing white-blue of Tony's arc reactor.

My favorite color in the world, to be honest. It felt like I'd slept for ages when I opened my eyes to see the color again. "Um, hi," I supplied meekly, feeling way out of my depths from my own strange behavior.

"Mornin', Princess," Tony seemed joyful, the bags under his eyes a little less prominent than before.

I made moves to get out of the bed but he wrapped an arm around me, tugging me closer. "What do you know about sub drop?" He questioned me, in response to my vaguely confused noises.

That's what it was?!

THE TAG LIST IS NOW OPEN! @another-stark-sub @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit ​ @littlegasps ​ @pilloclock ​ @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads ​ @hermione-grangers-wife ​ @individualistfem ​ @sleep-i-ness @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney @dee-vn @justanotherblonde23 @fanngirl19 @persephonehemingway @softie-socks @schemefrenzy @letsby @cutenessloading @romeo-the-cactus @jelly-fishy-babie

[lionsongfr]

Greenskeeper Fest Foods

It is rare in the Viridian Labyrinth to have feasts or even cooked food. Food is rarely in excess, and a common saying around the flight is “take only what the forest gives”. Many clans are nomadic, so most food found is eaten that day and rarely stored. Some more primal clans view agriculture as an insult to the Gladekeeper, that to farm is to mock The Mother’s ability to provide. As to cooked foods- in a tropical rainforest keeping a fire light can be a troublesome thing, and for those who live in trees fire can be a dangerous thing.

Thus, feasts and cooked food are rare in the Labyrinth, but if you do want to try the cooking the best time is spring- especially during Greenskeeper Gathering. The land is filled with abundance, flowers filling the forest and life overflowing. These are pivotal times for the Labyrinth, battles are held off and clans come together to socialize and eat together. 

Below is a list of some potential food items for your Greenskeeper Festival:

Foods 

Grilled and Roast Meats- while Fire Flight maybe king of the grill, Nature has many a hungry Wildclaw to feed. Any bird or beast or fish caught will be skewered and placed upon the grill. The first round of meats is the appetizers such as whole roasted Lovebirds, grilled Tadhop legs rubbed with chili peppers, or skewers of Firebelly Scorpions in a garlic sauce.  For main dishes, Spotted Goat and Barkback Boar is sectioned and served in a variety of cuts and doneness. 

Banana Leaf Baked Hippocampus- Hippocampus baked in a Banana leaf with a coconut curry sauce. There is great debate whether it is more fishy or equine in taste.

Pit-Roasted Pygmy Hippo- covered in Banana leaves and buried in the ground with coals to slowly roast for day, it is said this meal could feed an Imperial… or a pack of hungry mirrors.

Clownfish Ceviche- clownfish marinated in lime and orange along with onions and chilis, often served along with fried Plantain chips for dipping.

Cheesy Wild Rice Mix- steamed in Bladed Flatleafs, this dish contains beans, Bark Boar bacon, grilled Grove Ferns, and Goat milk mozzarella. 

Clay Pot Amphithere Stew- Amphithere can be difficult to eat whole due to the many bones, so in this dish it is cut from the bone and stewed with tomatoes, onions, lime juice, and coriander. Fish such as Gilded Tetras or Bamboo shrimp are often added to the dish. Typically served with a porridge made of manioc or cassava.

Blooming Greenpod Salad- when slowed cooked over a fire these plants bloom from their pods. The leaves are then often mixed with Paradise Seeds and Sage Shell mushrooms in an herbal sauce made from Jungle Raincatch plants.

Jungle Bark Tamales- the Jungle Pith bark is tasty, the pith itself not so much. Thus, the pith is removed from the bark ground up and made into a dough with sweet or savory fillings. The dough is then wrapped with the bark and mixture is steamed together. The bark and dough can be eaten together or separately.

Slow Stone Soup-soup made from a Travelling Garden in its own shell, typically contains hard-boiled Zalis eggs, tomatoes, Wild Onion, and bell pepper

Steamed Rolly Polly- in the jungle Rolly Pollys can grow to massive sizes and can be steamed or roasted like a lobster. Much to the delight of the dinner, after steaming the shell can simply be tapped to open and reveal the white flesh within. Typically served with a citrus sauce.

Red-Blue Banana Custard- made from a Red Banana which has a dark blue fruit, typically served in bamboo cups and topped with a red sauce made from Redblood Sapper.

Minty Jadevine Sorbet- a gift from Frostbite Dryads, a dessert that is cool in two different ways.

 Drinks

Barkskin Tea- leaves traded by from the Barskin Watcher make for a strong green tea.

Chilled Edamame Smoothie- with a little sugarcane syrup and fruit added this treat will get any hatchie to drink their veggies. 

Jungle Juice- a mix of liquors and fruit from every clan in an area, sweet and sure to give you a hangover the next day.

Manticore’s Tail- a cocktail made of sugar cane liquor and lime juice with chili salt on the rim.

[twstankin]

Revisions ( My Twst Persona Au )

(Edited Version for spelling mistakes)

Prologue - Part One

Wake Up Call

It’s finally here! Part one of the story! Still super nervous but y’all seemed to like the Scarabia sneak peek. It’s gonna be a bit before we get there. I also have to note, it’s going to be awhile before we get to the juicy persona stuff because this story follows the game’s plot. I apologize for any errors, but no beta we die like men here. If anyone wants to beta read for me I’d be really greatful~

I hope you enjoy!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The first thing Yuu’s mind registered when they drifted into consciousness was the rattling of a door. The second thing was how uncomfortable their body felt, like they were crammed into a small space. They were laying on their back on top of a wooden surface. They tried to shift their body to provide comfort, but they were stopped by the walls of the box. What the hell was going on? Are they dead? Kidnapped? Buried alive? Their cynical thoughts were interrupted by a scuffing sound from the world outside their dark boxy prison.

“Gotta hurry. People are coming. Gotta get a uniform…!” The lid rattled again, but with more force this time. Yuu found themselves frozen as they tried to comprehend what exactly was going on.

“Grr! Why is it so heavy? Open! Open!” The voice outside panted. Yuu was tempted to call out for help or try to push against the lid themself. “Time for my secret move! Fu~naaaa~!”

The box became an oven in an instant. Were they being cremated?! “GYAAAAAAAAAAH! HOT HOT HOT!” They screamed as they pressed their back onto the wooden one of the box. They squeezed their eyes shut and tried to move away from the heat. It was useless, but what else could they do? The heat left as quickly as it came. They heard the sound of the lid popping off and slowly opened up one eye.

They were met with the blue eyes and smug grin of… a raccoon? A cat? Whatever it was, it had grey fur and a white fluffy belly. A tattered black and white striped bow had been tied around its neck. Yuu could have confused it with a normal animal, except for the blue fire that lined its ears and the forked devil tail.

“Hehe~ your uniform is mine~.” The creature spoke. The voice fit the little monster. It hopped into the box and on top of Yuu and began to fiddle with the purple and black robes they wore. They didn’t have a chance to question their sudden wardrobe change, because their reflexes kicked in at the moment. They hoisted their body up which caused the monster to be knocked off of them.

“Don’t touch me!” 

“Geh-?! WHY ARE YOU UP?!”

Yuu blinked. “A talking raccoon in a room full of floating coffins… is this hell?”

The offended look on the monster's face made their heart drop. “I am not a raccoon! I am the great grim!” He huffed. “Whatever. Oí human! Give me those robes!”

Did… Did that fucking raccoon just order them to strip?!

“Otherwise…”  flames erupted around the two and Yuu found themselves moving away from the sudden heat again. “I’ll roast ya!”

While Yuu didn’t doubt that he would, but they had dignity! Anger flooded their body. This pint-sized little-. “Over my rotting corpse!” They yelled and yanked themselves out of the coffin. They booked it to the first entrance they saw.

“Oí! Get back here!” The raccoon’s voice faded away as they ran as fast as their legs would take them.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

After a mad dash through various rooms and hallways before Yuu found themselves in a library. ‘A perfect place to hide!’ A bit cliché but they were in no situation to judge. With their back pressed to a bookshelf, the reality of what was going on set in. “If I am dreaming, somebody please wake me up.” Unfortunately for them, blue fire ripped them from their thoughts a second time that night.

“Hehe, stupid human! You can’t escape from the great Grim’s awesome nose!” 

‘Ah. He found me.’

“I’ll say it again, hand over the robes or get burned to a- GYAA!” A whip wrapped around the monster and restrained him. “Ow! Where did this cord come from?” A figure behind him glared down at the him. 

“This is no mere cord! It is a whip of love!” The mysterious man who had just saved their life was oddly dressed. He looked like a train driver. A coat with a blue collar and feathered shoulders rested on his back and a matching top hat with the same blue ribbon and feathers sat on his head. Under the coat his clothing was relatively normal. A black vest, tie, and pants with a white dress shirt. The truly odd thing about his appearance was the bird mask that rested on his face. His eyes didn’t show very much aside from the glowing yellow pupils. 

“Ah, I finally found you. Are you perhaps the missing student?” He turned to Yuu. “You really shouldn’t go off like that! Leaving the gate on your own!” He glared at the raccoon again. “And your familiar isn’t even tamed! Another violation of the school rules!” 

Both the monster and Yuu objected to that statement. No way was this hairball their familiar! After all the hell he’s put them through…

“Oí let me go! I’m not their familiar!”

“Right… he’s not-“

Birdman shook his head before cutting Yuu off. “Sure sure. The most rebellious ones always say that. Just zip it.” Then he gagged the monster. “How troublesome are you? A new student like yourself leaving the gate all on your own…”

“Never mind that, we’re late to the opening ceremony. Please follow me to the hall of mirrors.” Birdman began walking towards the exit dragging Yuu and the monster with him.

“Wait a moment… new student? And what’s a gate?” Yuu still had no idea about what was happening before them. They were already enrolled in a school from the few hazy memories that remained, and where the hell were they?!

Birdman acknowledged them this time, “ The room you awoke in, the one with all the doors. Those who wish to be students here must pass through one of the doors to arrive here. Normally, students wake up only after the door is unlocked with a special key but…” he trailed off. 

“Oh… so those coffins. They were actually doors.”

“The culprit here seems to be this familiar!” He tugged at Grim. “The rules state that if you are going to bring one, then you must take care and responsibility for it.” He paused for a moment. “Now isn’t the time to be scolding you. The ceremony will be done soon, so let’s hurry.” He nudged Yuu towards the door but they still had questions that needed to be answered. “Hold on! Where am I? And who are you?” 

“Hm? It appears the transportation magic has left you disoriented. It happens often! I’ll explain as we make our way, for I am so gracious.”

‘Gracious? Does everyone around here have an ego?’

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Once they entered what Yuu could call a courtyard, Bird man began to fill them in.

“You are currently In Night Raven College's Main building. This is a school for magicians blessed with a unique aptitude for magic from all over the world. It’s one of the most prestigious magical academies in Twisted wonderland. And I am the Headmaster, appointed to watch over this academy, Dire Crowley.” It was nice to finally stop calling him birdman all the time. But one thing was off.

