#gourmet syrup at home

[luckystorein22]

Are there gourmet cuisine dishes prepared with maple syrup?

Maple syrup is a delightful natural sweetener that adds a unique touch to various dishes. Its rich, complex flavor profile and versatility make it a popular choice for both sweet and savory creations. In this article, we'll dive into the world of gourmet cuisine and discover some delectable dishes that feature maple syrup as a star ingredient.

1. Maple-Glazed Salmon:

Indulge your taste buds with a succulent maple-glazed salmon dish. The combination of the delicate, flaky fish and the sweet yet slightly smoky glaze creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the salmon's natural richness. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a satisfying and healthy meal.

2. Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

Elevate humble Brussels sprouts to gourmet status with a maple-balsamic glaze. The sweetness of maple syrup balances the slight bitterness of the sprouts, while the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy twist. Roast them to perfection for a side dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.

3. Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin:

For a hearty main course, try a maple-glazed pork tenderloin. The maple syrup forms a luscious caramelized coating on the succulent meat, creating a sweet and savory masterpiece. The flavors meld together beautifully, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.

4. Maple-Pecan French Toast:

Indulge in a decadent breakfast or brunch treat with maple-pecan French toast. Dip thick slices of bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup, then pan-fry until golden brown. Top it off with toasted pecans and an extra drizzle of syrup for a delightful morning delight that will make your taste buds sing.

5. Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme:

Enhance the natural sweetness of carrots with a maple-thyme glaze. This elegant side dish features tender carrots roasted to perfection with a touch of maple syrup and aromatic thyme. The result is a medley of flavors that will add a vibrant touch to any meal.

Conclusion:

Maple syrup offers a world of culinary possibilities, taking gourmet cuisine to new heights. From savory main courses to sweet delights, its distinct flavor and natural sweetness add depth and character to dishes. So, the next time you're looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, consider incorporating maple syrup into your cooking. Explore the versatility of this delightful ingredient and let your taste buds embark on a sweet and savory journey like no other.

[takami-takami]

UHHHH so like Keigo getting wholeheartedly distracted from his daddy issues on Father's Day because he has a single passing thought about making you a parent and now the baby fever + breeding kink combo are beating his ass

Thoughts?

- magpie anon ✦

Keigo's hell begins over coffee.

Coffee and a mindless, paltry comment.

Keigo has always been chipper in the morning, if not a little understimulated by the rest of the world taking its sweet time catching up to his trademark speed. Like most mornings, your boyfriend is a blur of red and gold, flitting about the kitchen to prepare the perfect breakfast for you two to start off the day.

Pots and dishes click and clatter around you, and you swear you see a dollop of pancake batter go flying as a stray feather does its work mixing the bowl to free Keigo’s hands to cook.

You, on the other hand, are perfectly content sulking by the coffee machine.

You take a sip. Your coffee is dark roast— a little reminiscent of the bags under your eyes, as you force yourself to keep them open long enough for the caffeine to hit your system. If they close for more than a second, you fear they won't open again.

Perhaps letting sleep take you would be preferable. You want nothing more than to crawl back under the quilted covers, to drag your boyfriend back in bed with you for ‘just five more minutes’ and bury yourself in his warmth; but judging by the way he’s bouncing off the walls today, you don’t suppose convincing Keigo is an option.

Breakfast looks practically gourmet as Keigo drizzles strawberry syrup in creative shapes. He arranges fruit slices in the shape of a heart for your plate.

You’re doing your part, though. You dunk sugar in Keigo’s coffee and rub the sleep from your eyes.

“I’m bored,” Keigo suddenly asserts.

“Mm,” you hum, warming your hands against the mug.

“We never do anything this time of year,” Keigo says. 

“Do you want to,” you respond, with a raised brow.

Keigo hums. He gets it. You both do. Still, every year, something unknown itches and claws at the back of his throat.

“Tsukuyomi asked for the day off today,” Keigo continues, almost shyly. He stares into the crackling eggs that are about to char on the frying pan and pokes them with a spatula. “Wanted to spend it with his folks again.”