“Magician? I think you have the wrong guy…”

Crowley ignored the last part of Yuu’s sentence in favor of continuing his explanation. “Only those magicians dubbed worthy by the dark mirror can attend this school. Potential students use the gates and are summoned from all over the world.”

 This dark mirror had clearly screwed up… unless Yuu was like a book protagonist and had a secret magic power?! Excitement and ideas of what might be raced through them. 

‘I take back my wish! I don’t want to wake up yet!’

“An Ebony carriage that carries the gate should have gone to meet you.” Alas poor Yuu could not remember such A thing. Hopefully their memories would come back to them soon. “The Carriage goes to welcome new students chosen by the dark mirror. A long time ago the market decided that carriages are used for special occasions to welcome people.”

“And where is this market?”

Crowley ignored him once again. ‘For someone so gracious he’s quite rude…’ “Come. We’re almost at the entrance ceremony.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The room that Crowley brought them to was packed full of students dressed in similar robes as Yuu, Black robes with purple and gold accents. It seemed as if the ceremony was already over. Students stood in large groups talking with each other, as other students began preparations to leave. It was nerve wracking to say the least. All of them could use magic? It was a bit of a scary thought. They all had a huge advantage over poor little Yuu! Most even towered over them.

“I am here~” Crowley called out into the room. All eyes turned to the trio. Yuu sunk into the hood of their robe. “Ah there he is.” A student said. “We were missing a student! I went out to go find them, for I am so kind~” he stopped addressing the mass of students and turned to Yuu. “As the only person left who has yet to be assigned a dorm, I shall keep the raccoon company. Go, step in front of the dark mirror.” Yuu did as they were told.

The walk to the mirror felt like a lifetime. Every pair of eyes in the room was trained on them. ‘No pressure.’ The so-called dark mirror floated in the middle of the room. It was larger than Yuu, and it had a beautiful golden trim. Green fire and a white mask with gold accents was reflected back at them. It was so cool, and Yuu had a feeling that they had seen this same mirror before.

“State thy name.”

“Yuu.”

“Yuu… The shape of Thy soul is…”

‘Here it comes…!’

“I do not know.”

‘...What?’

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Well here we are! God am I tired. Once I post this I’ll head to bed ;w;

... probably.

Tags: @lionheartanotheraccount @kimmy-banana

(If anyone wants to be tagged just ask me and I’ll happily do so)

[womenoffatorda]

9 Must-Try Goan Dishes and their Recipes

Goa is a world-famous tourist destination. Every year, lacs of tourists flock to Goa to experience it’s blue beaches. Goa’s sunny weather is a perfect getaway during winters for these tourists to escape the harsh winters of their countries.

In addition to it’s tourism, Goa has also garnered popularity for it’s food dishes. Goan foods are a fusion of Portuguese and Konkani cuisine.

Here are a the names and recipes of 9 Goan dishes that must-try:

1. BANGDA RAWA FRY

Take 1 kg of Bangda (Mackeral) gutted and thoroughly cleaned. Season it well with salt and pepper and leave it aside for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

Apply the Green Raechado masala both on the inside and outside of the fish generously and again leave it aside for another 10 minutes.

Coat the fish with Rawa (semolina) or breadcrumbs by rolling the fish in it. Heat 2-3 tbsps of oil in a frying pan and shallow fry until the fish is firm to the touch.

Serve hot with fresh mint or coriander chutney, and slices of fresh lime. You can also use pomfret or even sardines, and depending on your preference, you can shallow fry, deep fry, grill, or even steam. You can also use this as a marinate for small fish and even meats.

2. MUTTON BIRYANI

Boil 1 kg of basmati rice and keep it aside.

Marinate 1 kg of mutton on the bone, cut in bite-sized pieces, with 1/2 a cup of curd, lemon juice, and salt, and keep it aside for at least 2-3 hours.

In a kadhai, add 5-6 tbsps of oil, 2 tbsps of ghee, and fry 3 sliced onions. Add the puree of 2 tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.

Add all the Goemchi Biryani masala and cook for 2 minutes. Now add the mutton to the masala and cook until the mutton is well cooked.

Add rice into the kadhai and mix well. Garnish with fried onions and coriander leaves.

You can substitute the mutton with chicken too.

3. MUTTON CURRY

Fry 1 kg of mutton, cut into bite-sized pieces in 6 tbsps of ghee, in a frying pan until it turns slightly brown. Set aside.

In the same pan, heat 3 tbsps of oil, fry 4 finely sliced onions until they turn golden brown.

Add two tablespoons of Chandrawado Mutton masala and saute for 2-3 min, then add the mutton, and salt.

Fry for 7-8 min, add 1 cup of water and cook until meat is tender. While on the gas flame, add 1 cup of unsalted curd or yogurt, and mix well to combine.

Simmer on low flame for 5 min. Garnish with chopped mint or fresh coriander and lightly roasted cashews.

Serve hot with rice or poi (Goan bread).

4. TISRYO MASALA

Clean and wash about 40 to 50 Tisryo (clams), cut in two or shelled. In a vessel, add 2 to 3 medium onions, finely chopped, along with the clams and add 2 cups of water. 

Bring to boil and continue cooking until the onions are tender. Add 2 to 3 tbsps of Kunbi Xasti masala, 1/2 a cup of grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, and salt to taste. 

Stir well, and continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from fire and serve with rice or Poi (Goan bread). It’s advisable to soak the clams in some salt water to remove all traces of sand. 

Fresh clams will open up when cooked. You can substitute crabs for the clams, in which case you should take 2 to 3 medium sized ones.

5. STUFFED FISH IN BANANA LEAF

Take 2 medium sized seerfish, scaled, gutted and the fins removed. Using a pairing knife, make three slits on each side of the fish and then marinate them inside and outside throughly with lemon juice and salt. 

Stuff the fish with the Fisherman’s Barbeque masala. Oil one side of the banana leaf and wrap the fish in it, securing with butcher’s twine. Repeat with the other fish and grill them on a barbecue grill over medium heat for 10 minutes each side. 

Remove and let it rest for 5 minutes. Open the banana leaves and serve the fish with a dash of lemon and chopped mint. You can try this with other popular Goan fish like Chaunak (Giant Sea Perch) or Pomfret.

6. MORI AMOBOTIK

Take half a kilo of fresh Mori (shark), clean well, and cut into bite-sized chunks, season with salt, and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat 2 to 3 tbsps of oil in a Tawa and fry 1 finely sliced onion until it turns brown.

Add 2-3 (add more for more gravy) tbsps of Aamso-Tiksso masala paste and fry for another minute.

Add a cup of water and allow it to come to boil. Add the shark and cook over a low flame until the fish turns firm to the touch.

Adjust salt, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve with steamed rice or poi (Goan bread). Though traditional Ambotik is made with sharks, you can use also Rohu, Catla, Catfish, or any fish that has chunky flesh.

7. CHICKEN SHAGOTI

Clean 1kg of chicken, cut into bite sized pieces and season with salt. Marinate with 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp of coriander paste (from coriander leaves) and set aside. 

In a frying pan, fry 2 large onions, thinly sliced, until they turn translus- cent. Add the chicken and cook on high heat until the water begins to evaporate (about 3-4 minutes). 

Mix 2 to 3 tbsps of the Pedne Shagoti masala with 1 cup of coconut milk and add to the chicken and cook for 10 minutes. 

Stir well and cook for another 15 minutes till the gravy reaches the desired thickness. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with Poi (Goan bread) or rice.

8. SWEET POTATO BHAJI

Take 1 kilo of sweet potatos and cut them in bite sized pieces. Cook until three-fourhs cooked. 

In a pan, fry 2 finely chopped onions and 2 tbsps of ginger-garlic paste until the onions become translucent. 

Add 2-4 tbsps of Gavli Bhaji masala and fry for a minute. Add 1 finely chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft. (at this point you can make this a mixed bhaji by adding a cup of chickpeas to the mixture) If not, add 1 cup of coconut milk and bring it to a simmer on a low flame. Add the sweet potato and salt to taste. 

Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the gravy reaches the desired consistancy. Serve hot with rice or Poi (Goan bread). You can also use potatos or yam.

9. PRAWN WITH OKHRA

Heat 4 tbsps of oil in a kadai, and fry 1 finely chopped medium sized onion until it turns pink. 

Add 250 grams each of the prawns (cleaned and deveined) and the okhra (lady’s fingers) and sautee for about a minute. 

Add 2 to 3 tbsps of the Soongta Hooman masala along with a cup of thick coconut milk. 

Stir well. Add salt to taste and cook until the prawns and the okhra are done––the prawns should not be overcooked––and the gravy reaches the desired consistency. 

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves or mint leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or poi (Goan Bread). A variation on this is substituting okhra with white radish.

For more interesting Goan food recipes, visit our website.

[betonamude]

Common Vietnamese culinary terms

• Rán, chiên - fried dishes

• Rang - dry pan-roasted 

• Chiên nước mắm - fried then tossed with fish sauce • Chiên bột - battered then deep-fried

• Rang - dry-fried dishes without oil 

• Áp chảo - pan-fried then sautéed 

• Xào - stir fry, sautéing 

• Xào tỏi - stir fry with garlic, very common way of cooking vegetables  • Xào sả ớt - sautéed with lemongrass and chili pepper  • Xào lăn - pan searing or stir frying quickly to cook raw meat  • Xáo măng - braised or sautéed with bamboo shoots 

• Nhồi thịt - stuffed with minced meat before cooking 

• Sốt chua ngọt - fried with sweet and sour sauce 

• Kho - stew, braised dishes 

• Kho khô - literally dried stew (until the sauce thickens)  • Kho tiêu / kho gừng / kho riềng - stewed with peppercorns/ginger/galangal 

• Nấu - means cooking, usually in a pot 

• Niêu - cooking in a small terracotta pot

• Nấu nước dừa (thịt khìa) - cooked with coconut water, “caramelised” 

• Hầm/ninh - slow-cook with spices or other ingredients 

• Canh - broth-like soup to be served over rice 

• Rim - simmering • Luộc - boiling with water, usually fresh vegetables and meat 

• Chần - blanche 

• Chưng - distillation method / stew-steam • Chưng yến sào  • Chưng bánh bao / mắm cá Châu Đốc 

• Hấp - steamed dishes 

• Hấp sả - steamed with lemongrass  • Hấp Hồng Kông or hấp xì dầu -“Hong Kong” style steamed dish (i.e.: with scallion, ginger and soy sauce) 

• Om - clay pot cooking of northern style 

• Om sữa - cooked in a clay pot with milk  • Om chuối đậu - cooked with young banana and tofu

• Gỏi - salad dishes, usually with meat, fish

• Nộm - salads, usually meatless

• Nướng - grilled dishes

• Nướng xiên - skewered dishes

• Nướng ống tre - cooked in bamboo tubes over fire • Nướng mọi/nướng trui/thui - char-grilled over open fire • Nướng đất sét/lá chuối - cooked in a clay mould or banana leaves wrap, or recently, kitchen foil, hence the method has evolved into nướng giấy bạc • Nướng muối ớt - marinated with salt and chili pepper before being grilled • Nướng tỏi - marinated with garlic then grilled • Nướng mỡ hành - grilled then topped with melted lard, peanuts, and chopped green onions

• Bằm / băm - sauteed mix of chopped ingredients

• Cháo - congee dishes

• Súp - soup dishes (not canh or clear broth soup)

• Rô-ti - roasting then simmering meat, usually with strong spices

• Cà-ri - curry or curry-like dishes

• Quay - roasted dishes

• Lẩu - hot pot dishes

• Nhúng dấm - cooked in a vinegar-based hot pot, some variations include vinegar and coconut waterbased hot pot

• Cuốn - any dish featuring rice paper wraps with bún and fresh herbs

• Bóp thấu / tái chanh - raw meat or seafood prepared with lime or vinegar

***

Chín - well-done

Sống - raw, undercooked

Tái - rare

Rắc - sprinkle (salt, pepper)

[shootwinterfest]

Let It Snow

Shoot Secret Santa by @spicycheeser!

*_*_*_*_*

The whole situation feels really weird and the fact that she agreed to it means… well it doesn’t matter now, because they’re already here.

She pushes open the door to the cabin, knocking the excess snow off her boots before heading inside.

“She says a light switch  on the right,” Root says, entering just behind her and dusting the snow off the shoulders of her coat.

Shaw slides a hand along the wall until she finds the switch. The lights flicker on and they get their first look at the place they’ll be spending the next four days.

The living room is open, all high ceilings and exposed wooden beams, everything you’d expect from a “luxury ski lodge”.  To their left is a fireplace. A couch and armchair sit around it, with a soft looking rug and coffee table between. Bookcases and a few paintings line the walls. The kitchen is open to the living room, only separated by a breakfast bar, and there’s a staircase to the second floor loft that winds up and around (to the bedroom, Shaw assumes).

Slipping off her boots, Shaw leaves her duffle bag by the door. Padding to the kitchen, she begins rummaging and finds both fridge and cupboards to be fully stocked. Recently too, if the expiration dates are accurate.

“She says there’s a freezer in the basement with extra food as well,” Root says, leaning over the breakfast bar. “There’s sports equipment down there. Skis, snowshoes, that sort of thing.”

Shaw grabs a banana from the bowl of fruit, peeling it down. “Looks like Robot Overlord thought of everything.” She takes a bite, enjoying the minut flinch of annoyance Root makes at the nickname.

“Even if this wasn’t her idea, She likes to make sure we’re taken care of.”

Shaw rolls her eyes, takes another big bite of fruit so she doesn’t have to respond to that. It’s true though. However serious or not Shaw’s comment about going on vacation together was, it was Shaw’s idea. And now here they are, fully stocked cabin in the middle of nowhere siberia, four days to kill until their job in Moscow comes up.

“I’m going to take my bag upstairs and unpack,” Root clicks the ‘k’ at extra hard and attempts a wink before sliding away.

With reluctant sigh Shaw finishes her banana, tossing it before heading back to grab her bag as well. Ascending the staircase she follows the thin banister around to the one and only door and heads inside.

The loft bedroom is... fair-sized. She might be ill or something because “cozy” was honestly the first adjective that came to mind. There’s a dresser on each side of the room, a small bookcase, and a door that probably leads to a bathroom. Most of the room however is taken up by the enormous bed and now, as Shaw stands at the foot of it, she’s struck by just how little thinking she did about this whole vacation thing. What it might entail, for example. Not a vacation in general but a vacation with someone. With Root. It’s a thought exercise made infinitely harder to since she’s not exactly sure how to define what being “with Root” means either.

They’ve fucked (once) and kissed (twice) and spent plenty of time together flirting and shooting at people. All of that happened on the job though so downtime like this is completely undefined. Shaw’’s not sure what Root expects and not what sure what she wants from Root either.

Tossing her duffle in the corner, Shaw flops back onto the bed. There’s a skylight above, currently featuring a perfect square of grey-blue winter sky. She feels the bed dip beside her and hears Root release and over exaggerated sigh.

“What are we supposed to do now?” Shaw wonders outloud.

“I can think of several things,” Root hums, teasing tone not o be misinterpreted. “But vacation is about doing what you want to do.”

Shaw sits with that for a fw long minutes. She’s still not sure what to make of it, even when she feels Root roll off the bed and head towards the door.

“I have a project I want to work on,” she says by way of exiting, and Shaw is alone once more.

Propping herself up on her elbows, Shaw looks out the small window. There’s a fresh layer of snow out there and more forecasted for the evening as well.

Four days of this, Shaw thinks, wondering what on earth possessed her to even entertain the idea, much less suggest it. She conjures up ideas of what ‘normal’ people do on a snowy vacation and finds herself with a barrage of media stock images that involve people snuggling together for various activities.

Suddenly the idea of staying inside makes her itch.

Shaw heads downstairs. Root is on the couch, curled up under a blanket, laptop in lap. “Leave it to you to manage to find a WiFi signal in the middle of the woods.”

“She and I are well practiced at creating our own hotspot,” Root hums.

“Ew, okay, I don’t wanna know,” Shaw says, waving hand and making her way towards the basement.

Descending the stairs, she’s actually surprised by what she finds. The basement is tidy, well organized, and labled. It reminding Shaw of something she’d expect to find in White Suburbia rather than the frozen tundra. She heads for the sports equipment mounted and displayed towards the back and shuffs on a pair of snow pants (surprisingly just her size). She grabs the cross country skis, having watched enough Winter Olympics to know that if she wants a good burn that’s a good bet, and heads back upstairs.

Root’s still staring at the computer and Shaw can tell from the faraway look that the Machine must be talking to her. Fingers flying across the keys and Shaw wonders who is dictating to whom. Though, remembering Root’s prior innuendo ,maybe she’d rather not know.

Shaw walks behind the couch and pulls on her jacket. Peeking over Root’s shoulder she sees lines of code growing of across the screen. It’s a language Shaw has no desire to learn, and a lifestyle she has no interest in adopting. The contrast between her and Root sits odd in her stomach and propels her out the door even quicker.

Outside, the sky is still bright grey and she’s thankful she remembered to bring sunglasses for  the glare off the snow. Strapping into the skis it takes a few minutes to figure out how to get moving, but it’s not long before she’s gliding along at a good clip.

The trail near the cabin excellent, challenging. A good rhythm going now, she feels confident enough to push a little harder. She loses herself in it, letting concerns and thoughts from before fall away and shifting attention inward to the way her quads burn or the bite of the cold air at her lungs. The world around her is crisp and quiet, the only sounds are the swishing of her skis and the hiss of her breath. Every once in awhile she’ll stop and take in the serene woods. Watch the way the light glints off iced branches, or examine some animal tracks she crosses. She spends a few hours like that and by the time she gets back, the waning light has taken on a golden hue.

Back inside, Shaw is almost thankful not to find Root where she left her. Instead, she’s in the kitchen, starting at the open cupboards in thought.

“Problem?” Shaw asks, grabbing a beer from the fridge.

“Just reviewing dinner options. Decisions, decisions.”

Shaw pops the top off the beer with her belt buckle, taking a long swig. “Kinda assumed I’d be doing the cooking, you know, considering.”

“Considering?”

“Considering half the time I have to remind you to eat,” Shaw huffs, taking another sip. “Food’s not really your thing.”

Root looks at her and it feels heavy somehow. She tries not to squirm under it, changes the subject. “Look, don’t blow a microchip- let me shower and I’ll make something,” she shrugs like it’s nothing, even though Root is still looking like it's anything but.

Shaw moves towards the door, before Root’s voice catches up with her, “Need any company?”

The tone is light, the weigh from before evaporated. “I think I can handle it,” Shaw deadpans back.

Back upstairs, she takes a few extra minutes in the shower, letting the hot water defrost the cold ache from her bones. After, she finds that Root seems to have taken it upon herself to unpack their bags. All their clothes are neatly folded in the dresser to the left of the bed. Shaw’s extra ammo clips, gas mask, and other gear is organized in her duffle bag, tucked under the bed.

It’s annoying in its efficiency, annoying because it’s exactly how Shaw would have done it. Totally unnecessary. Could have done this myself, Shaw thinks. Helping herself to her favorite pair of worn USMC sweats and a hoodie, she pads back downstairs.

“You look cozy,” Root says. She’s kneeling near the fireplace depositing another log on an already roaring fire.

“She help you with that too?” Shaw asks.

“Fire setting happens to be one of my skills actually.”

“Somehow not surprised,” Shaw states and heads to the kitchen.

Cooking has always been luxury when she had the time to indulge, so she’s happy to seize the opportunity. The cabinets are still open from Root’s rummaging and Shaw browses those and the fridge before settling on a meal. There’s a whole raw chicken which she helps herself to, spending a few minutes of collecting seasonings and other essentials before setting to work. She dresses it the way she remembers her mother doing years ago and makes sure to grab and chop an assortment of veggies to lay underneath the roasting bird too.

Root could use the friggin’ nutrients, she thinks idly.

Shoving the whole thing in the oven, she sets a timer before heading back to the living room. Root is back on the couch, feet on the coffee table and afghan blanket wrapped around her legs like a mermaid tail. They have about an hour before dinner so Shaw makes her way to the bookshelves. Perusing the titles, she can’t help sneaking quick glances back at Root. The woman is typing away oblivious, brow furrowed in concentration. It’s a sight Shaw finds to be a weird comfort normally, but here it makes her slightly unnerved. Not because of the action, but because it leaves Shaw to her own devices. It’s the ‘what’s next’ anticipation that’s bothered Shaw since they got here, and it seems like she’s the only one.

Eventually she selects a book, a popular title she recognizes from a few years ago, and is then faced another choice: Where to sit. The armchair, the other end of the couch? Root’s words about Shaw doing whatever she wants on vacation mock her and it pisses her off enough she bypasses the couch and chair, opting to flop down on the rug in front of the fireplace.

Root doesn’t look up from her typing but states, “The bear skin rug was the owner’s Great-Great Grandfather’s. He killed the bear himself and fed his family for 6 months off the meat. It’s a family heirloom and the owner apparently takes a eat deal of pride in it.”

“So sex on the rug is out?” she jokes, enjoying the way Root’s glitches excitedly. Shaw doesn’t bother waiting for a verbal response, simply rolls over, faces the fire, and cracks open the book.

Time flies after that. The book is good, but the wafting smell of roasting chicken and subsequent stomach grumbling buoys her to the present. Shaw portions dinner for them, Root watching ruefully as she very purposefully places roasted vegetables both plates. They eat at the small wooden table in the breakfast nook. Root takes her time, cutting her entire meal into tiny pieces before even taking a bite. Shaw has more of an eat-as-you-go style, which is why she's half done by the time Root finishes cutting. Shaw tries to slow her pace.

Companionable silence is one of her favorite things about Root. The quiet never feels pressured or uncomfortable. Even in the midst of this odd situation, it still feels right. They finish up and before Shaw can say anything, Root clears dishes. She returns to the table with a tumbler of whisky for Shaw glass of water for herself.

“She says I need to drink more water” Root says.

“She’s not wrong ,” Shaw chuckles, taking a sip of her own drink. “But She doesn’t mind if I’m dehydrated?”

Root smiles over the lip of her glass. “She thought you might appreciate a good buzz at the moment.”

They sip quietly, watching the snow starts to fall through the window.

“The owner’s hunting gear is in the basement as well. If you're wondering what you can do for tomorrow.”

Shaw was, in fact, wondering that. “What kind of gun?”

“Compound bow, actually.” Root says. “Game fowl season is in full swing right now.”

“Sounds fun.”

What about tonight? lingers heavily after but Root smiles lightly ,diffusing it. “I have a few more things I’d like to work on. Unless you have something in mind for us for dessert?”

Shaw makes a ‘after you/don’t let me stop you’ motion with her arm towards the couch like and Root heads back to her spot from before. Shaw stays, finishes her drink in her own time, but eventually returns to her spot on the rug as well.

It’s late when she finally lays the book down, the fire fizzled out to its final embers. Now the blue light of the computer screen is the only illumination and the creepy way it lights Root’s face, the strung out tiredness there, brings to mind an entirely different type of snowed-in scenario. The Stephen King kind.

All work and no play, Shaw thinks. Standing, she moving behind the couch and touches Root’s shoulder. “She going to remind you to take a break any time soon?”

“She avoids redirecting me when unnecessary. Doing so when you’re around seems redundant.”

“Fine. Then this is me telling me you look like shit. Be done for the night.”

Root smiles sleepily, closing the laptop and placing it beside her. “As you wish.”

Shaw ignores the reference and heads for the bedroom. She changes, brushes her teeth, and passes Root on the stairs coming up as she heads down to find a glass of water. By the time she returns to the bedroom, Root has changed into her monogrammed PJ’s and bunny slippers and is sitting on edge of the bed, odd expression on her face as she stares at her phone.

Shaw pauses in the doorway, not sure what she wants to do or what she’s going to do (two different things).

They've always slept separately in the past. She could still sleep downstairs but that’d be stupid when the bed up here is big enfor three or four people. She watches Root discard her phone, giving Shaw a open, content look before shutting off her bedside light.

It was neither invitation nor declaration. Another thing Shaw likes about Root- there’s never any pressure.  Doesn’t make this any less confusing.

Shaw makes her way over to the bed despite the continued indecision, and slides under the covers. When she rolls over, she’s facing Root who blinks back at her in the dark.

Fuck it, Shaw thinks. “What is this?”

“It’s call ‘rest’, I think.”

“You know what I mean. This. You. Me. “ Shaw pauses “Her too I suppose- it’s a package deal right?”

Root beams at that, “Very much so.”

“So yeah, what is this?”

“What do you want it to be?”

“Can you just answer my question. I asked you first.”

Root shrugs, nuzzling her head further into her pillow. “I haven’t thought much about it.”

“Bullshit,” Shaw bites. “You always have a plan.”

“She always has a plan. I…” Root trails off. Shaw can tell it’s Root thinking rather than listening, so she waits.

“I enjoy you Sameen,” she says, quietly. “Whatever that is, day to day.”

“And Her?” Shaw asks, referring to the Machine. “She just along for the ride?”

“Mmm, on the contrary, she has always been quite invested in us as a pair.” Root smiles small, like it’s an inside joke. “She likes you too.”

“That is…” Shaw searches, but comes up with nothing. “Whatever. It’s fine, I guess.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Shaw rolls onto her back looks up at the skylight. Stars wink above, dots of bright in crisp, dark blue.

“I’m not good at this,” Shaw starts. Root doesn’t reply but Shaw doesn’t have to turn to know the woman’s attention is tuned in. “Not sure how it’s supposed to go.”

“On the contrary, you’re quite good at it. You make sure I eat, sleep-“

“So does the omnipotent FitBit in your ear,” Shaw grumbles.

“You talk to me, and listen,” Root continues. “And if I'm totally honest you're the first person, maybe in my whole life, who has thought about me. About my safety. About my health.” Root says it plainly, as though they’re discussing the weather.

There’s a pressure in Shaw’s chest at the words, like the air is compressing around her slowly, the weight of it clenching under her ribs. Something demanding attention, something stirring.

“It doesn’t have to be like on TV,” Root offers. “Or like what the rest of them, any of them have. Because we're not like the rest of them, are we?”

Shaw snorts, “Fuck no.”

“So forget them. Forget ‘should’ and ‘supposed to’.” Root adds, propping herself up on an elbow. “What you're not good at isn’t applicable. It’s a language you don't ever have to learn. Not with me.”

The pressure reaches combustion and that something that’s been building, building all day and even before, finally explodes. Without thought, Shaw pounces on top of Root, pinning her to the mattress.

Only anger usually moves her like this, but the sharp and familiar satisfaction that usually follow a snap is missing. There is relief, as she looks down at the other woman whose hips she was straddling, but she’s not sure where to go from here.

Root, by contrast, doesn’t seem unsure. Doesn’t seem surprised either. She simply looks back up at Shaw, and smiles knowingly. “Ditto.”

Shaw rolls her eyes, and dismounts, shuffling to her side of the bed once more, and letting the warm afterbuzz of that stirring thing, settle in her gut.

“Keep your freezing feet to yourself” Shaw says without malice, as she snuffles down further into the covers. “And tell Rosie the Robot to wake us up for 5am. I wanna shoot some stuff, bright and early.”

“Mmm, goodnight Sameen,” Root contently from the dark.

It’s odd, to have someone know her better than she know herself sometimes. To have someone who understands, who seems to hear the whispers within her like they were as clear as day. Maybe Root can help her hear them a little better too. Maybe together they can have their own language.

Shaw chuckles, into her pillow despite herself. The whole thing is so weird. So unexpected.

Inconceivable, she thinks as she drifts off. She falls asleep smirking at the reference and how ridiculous and maybe cool being ‘with’ some can actually turn out to be.

*-*-*-*-*

[michellelarina]

Supermarket Tribal

In a land of pissed-off shoppers, is peace even possible?

9.05am

My regular supermarket has changed things around again.

I hate that.

It seems a somewhat tone deaf thing to do in the middle of a pandemic, and as I hurry along what used to be the condiment section, clutching my basket, I see my own emotions echoed in the eyes of the masked shoppers around me; confused, angry, frustrated.

We don’t have time for this.

Cowboys and Kisses is playing as I find washing powder where the activated almonds used to be. I hear myself sigh in that irritated, overloud way I’ve always contributed to crotchety old ladies. Further up the aisle, where the fabric softeners are, an elderly gentleman in a biscuit-brown cardigan pulls out a bottle of Sunny Glow Softener, and his face creases around his mask.

‘This is shit,’ he says.

The words are soft; inner frustration spilling out of his lips. But then he says it louder, almost shouting, and as he does he throws the bottle down the aisle.

‘This is shit!’

I find myself watching, fascinated, as the bottle skids across the blindingly white floor. From somewhere in the next aisle I hear a wail.

‘Where the fudge are the biscuits!’

There’s a few giggles. I think it’s because of the word fudge. My feet quicken as I set off once again. I just want to pay for my groceries and leave.

The next aisle is where I normally get tomato paste. Instead I find greeting cards, and feel my mind slipping.

9.15am

I can’t find anything! I’m only halfway though my shopping list. I want to leave but somewhere between frozen foods and garden supplies I feel myself pulled into a circle of spectators who are watching a tiny old lady berate a store manager. Her finger is pointing at him severely.

‘I think its very bad timing, young man, to do this while we’re all trying to get our shopping done as quickly as we can these days . . .’

Nod. Murmurs of agreement. I hear my voice join the others. The manager is sweating slightly under the bright lights.

‘I’m sorry you feel that way, and I’m happy to help you find the paper serviettes . . .’

‘That’s not the point!’ says a woman who’s joggling a plump baby on her hip. ‘I’m trying to do my weekly shop with a kid, and you’ve swapped everything around!’

‘All I want to do is make a slow cooker casserole, but I can’t find anything!’ says another woman, and promptly bursts into tears. ‘I just want to go home!’

‘If you all take a minute to look at the signs . . .’

‘The signs are useless!’ says a man, stepping forward. He looks like a farmer in his town clothes, perhaps sent in by the wife to pick up some groceries while he’s paying bills. Our city is a regional one, surrounded by wheat belts and sheep. The farmer is angry, calloused hands bunched into fists. ‘You’ve made dog’s breakfast of this. I’ve been in here for half a bloody hour!’

More nods. More voices joining in. And then someone says, ‘You can’t keep doing this! We already spend our money here. Why do you always need more of it?’

I never knew who said it. That quiet voice. Perhaps it doesn’t matter.

‘If you just give me a moment, I’ll find some floor staff to assist you . . .’

But then someone else says it. ‘Why do always you need more?’

I find myself repeating it, along with half the people around me.

The manager takes a step back as it becomes a soft chant.

As one, we take a step forward.

9.23am

The manager puts up a good fight but eventually goes down, arms flailing, mouth open in shock as the old lady whacks him with her walking stick, saying, ‘Its just not good enough, young man!’

He’s curled up in a ball now, begging for his life. Security is coming. I put down my basket and pick up the heaviest thing in it; a tin of Corinthian chocolate wafers. They weren’t on my list, but I was looking for tea towels, and they were there, and I was so tired . . .

As I pulled them from a shelf a worn-out looking mother of twin boys who seemed to be trying to kill each other in her shopping cart whispered, ‘Don’t you see? That’s how they get you.’

The middle-aged man beside me has a can of peas and carrots in each hand. The security guards, two men in vests, hesitate.

Someone hurls a jar of Olay Regenerist Night Cream at the tallest one, and it catches him above the eye. He collapses, boneless, and we’re running now, hurling packaged meat and tinned puddings and scented candles, animal-like screams coming from our mouths as the second guard turns and runs.

9.28am

The surviving security guard has locked the doors and is calling the police. He’s saying it’s not okay to beat up store managers and kill security guards with night cream. But as he makes his speech, his thumbs hooked into his belt, the woman with the still-fighting twins lifts them out of her shopping cart and shoves them at him.

‘Attack!’ she screams, and the twins hurls themselves at the guard’s ankles. Teeth snap. The security guard is dancing around, eyes bulging as he screams.

‘Get them off me! For the love of god, get them off me!’

We don’t.

The twins are wrapped around his legs. He stumbles and falls to the floor. One boy immediately latches onto his ear with tiny teeth. Blood flows and we watch with shiny, embittered eyes. Someone has wrapped a blue and white tea towel around a broom handle. They light it with a Bic lighter and lift it high as police cars scream into the carpark, sirens wailing above the security guard’s cries.

9.48am

The manager is being spit-roasted in the meat section.

Many have surround him in a circle, swaying and chanting, but I find the smell overpowering, so when someone suggests serving him with mint sauce I volunteer to go find some.

The condiment section has been taken over by a handful of shoppers that stop me from entering. But their leader, a sweaty man with chilli sauce smeared across his cheeks, is willing to trade. They want coleslaw, he says. And three hot roast chickens.

Three is a ridiculous number. I point out how many people are locked in here, and he relents.

‘One, then,’ he grunts. ‘But we want cola. And barbecue shapes.’

I make my way back as Cruel Summer begins to play overhead.

The meat section was taken over by those of us who first turned on the staff. The two women behind the counter quickly surrendered and were seemingly eager to become part of our tribe, but unbeknown to me, while I was searching the land for mint sauce, they rebelled and split up into their own sub-tribe. They are now in control of all the roast chickens.

I approach. They’re defensive, hostile. Susan, the older one, tells me they’ll trade for weapons.

‘There’s only two of us,’ she says, as the other woman, Barb, nods in agreement. ‘We need to be able to defend ourselves.’

I hear someone shout, ‘Where’s the bloody mint sauce?’ I know my position in the meat section is tenuous, so I agree.

10.02am

Kitchen utensils have been claimed by an all-male warrior clan.

They’ve scarred themselves with a Wiltshire Staysharp. A slow burning fire fuelled by cardboard packaging heats the blade red hot, and each man draws it across their chest three times.

Those who refuse the ritual are banished to the barren land of plasticware, further up the aisle. They’re mostly younger and weaker males, their future bleak.

Over the fire looms a vaguely human-shaped effigy made from barbecue tongs lashed together with plastic ties. Jamie Oliver’s face peers out from the cover of a recipe book that’s placed on the head of this figure. I watch, fascinated, as their newest member draws the blade across his skin while the others chant, ‘Blood is life! Life is blood!’

I roll my eyes. Jamie Oliver’s smile seems to grow wider.

The farmer is their leader. He looks down at me as I ask for a knife or two.

‘No woman shall wield the weapons of steel!’ he bellows, and from behind him his clan chant, ‘No woman! No woman!’

I try to explain how offensive that is. He doesn’t listen. His arms are crossed over his bare chest, blood dripping. But as he turns away, one of the younger men takes pity on me. He slips me a small paring knife and a recipe book.

‘May our great god Jamieoliver bestow his benevolence upon you, woman,’ he says. It’s the most kindness I’ll get from these cavemen, so I nod my thanks and leave.

10.12am

The rotisserie warriors aren’t happy with me.

One paring knife to defend themselves is pretty poor, given their numbers. Their hostility towards me grows, and I have no choice. I offer to join them. I never belonged in the meat section anyway.

They anoint my forehead with hot chicken juice. It burns, but I try not to flinch. I promise to uphold our territory, with my life if necessary. I’m handed a hot chicken, nestled inside its little plastic carry-bag, and begin my journey.

10.17am

I trade the recipe book for a box of barbeque shapes.

I don’t know why the people of savoury biscuits would want a recipe book. Maybe its because they’re distracted; they’re at war with the other half of the aisle, the tribe that rule over assorted creams and scotch fingers and caramel crowns. I can hear the warring factions taunt each other loudly as I continue my journey.

The smoke mart has been taken over by teenagers. They’re lanky and feral, demanding chips and cola from those who wish to trade. They’re being watched over by the mothers who have created a sanctuary in the baby aisle. Their children play with each other while the women sit in a circle, breastfeeding and talking earnestly about the politics of the surrounding lands and the possibility of creating a yoga retreat.

In party supplies there’s a celebration that is said to never end. The people of this land pop streamers at each other while dancing to the non-stop music. They don’t seem to eat or drink, and whenever a Kylie song comes on they go slightly bananas. They seem oblivious to everything else as balloons fill the air, but I’m told that if you wander too close they will try and pull you in.

I skirt around the snacks aisle, even though it makes my journey longer. The people there are twitchy and half-crazed. I see a man spread-eagled on the floor, making a liquorice angel. His lips are ringed in chocolate, his eyes glazed, lost in Sugarland.

In the soft drink section everyone is begging for Cola. Someone from the distant electrical tribe hands over a kettle and a toaster for a single 1.25ml bottle. She clutches it to her chest as it’s handed over, and when I get too close to her, she growls.

The leader is short but ferocious. Muscles like MMA fighter. Spiky hair.

‘What do you want?’ she asks.

‘Cola.’

‘One chicken.’

‘What?’

‘I know who you are, rotisserie woman.’

‘I can offer you a quarter pack . . .’

‘No trade.’

‘But a whole one is ridiculous . . .’

‘No trade!’ she screams, and suddenly her crew are behind her. They’ve made armour out of drink cartons, their cardboard-clad shapes hostile.

What could I do? I gave her my chicken.

10.25am

The people of condiments are restless. The leader snatches my offerings and glares at me.

‘Where is the fowl you promised?’

‘I had to trade it, for that,’ I said, nodding at the plastic bottle in his hands. ‘My journey has been long. I could use a meal and rest before I start back . . .’

‘There’s no food in these lands,’ he said, and I suddenly notice that his people are packing jars and squeeze bottles into shopping bags.

‘We are joining the peoples of the great meat section,’ he says, watching me. ‘They’ve agreed we will be a stronger tribe together. Here . . .’ He shoves a jar of mint sauce at me. ‘I would have gone with applesauce,’ he adds, shrugging. ‘But whatever.’

I leave them to pack and prepare for their long journey.

As I pass the biscuit aisle a man in a hoodie whispers a promise of chocolate and sweetness. I keep my gaze steady, and my feet don’t slow. On my travels I have seen what people will do for a tim tam, and I will not go down that road.

When I finally reach the great plains of the meat section I’m exhausted. The mint sauce is grabbed out of my hands.

The manager is being carved and served up on paper serviettes.

10.28am

My homeland has been depleted. Many chickens have been traded for water and coleslaw and lunch rolls. But that’s not all that’s troubling my clanswomen.

There is talk of war.

10.30am

The coming battle is over the bathrooms.

They’re being guarded by a tribe of warriors in store uniforms. They call themselves Staff.

They have nothing but pure hate for us. They talk of how our people once murdered their leader in cold blood, back in ancient times. They refuse all talks of peace and trade.

They are strong in numbers, so invasion will only be possible if enough tribes join together.

The warrior clan are on board, of course, as is the meat section and the condiment crew. The party people don’t even hear the request; they’re too busy throwing glitter into the air and singing along to Black Velvet, and the mothers are putting babies down for naps and firmly shushing anyone that approaches.

We of the rotisserie chickens have no choice other than to join. We are too few in numbers to be truly independent, though we’ve been joined by a fourth. Janet is from the meat section. She became disenfranchised when she suggested they start wrapping the cold cuts and rationing them. Instead, they decided to trade almost a third of their supplies for cheese and olives, and are gorging on antipasto.

‘But what about tomorrow?’ she says. ‘What about the future?’

So we shall fight.

10.40am

The people of Staff were ready for us.

They’re armed with toilet brushes and bleach. The clash is ferocious, chaotic, and unbelievably loud. I’m knocked to the white floor, the smell of bleach heavy in the air. Over the screams I can hear Cowboys and Kisses, yet again. Am I going mad? I get to my feet and run forward, armed only with sharpened chicken bones.

Suddenly a roll of toilet paper is thrown into the air. We stop as one and stare as it unravels in slow motion — a streaming white banner that floats gently to the floor.

Surrender.

The war is over.

We decide not to take prisoners, because we all really need the loo. We line up, bloodied and bruised. Some are weeping.

Suddenly a procession of people appear from health and haircare. They glide towards us, silent, their faces serene, their hair long and glossy. In their hands are band aids and bandages, aspirin and medicated creams. They start to bandage our wounds, tend to our sprains.

We’re suspicious. What do you want? We ask. Who side are you on?

‘We take no sides,’ they say, their words little more than sighs. ‘We wish only to heal.’

It’s been a long, hard morning. Will we ever make sense out of this chaos?

11.05am

We’ve had our first death.

It’s from the small, strange tribe of people that protect all the peanuts. Driven mad by thirst, they went to war with the water people. But there were too few of them , and after they were driven back one of them promptly died of salt poisoning.

We wrapped his body in a blue cotton throw, and the cold, sombre people of frozen foods allowed us to place his body gently in a freezer.

Strangely, it has bought a kind of peace to our lands. We know now that we need to get along, to live in tolerance of one another, if we are to survive. We may be many lands, but we are just one supermarket, after all.

Trade has become easier and more reasonable. Children are allowed to play outside their borders, though adults must seek a clan leader’s permission to enter any land they’re not from. The mothers have lectured the teenagers about sharing and water is distributed fairly, though I can’t say the same for soft drink. Those people are still jerks.

Our one law is that anyone caught stealing will have a hand ceremoniously removed by the warrior clan leader. This was argued against by the elfin creatures of heath and haircare, but in the end even they saw that trust must be built.

As for my small tribe . . . our stocks are low and we know the end is coming. Janet has started dating someone in ice cream. She says the marriage will secure her future. Perhaps she is right, but I have a strong streak of independence and won’t marry, even for choc mint. Perhaps I will join health and haircare — they’ve set up a small salon and are offering a free cut and shampoo to anyone that wants to become one of them.

12.09pm

Janet has done a runner, taking our last precious chicken with her, as dowry.

We are more sad and betrayed than angry, though if I ever catch her alone I’ll use the paring knife without remorse.

Reluctantly we part ways, and I find myself cast adrift in this new world. I set off, looking for a home.

12.14pm

The elder of health and haircare rejects me.

‘You are from those that eat the flesh of animal,’ they sigh. I can’t tell if it’s a man or a woman. Their hair is so long it brushes the floor. Their skin in translucent, glowing.

‘But I’m just trying to survive.’

‘We live on vitamins, and the light from above that shines on us perpetually. We spend our days trading peacefully with the people from beauty and cosmetics. We help anyone who is in need of pampering, expecting no reward.’ A delicate eyebrow arches. ‘You would not fit in, you — who battles over bathrooms and wields the knife.’

‘Just give me a chance, please! I don’t want to be on my own out there.’

But its no use. The elder offers me a small packet. ‘Take this peppermint conditioner sample. If you can tame the split ends of your heart as well as those in your hair, you may return.’

‘But . . .’

‘Goodbye, traveller,’ the being sighs, and drifts back to the others.

12.26pm

I’ve been caught up in a small skirmish between pasta and bakery.

I can’t tell if its tomato sauce or blood that’s running across the floor. I don’t even know how the battle started, except that it had something to do with breadsticks. I try to run, but someone hits me with a solid cob loaf. I see the floor coming, but I don’t remember hitting it.

4.35pm

When I come to, the battle is over.

I’m in a deserted no-man’s land, somewhere between bakery and pet food. The floor is smeared with red, the air heavy with the scent of parmesan. Overhead a light flickers, making me disorientated. When I sit up and check my watch I’m horrified by how long I’ve been unconscious.

The land is silent, and eerily still.

Suddenly a tiny service dog bolts out of the pet food aisle, teeth bared and tags jingling. Behind it a group of people are hollering at me and making shooing gestures. Something is wrong with them, but I can’t place it as I stagger to my feet.

The dog is still charging. The people jump up and down, urging the creature on. With horror I register the sounds they’re making; hoots and grunts and strange clicks. There are no words. Their clothes are rags. Their feet are bare.

I’m so dazed the creature is almost upon me before I run.

My surroundings are frighteningly unfamiliar. Aisles twist and curve strangely. Shelves are empty. Some have toppled to the floor. Both hair and healthcare and beauty and cosmetics are completely abandoned, and as I run along a path littered with empty shampoo bottles and broken hairbrushes, I hear a voice whisper from the bright lights above me.

‘We have fled the flesh-bodies, traveller. This land has fallen to ruin.’

I stumble over abandoned Country Style magazines. I catch glimpses of the others; faces that peer from behind cereal box camouflage, figures that sink behind the carcasses of checkouts. Something calls out from wilderness, a long, drawn-out sound that is both mournful and savage.

I keep running long after the snarls behind me have faded, looking for refuge.

5pm

A special-ops team crashes through the doors, hurling teargas cannisters and shouting.

I was asleep under a row of shopping carts, living in the outlands to avoid the violent primitives, and they don’t see me.

From the haze of gas comes startled yips and grunts. In the distance I glimpse wild-looking figures, scattering. I wander out of doors that have been forced open, only to be body-slammed by four police officers in full riot gear.

The pavement rises up to meet my face. I breathe in concrete and cigarette butts and fresh air. The smell of outside. Memories are rushing back, of a younger me, parking my car and pulling shopping bags out of the boot. I’m hauled to my feet and with wonder I see the sky. I’d forgotten its blue. I’d forgotten the sweet, soft brightness of natural light.

I begin sobbing with relief. Someone is saying, ‘What’s your name? Do you know?’

I don’t. I just know I’ve survived. I’ve gotten out of the supermarket.

*Certain events in this retelling may be slightly exaggerated.

If you liked reading this, and I hope you did, please consider buying me a coffee.

[italicwatches]

Comic Girls - Episode 10

Oh my god I finally have all this healthcare bullshit sorted out and appointments re-made. I can fucking breathe. So what’s happening now? Well, anime, of course. It’s Comic Girls, episode 10! Here we GO!

-We begin with…Those aren’t lilies. Oh shit it’s winter. The Christmas season, even, and Ririka has gotten a Christmas tree for the dorm! And gotten out decorations! Oh my god I’d fight someone for winter chill right now. Meanwhile…Ruki is being sad in the snow, because she dramatically hates Christmas?! Oh no!

-Opening! There’s the lilies.

-So a tired Tsubasa comes padding down the stairs and finds a very well decorated Christmas tree. …What day is it today? The 22nd. Of December. Right, right, December…Haaave you two seen Ruki?

-She’s… been standing dramatically outside of the dorm all morning. And now she’s pacing. It’s kind of weird. So Tsubasa goes out to talk to her and I’m just saying, Ruki gets awfully blushy at Tsubasa calling out to her with “Hey pretty lady��. …Now get back to work. And Ruki has a freakout because yes, ultimately the reason she dislikes Christmas is because it’s a romantic day and she’s an erotic manga artist with no lover. Tsubasa even made a handy graph to show the way these romantic days fuck with Ruki’s motivation.

-See also when she completes a page of her manuscript to prove she’s not all screwed up inside, and yet she gets jealous of her own character.

-Is it weird that the most unbelievable part in all of this is Ruki insisting she wants a boyfriend? And not a small pink moeblob? So Koyume and Kaos try to perk her up and, Koyume’s attempt doesn’t work because you have a solid crush you spend all your time around! And Kaos reminds Ruki of her fan-letters, a perfect motivator to fill her with love! …Except they just remind her that she’s got nobody to be romantic with. Wow this is the worst Tsubasa has ever seen her.

-Okay, new plan! Why don’t they all help Tsubasa on the next chapter of The Dark Hero? Some battle manga will be a great change of pace! …But the chapter she’s working on has the eponymous hero being very cutely tsundere to the princess and Ruki breaks.

-The next day! Ruki has come to Suzu for desperate help, and Suzu is entirely happy to continue to let Ruki cling to her, as they talk about the unusual pressures of erotic and horror manga and the lonely lives they have to lead…Though Suzu is more…Shall we say…Motivated, than Ruki. And finally she leaves, trying to push herself to get back to work…

-When she finds the room empty? And dark? Completely—

-And the lights come on and poppers go off! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ruki! Congratulations on turning six…teen…Wait huddle. She’s only sixteen? She was only fifteen a minute ago? Tsu could have sworn she was around 24. (YOU WENT TO ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH HER.) They even made her a cake with Ririka’s help! And, presents!

-A giant version of her favorite plush, and a massage pillow, and…And Kaos panics because she erred on her gift choice. Calm yourself, Kaos! So what is it? It’s a cosplay outfit of Kaos’s favorite idol who is also a tall, graceful, purple-haired onee-sama type. I suddenly realize this long string of nonsense words is what normal people hear when I talk about anime.

-Also it’s the special Christmas outfit and…Kaos. Kaos please dial it in. But Ruki also soaks up all the praise and attention like a sponge, which Kaos is more than willing to provide.

-Until, finally, it’s…Actually well past Christmas. It’s in fact the end of the year, and everyone’s going back home to celebrate New Years with their family(and give Ririka an actual few days off from the life of a landlady and dorm matron). The good news is that Ruki is pulling back from the depths, but also Kaos realizes she hasn’t told her mom she’s coming back. Oh dear, she should…

-The answering machine gets it and she’s on vacation in Hawaii with her beloved husband and stacks of manga. And looking at her mom, who basically looks like if you put real human legs on our little moeblob…A lot of pieces of how Kaos came to be the sort of person she is suddenly fell into place.

-Of course Kaos has a panic and is off in depression land. Though now everyone’s trying to figure out where they can put a Kaos. Koyume wants to take her home, but Koyume’s family is planning a trip. Ruki would do it, but her house lacks a guest room and her little sister is going through an angry, shouty puberty. …Tsubasa? Not happening. So Kaos decides to just find all of her humanity in her favorite bishoujo figurines. The gang’s all here dot gif

-Fine, FINE, you’re coming with Tsubasa. They get to the train station, and Tsubasa in her warmest cosplay cloak, steps into the bathroom…And out comes an entirely normal looking teenage girl?! TSUBASA IS THAT YOU?! …Speak nothing of what you’re going to see, Kaos. Tell no one anything of this week. That is the price you will pay for room and board.

-Hard cut to…Does Tsubasa live in a castle??? Is she a princess?!

-SHE”S A FUCKING PRINCESS

-ababababa

-With LOVING PARENTS?!!!

-AND EVEN THE STAFF LOVE HER?!

-HOW

-WHY

-WHEN

-WHAT

-WHERE

-WHO

-ABABABABABA

-Yeah Kaos I feel your broken brain. And it turns out that Tsubasa is also a…trained pianist…? Except she’s doing rough. …Tsubasa what’s going on here? And that’s when Ruki races in at FULL FORCE. She got here so intensely that she left tire streaks on the stone walkway from her bike.

-And she’s here to cover for Tsubasa. Which at least means this is Tsubasa’s actual family and she’s not pulling some identity theft. She’s just lying about where she’s going to school and what she’s doing there and she’s forced Ruki to help in the lie. Also Tsubasa has no good photos…But Ruki photoshopped some! YES!

-Oh god why did we let Ruki do the photoshopping

-Also it turns out that Tsubasa is operating under an agreement with her mother to keep her grades up to the tip top and if she was just drawing manga all the time, she’d get dragged back here into the abyss. …Oh. Oh dear. Tsubasa is panicking so bad she turns into a Konosuba character and screenshot found. Click. Her mother is like a great demon lord.

-So it all comes out in Tsubasa’s room, how Tsubasa owes her entire life so far to Ruki and her help was enough to smuggle Tsubasa out of this place and into the dorm but under tons of conditions…RUKI YOU SAVED HER and now she’s all clingy and Kaos please dial in the thirst this is serious.

-Episode 10: It’s Not Fair That Michiru Gets All The Love

-New Year’s day! Tsubasa is in full proper dress and behavior and Kaos doesn’t know what to do. All the proper behavior is coming back out and Kaos is very confused. It’s like the Tsubasa she knows is slipping away! (More that she’s carefully boxed that Tsubasa up and hidden it in the crawlspace.) And Kaos has to draw the true Tsubasa back out of the crawlspace! FOCUS, woman, the fans need their Dark Hero! Also if you don’t draw your manga she’s gonna send this picture of you sleeping cutely to Koyume. NEVERRRRR DELETE DELETE DELETE

-To the girls all getting together at a shrine, with Koyume wishing she could have seen the photo, and Tsubasa being able to loosen up a little here. She’s still all very proper because it’s a New Year’s shrine, but she is able to at least dress like a proper prince instead of a pretty little princess. So with prayers done, it’s time for fortunes…Where Kaos gets literally the worst luck possible. And then her whole day goes wrong at the shrine.

-By the time they’re wrapping up, she’s feeling dead inside, as they decide to fight all this with a good luck charm! Now breathe, breathe! Back to the dorm, where…Is that smoke? OH GOD IS THE DORM ON FIRE?!

-No, Ririka just set up a little campfire out back to do some traditionally roasted sweet potatoes. She does it every year. It’s also the time to do a big cleaning session and gather up all the sketches and storyboards that aren’t worth keeping. Tsubasa is very hesitant to ever give up her sketches to the flames. Ruki, to contrast, shreds her shit the instant her publisher has a copy tied only to her pen name. You never know what could happen. She could get hit by a bus tomorrow, and she needs to be damn sure nobody ever realizes she was drawing porn! Ruki that’s a bit much.

-But then Tsubasa points out that the records of her sending those manuscripts in are going to last forever and a day in corporate vaults. You will never be free!

-And Koyume is willing to burn it all in trade for the sweet potatoes. Also Suzu is here to be spooky. As per usual. And damn, there’s some heavy stuff in those rejects…When Kaos sees a page she can’t bear to burn! You all stay here and save your valuable prizes! She’s going to gather up all of her rejects.

-She…has a lot. And as she starts to pour things in, the girls are looking over what’s still to go in. Oh god this sucks. But they’re also seeing quite a lot of potential in a lot of these. There’s meat here worth coming back to.

-But finally, the sweet potatoes are done! And they’re delicious. And for just a moment, everyone can relax, and put the troubles of the past and future aside…

-Credits!

So that whole Tsubasa part was bananas.

And I did not get nearly as much Rukaos as I was expecting. This is unfortunate. Perhaps we’ll get some next time, in episode ELEVEN of Comic Girls! Wait for it!

[diethelp-blog1]

Malaysian Food and Top Ten Must Eats

Eating is a favourite pastime in Malaysia. I don't know if it was a Malaysian who coined the term 'live to eat', but other than visiting the mall, Malaysians eat, eat and eat. In fact, we eat at anytime of the day. Or night. Or even midnight. Yes, there are plenty of 24 hours restaurants called 'mamaks' that cater to our midnight hunger pangs. In fact, the stereotype of a Malaysian is that he eats not just during breakfast, lunch and dinner, but in between as well! This used to be such a problem in civil service that the government had to eliminate brunch time in order to increase productivity!

In fact, in Malaysia, very often people do not say, "How are you?". Instead, they say, "Sudah makan?", which means, "Have you eaten?"

It's not surprising that Malaysia is truly a paradise for food lovers. Being a multi cultural and multi racial society, not only do we have the best food from each culture, cultural integration produces even more types of foods.

Let me introduce to you the cuisines of the three main races in Malaysia- Malay, Chinese and Indian. If you have tried Chinese or Indian food before and think you've tasted it all, think again. Malaysian Chinese and Indian food have adapted to the local palate and have evolved into cuisines of their own. And like other cuisines, there are many regional variations, but here I will give you a general overview.

Malay

Cooking Style

Let's begin with Malay food. Malay cuisine uses many types of fresh aromatic herbs and roots such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots and chillies. Many of these herbs and roots are native to this region. Spices are also important and they are called 'rempah'. Another important ingredient is coconut milk, which is added to make a dish creamy and rich. There is also a key ingredient called 'belacan', which is a fermented paste made from tiny baby shrimps mixed with salt and chillies.

Typical Meal

You can find Malay food everywhere in Malaysia. A typical meal that you might order is a rice dish with dried anchovies, cucumber, peanuts and a hard boiled egg, together with the meat of your choice, called 'nasi lemak'. The rice is cooked in coconut milk. You might even order plain rice and usually accompanied by three side dishes of your choice, such as chicken, mutton, or beef and a variety of vegetables- all cooked in Malay style. Accompanying your dish, you could have beef soup which is called 'sup lembu'; or mutton soup which is called 'sup kambing' - two very popular Malay soups. To wash it down, you may order a refreshing cordial drink called 'air sirap'; or a cordial drink with condensed milk called 'ais bandung'.

Other Delicacies

Other Malay delicacies include fish mousse, grilled slowly over a fire, called 'otak-otak' and a noodle dish garnished with cucumber, onion, and lettuce served in savoury fish soup called 'laksa'. There are many regional variations of 'laksa', so try one in every state. There is also a Malay salad, which is called 'ulam'; consisting of a combination of fresh aromatic herbs; mint, basil, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric leaves, and raw vegetables like bean sprouts, long green beans, shallots, and cucumber. Instead of Thousand Island dressing, the topping is a combination of salted fish, dried prawns, fish crackers, fried grated coconut, and other savory garnishes.

If you're in Kelantan, which is the north-eastern state of the Peninsula, try this regional dish that serves blue rice with a variety of side dishes, It's called Nasi Kerabu. The blue colour is a result of the cooking process, where certain types of herbs are thrown into the water during the cooking of the rice

Dessert

For dessert, try a bread-like puff with sugar, corn, and coarsely chopped nuts in the middle called 'apam balik'.

Chinese

Cooking Style

Next, we move onto Chinese food. Chinese food is typically considered milder in spiciness, but Chinese cuisine in Malaysia has taken a spicier touch. Chinese cuisine is varied, but in Malaysia the style is generally the Cantonese style of cooking. A common way of cooking is stir fry. Cantonese cuisine balances the yin and the yang, of food, a difficult concept to describe. You may hear people refer to it as the cooling or "heaty" effects of food. For example vegetables, some fruits and soup are considered cooling and meat is considered heaty rice vs roti nutrition facts.

Typical Meal

A typical Chinese meal can be found easily in many restaurants and hawker stalls in Malaysia. You can also go to a 'kopitiam', which is a traditional Chinese cafe. You might order 'economy rice', which has rice and a variety of side dishes. A common practice is to choose three side dishes- one meat, one vegetable and the last, a dish like tofu or egg. You might also order a noodle dish. There are many styles of cooking noodles such as Cantonese or Hokkien style. You can try the fried noodle with eggs, cockles and bean sprouts called 'char kuey tiao', or Chinese noodles with dumplings and roast pork called 'wan tan mee'. You could also order thick noodles fried with black sauce and pork lard called 'hokkien mee'. Chicken rice is also very popular in Malaysia. To wash it down, you could order Chinese tea, or herbal tea.

Other Delicacies

Other delicacies include Chinese spring rolls stuffed with steamed vegetables, bean sprouts, turnip and carrot, called 'popiah'. Another popular dish here is the pork rib soup called 'bak kut the'. The soup is cooked for many hours with garlic, pork ribs and a variety of herbs. Chinese dumplings are also a must-try. They are glutinous rice wrapped in a leaf along with pork, mushrooms, nuts and salted duck egg yolk. if you have heard of 'dim sum' before, you must try the Malaysian version. It is basically an assortment of bite size dishes, including seafood, meat and vegetables. Dim sum is usually eaten in the morning.

Dessert

For dessert, a well-loved Chinese dessert is curdled soy bean milk topped with syrup called 'tao foo fah'.

Indian

Cooking Style

Indian cooking is of course, very spicy and hot. it has also adapted to the local culture to create a new type of cuisine. Most of the Indian food in Malaysia (comes from) from Southern India, but North Indian food is also widely available. Spices are the heart and soul of Indian cooking. Spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, fennel, cardamom, clove, cinnamon and star anise are widely used.

Typical Meal

Indian food is easily available in Malaysia. For a typical meal, you might want to have rice served on a banana leaf, accompanied by a variety of spicy hot dishes such as mutton, chicken, fish, squid and crabs. Or you might order bread, and there are many types of them. To name a few, thin rice pancakes or 'thosai', fermented rice and dhal or 'vadai', wheat bread or 'chapati', flour bread or 'roti canai'. Or you may also be interested in chicken tandoori- that's chicken slowly grilled in a clay oven.

Other Delicacies

There are 24 hour restaurants open if you're suffering from a midnight hunger pang. Affectionately called 'mamak', they have been institutionalized as a Malaysian icon. Mamaks are run usually by Indian Muslims. If Westerners hang out at bars, Malaysians hang out mamaks. Mamak food is distinct, and a popular drink here is the 'the tarik', or tea with condensed milk. Other popular food you can order in a mamak is the 'maggie goreng', which is fried Maggi instant noodle with eggs, vegetables and meat.

Dessert

For dessert, you may be interested in a sweet dish of rice noodles topped with coconut and coconut palm sugar called 'putu mayam.'

Other Cuisines

There are many other types of cuisines in Malaysia, such as Nyonya cuisine, which is the cooking of the Straits Chinese. Straits Chinese trace their ancestors to Malays and Chinese, and their cooking combines the styles of these two races. I'd recommend a chicken stew cooked with salted soy beans and coconut palm sugar called 'ayam pongteh'; and a chicken dish cooked with nuts from a type of mangrove tree found in Malaysia, which is called 'ayam buah keluak'.

The Portuguese, one of the many colonialists who set foot in Malaysia, left their mark too on local cooking. One (example) is the Devil's Curry, a dish made from vinegar, herbs and nuts and plenty of chilli- hence its name Devil's Curry.

Top Ten Must Eats

Alright. It's now time for the top ten must try foods in Malaysia. As with all cuisines, it is very difficult to compile a list of only ten, especially in Malaysia where there are definitely more than ten foods you must try!

However, if I were to compile a list, it would look like this:

Number One.Nasi lemak. This is the national dish of Malaysia. Nasi lemak literally means 'rice in cream'. There are many regional variations, but the most common ones consist of steamed rice that is cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves, which is a kind of plant indigenous to this region. Traditionally served on banana leaf, the rice is topped with cucumber slices, dried anchovies, roasted nuts and hard-boiled egg. But the most important ingredient is the 'sambal', a kind of hot spicy sauce made from chilli, pepper and spices. In fact, how delicious a nasi lemak is really depends on how well the 'sambal' is made! Most people will eat nasi lemak accompanied by a dish like chicken, cuttle fish, cockles, beef, or beef rendang which is beef cooked in dried spices, and vegetables.

Number Two. Bak Kut Teh. The name translates into 'meat bone tea'. This Chinese dish is a soup with pork ribs, herbs and garlic cooked for many hours. Other ingredients include mushrooms, internal organs, and dried tofu. Green onions and fried shallots are sometimes added in as well. Bak Kut Teh is served with rice and 'you tiao', which are long fried pieces of dough. Chopped garlic and chilli in soy sauce served in tiny plates often accompany this dish. Chinese tea is a very important part of this dish and is drunk to balance the taste. Try Bak Kut Teh for an authentic Chinese meal.

Number Three. Laksa. Yet another favourite Malaysian dish, laksa has many different regional variations. The more common one is the asam laksa. It is a sour fish- based soup where the main ingredients are shredded fish, usually mackerel, and finely sliced vegetables including cucumbers, onions, red chillis, pineapple, lettuce, mint, and ginger buds. Thick white noodles are then added into the soup. To top it off, a thick sweet shrimp paste is added. Other variations of laksa are Laksa Sarawak, Laksa Penang, Laksa Kedah, Laksa Ipoh, Laksa Kuala Kangsar, Laksa Kari, Laksa Johor, Laksa Kelantan, Laksam, Laksa Lemak and many more.

Number Four. Satay. You might have heard of this one before. It's basically skewered meat served with peanut sauce, cucumber, onions and rice cakes. The choice of meat is varied- you can choose deer meat, rabbit meat and even fish, but the most common are chicken and beef. The marinated meat is skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal.

Number Five. Char Kway Teow. It literally means 'stir fried rice cake strips'. Flat rice noodles are fried together with chilli, prawns, cockles, eggs, bean sprouts and vegetables. Sometimes it is fried with pork lard. It also has many regional variations, but the most famous one is the Penang Char Kway Teow.

Number Six. Nasi Kandar. A popular north Malaysia meal that originated in Penang, nasi kandar is widely available. It has rice, and a variety of spicy side dishes to choose from. In fact, it is the spices that make nasi kandar so unique. The dishes are laid like a buffet and you have to point to the side dishes that you want. After you have chosen your side dishes, the waiter will pour a variety of curries onto your plate, and this process is called 'banjir' or 'to flood'. If you can't take spicy food, ask for less curry.

Number Seven. Roti Canai. One of the most (widely consumed foods) in Malaysia, roti canai is a type of flatbread that is available everywhere. It is round and flat, and is eaten with lentil curry called 'dhal'. You can ask for your roti canai to be made in many ways. The more popular variations are: with eggs or roti telur, with banana or roti pisang, made smaller but thicker or roti bom, made thin and flaky like tissue paper or roti tisu. You can even be more adventurous and ask for roti kaya, spread with Malaysian jam made from coconut; or roti Milo, with chocolate powder sprinkled on top. Try a few and find your favourite roti!

Number Eight. Cendol. An all time favourite Malaysian dessert, cendol consists of shaved ice, smooth green rice noodles in chilled coconut milk and coconut palm sugar, or gula Melaka. Sometimes, red beans, glutinous rice and corn are added. If you have a sweet tooth, ask for more gula Melaka, as many Malaysians do!

[eatsleeparchery]

Camping With Kids: How To Survive And Love It - Cool Of The Wild in Bakersfield

Oct 16th 2019Written By Absolutely nothing says summer season like a hot roasted marshmallow right out of the campfire! (Golden brownnot on fire!) Avoiding the stress of life for some fresh air and family time is the ideal little weekend trip (Rent a Trailer). We have actually assembled some fantastic suggestions and outdoor camping activities like easy outdoor camping meals for household, outdoor camping activities for kids, pointers for camping with young children, camping games for kids, loading concepts, and hacks to make your next camping journey easy, fun, and memorable! You can consider this the ULTIMATE guide to household camping!Also, if you have not had a look at our Household Outdoor camping Journey Kit yet- ummm you NEED to! Trust me when I state, it will make your life a WHOLE lot much easier!! Disclaimer: 

Camping With Kids: How To Survive And Love It - Cool Of The Wild in Bakersfield

Oct 16th 2019Written By Absolutely nothing says summer season like a hot roasted marshmallow right out of the campfire! (Golden brownnot on fire!) Avoiding the stress of life for some fresh air and family time is the ideal little weekend trip (Rent a Trailer). We have actually assembled some fantastic suggestions and outdoor camping activities like easy outdoor camping meals for household, outdoor camping activities for kids, pointers for camping with young children, camping games for kids, loading concepts, and hacks to make your next camping journey easy, fun, and memorable! You can consider this the ULTIMATE guide to household camping!Also, if you have not had a look at our Household Outdoor camping Journey Kit yet- ummm you NEED to! Trust me when I state, it will make your life a WHOLE lot much easier!! Disclaimer: This post consists of affiliate links.

Really, you should! Alright, let's get startedWe have actually broken the tips down into a few different classifications (hint: click on each link to be removed to that particular content): When camping with kids it is very important to keep the meals basic and kid friendly. Rent a Trailer. If the recipes are basic and totally tasty then you have actually turned a household camping trip into an AH-MAZING household camping trip.

Make a little tinfoil bag tie with a string and hang it over the campfire. In no time you'll have delicious fresh popcorn for the entire group. When you take your kids camping ensure to have great treats on hand!Nutella and Banana S'mores All you require is: Peanut butter cookies sandwich together nutella, banana, and campfire roasted marshmallow. Camping with young children can be hardor it can be fun! Let everyone fill their boats with a few of their favorite deals with and wait by the campfire while all of it melts together.Hobo Hamburgers These little tinfoil dinners have few active ingredients, however man, do they look excellent! Make these as a household before heading out into the terrific outdoors. Camping with kids just got a lot tastier!Campfire Cones Chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallow turn into something magical whencontributed to an ice cream cone and warmed by a campfire. Simply stating outdoor camping activities don't get more delicious than this!Campfire Orange Cinnamon Rolls Shop purchased cinnamon rolls covered inside of an orange and roasted on the campfire. Yummy!Campfire French Toast Something that looks this excellent has got to be a pain to make. Wrong! This camping dishes is so simple and make camping with young children a breeze!Omelet in a Bag Let the little campers design and make their own omelets. This could be among the a lot of fun things to do while camping. So if your family is anything like mine, this outdoor camping pizza dish will be a hit!Peanut Butter Oatmeal with Banana and Chocolate Chips: This one-pot breakfast is the perfect method to begin the day! Prepared.

Things To Do While Camping - Thrillist in Kernville

in 15 minutes and the kiddos will love the peanut butter and chocolate chips over banana and oats! All you need is some boiling water and quick oats!Egg in Toast Basket: When I make this in your home I let me kids use their favorite cookie cutter to make the hole in the middle of the bread - Rent a Trailer. Include the bread to the frying pan, split the egg in the middle, and cook them both at the same time for delicious eggs and toast.Camping Mac and Cheese Simply due to the fact that you're camping with kids, doesn't suggest you need to leave the mac and cheese in your home! Dutch oven mac.

and cheese is one of the finest ways to use your campfire. Plus, everyone gets their own little pouch. Renting a Trailer. Don't forget the whipped creamfor this outdoor camping recipe!Camping Quesadillas Simply like in your home, add all of your preferred quesadillas toppings to your tortilla, wrap in tinfoil and lay on the grate right over your campfire. The fire with melt whatever together and simply like that, dinner is done! One of our favorite concepts for easy outdoor camping with kids!Campfire Eclairs Just because you're camping with kids does not suggest you can't be expensive! Take your campfire desserts to" premium" with these little campfire desserts. Get your family a dutch oven and stir the fire. You won't be sorry for it!Ice Cream in a Bag Ice cream and kids camping?! Yes, please! Let your little kiddos make their own ice cream. Do not forget the gloves! Little hands get coldwhen blending the bag.Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars All of the yumminess of a PB&J involved a granola bar. Wrap them in tinfoil, toss them in warm coals, and done. Breakfast is on it's.

way!Campfire Corn on the Cob Wrap in tinfoil and contribute to the coals. If you want some butter on your corn who does not ?! include some inside the aluminum foil. The butter melts all over the corn as it roasts on the campfire. Everybody will love this kids friendly camping recipe! Your camping with kids adventure just got a lot yummier!Curly Canine Aren't these fun! Wrap pre-made dough around your hotdog, add it to your roasting stick, and cookover your camp fire. The kids will enjoy this one!S' mores Mini Dippers If your campground doesn't permit campfires, here is an ideal make ahead deal with that will please all of your s ' more cravings.Chopped Mexican Corn and Bean Salsa This yummy, fresh salsa is a fast meal or an ideal.

8 Things Not To Do When Camping With Kids ... Bakersfield

side dish. Shake in a brown paper bag with cinnamon and sugar for a tasty topping.Dutch Oven Lasagna Make this tasty camping recipe and not just will your kids love it, your fellow camping neighbors will come over to see what you're cooking!Chile Cheese French fries This indulgent conveniencefood makes sure to warm you up when the sun goes down and the temperature level begins to drop. Camping games with kids, treking, swimming, sitting around the fire, there are so numerous things to do while outdoor camping. Camping with young children can be a great deal of time if you plan ahead and keep them hectic. So we have lots of kids camping ideas to fill your time and make memories - Rent a Trailer. Plus, you don't have to pack extra things from home!Flashlight Tag What little campers don't like flashlights!.?.!? This is the classic video game of hide and look for, played in the dark.Park Ranger This adorable video game needs a larger group, an open area, and a substantial creativity. So it makes certain to make camping with kids full of a great deal of laughter.Map Making and Navigation Here is a great activity for camping with kids.

[travelcenter-uk]

Bali’s endless flavour: Your Guide to what You should eat!

If you find yourself going on a relentless food rave (the best kind of rave there is), then you would agree that it’s slightly incriminating on how much palatable food there is in Bali. For those of you who have visited the eye-opening wonder, you might know that every turn is a new beginning, and by beginning, I mean the overflowing wave of restaurants & street food stalls the country has to offer. But for those of you who are yet to cross paths with the tones of its flavour; here’s a rundown of the meals that you could bless your taste buds with.

1) Bebek Bengil

A.K.A. smoked duck

Wrapped in Banana leaves and cooked among ember pits, the Bebek Bengil unveils a whole new palette of flavours for you to feast upon. The sheer joy of biting into the tender perfection is beyond words, and while the duck itself is a treat all on its own, the hints of lemongrass, turmeric and ginger make it even better. Trust me, the smoked duck doesn’t get better than this!

2) Babi Guling

A.K.A. your next favourite dish

Note: This is probably Bali’s most renowned dish and yet it’s on number 2 in this list. But I’m writing this so, I guess I’m not surprised. Plus, if you’re expecting sensational content, prepare to be disappointed.

Impromptu quality check aside, the Babi Guling draws its bounty from the myriad of fresh produce and meat used to make it. This heavyweight flavour packer is presented with rice, pork sausages, slow-roasted crispy pork skin and wrapped up in a coconut chilli dressing. While this is a dish that is worth savouring from hour upon hour, it’s also heart attack on a plate, so, for those who have a health condition, I wouldn’t recommend it.

3) Nasi/Mie Goreng

Don’t expect an “A.k.A.” on every dish, I can only do so much

This is the kind of dish that gets you hooked for life, just one look at it and bam! Suddenly it’s hard to breathe (figuratively and sometimes, literally) But to elucidate, the Nasi/Mie Goreng is one of the staples of an everyday Balinese diet. It’s so good that you can’t resist it (out of context, this would sound wrong), so, if you intend on trying it, you’re in for a dish that incorporates fried rice mixed with seafood and vegetables while topping the masterpiece off with a fried egg that looks better than half the people I know.

4) Sate Lilit Ikan

Yes, it’s basically skewering. But hear me out, Balinese skewers have garnered a cult following due to the impeccable dimension of its flavours. Especially the fish skewers, that are grilled over charcoal or an open fire. Funnelling the bloom of a result that is savoury enough to crowd each and every one of your taste buds with its sizzling rich flavour. Boasting tones of sweetness, spice and everything that you don’t get in a regular skewer or satay, the Sate Lilit Ikan is basically the best snack in all of Bali.

5) Laklak

Why not have a sweet finale? Let’s wrap things up with one of Bali’s most traditional dessert, Laklak! Now, some of you might be a bit disappointed upon learning that the dessert is a reimagined version of the regular pancakes you might eat every day for breakfast. But Bali’s pancakes are different! Don’t knock it out of the picture till you’ve had a chance to taste it. The green-coloured treat lets you witness the decadent depths of sweetness more than any mere pancake could (I’m serious). What’s better? This appreciated dessert is paired up with a number of toppings! With options including condensed milk, ice cream, grated coconut flakes and caramelised sugar syrup.

Flavourful food, beaches beyond imagination and much more await in Bali! If you’re interested in visiting, then we’ll be more than glad to help you find the right deal! From cheap flight deals and exclusive promotions to planned out excursions, Travel Center’s got it all in one place. All you have to do is call or send us an e-mail and you’ll be able start planning your holiday with us.

Read More:- https://blog.travelcenter.uk/balis-endless-flavour-your-guide-to-what-you-should-eat/

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The Best Foods to Meal-Prep When It's Too Hot to Cook

New Post has been published on http://foursprout.com/health/the-best-foods-to-meal-prep-when-its-too-hot-to-cook/

The Best Foods to Meal-Prep When It's Too Hot to Cook

Starting the meal-prep process can be daunting. Add to that 90-degree weather, humidity only a swamp creature should have to endure, and the fact that you’d much rather be by the beach than by the oven… and let’s face it, there’s no way you’re stepping into the kitchen—with the exception of sticking your face in the freezer to cool off.

But before you crank the AC and retreat to your happy place (a.k.a. takeout), know that you can still meal-prep without firing up the stove. We’ve gathered the best foods for a no-cook guide to meal-prep that won’t make you break a sweat—no matter the heat (or the nerves).

Rotisserie Chicken