“Yeah? He deserves it, honestly,” you say. “Good kid. What, are you jealous or something? Want a day off too, huh?”

Keigo shrugs. You almost snort as you make your way to leave the kitchen and set the table. 

As you pass Keigo by, you push his mug into his chest and plant a peck on his cheek.

“If you’re that bored on father’s day,” you yawn. “You could always just knock me up.”

Keigo forgets to flip the eggs. 

He forgets a lot of things, actually. 

You could always just knock me up.

Several of his interns ask Keigo to write letters of recommendation for them at work; and his handler reminds him today is the last day of the week, so he needs to look over the particulars in the database for his agency to be sent to the higher ups. 

Thus, even as he dons the visage of the hero Hawks, Keigo is confined to the torture chamber that is solitary confinement in his office with his thoughts.

He could always just knock you up.

Several chewed pen caps litter the expanse of his mahogany desk, another falling with a thunk to join its brethren among the pen cap graveyard.

I could always just knock them up.

Keigo decides to take the train ride home, opting to give his wings time to recover from a recent fight against a particularly tricky villain. He watches the scenery blaze by in a fog, pensive as the raindrops plop against the window.

He should probably just knock you up.

[doumadono]

🌹🌹🌹 COOOOOONGRATULAAATIONNSSSS 🌹🌹🌹

Can I get a cone with vanilla flavour, topped with M&Ms and maple syrup? I want to ask for snow leopard Shoto 🐆

A/N: thank you so much for your ongoing support! I really enjoyed writing these headcanons for you, and I hope you'll like them as much as I do :3

5k FOLLOWERS EVENT MASTERLIST MY HERO ACADEMIA

Snow leopard!Shoto, who usually maintains a dignified demeanor, turns into a playful goofball when he's alone with you.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who often finds himself fascinated by his own fluffy tail, can be seen chasing it in playful circles. Whenever he catches it, he looks at you with a triumphant glint in his eyes, as if he's just accomplished the greatest feat.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who senses whenever you're feeling down or stressed, and curls up beside you, purring softly, his warm fur offering comfort and solace.

Snow leopard!Shoto has a penchant for being a bit goofy at times. He'll pounce on fallen leaves or playfully bat at floating feathers, his playful antics never failing to bring a smile to your face, and you can't help but laugh at his playful clumsiness.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who absolutely adores playing with balls, especially when you roll them across the floor for him. His mismatched eyes light up with excitement as he chases after them, his graceful leaps and bounds a joy to behold.

Snow leopard!Shoto and one of his favourite pastimes which is taking leisurely naps in the sunlit spots of your home. You often find him basking in the warm glow, napping with his head placed on the tip of his fluffy tail. You snap photos of him snoozing and send them to your friend with a captions like, "isn't he just adorable?!"

Snow leopard!Shoto, who is particularly fond of belly rubs, melts into a puddle of contentment when you stroke his soft fur, his purrs rumbling in satisfaction.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who also has a particular fondness for chin scratches. He tilts his head upwards, his eyes closing in bliss as you scratch under his chin, his purring intensifying with each loving touch.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who is deeply protective of you, often stands guard by your side, his watchful eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

Snow leopard!Shoto is deeply attuned to your emotions, sensing when you need a comforting presence or a gentle nudge of encouragement.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who loves his nose being booped by you!

Snow leopard!Shoto, who values your companionship above all else, often nudges your hand with his head, silently asking for your attention and some head pats.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who is fond of exploring new places, and enjoys going on adventurous walks with you.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who absolutely loves rolling in the soft, lush grass. The sensation of the cool blades against his spotted fur brings him pure joy, his contented purrs filling the air as he revels in the simple pleasure.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who absolutely despises baths, will do anything to avoid them. At the mere mention of bath time, he'll slink away, his tail bushing in defiance as he seeks refuge in the farthest corner of the room.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who detests having his teeth cleaned, becomes a picture of stubbornness when it comes to dental hygiene. He'll clamp his jaws shut firmly, refusing to cooperate as you attempt to wield the toothbrush with patience. "Come on, Shoto, open your muzzle, I don't have the entire day!"

Snow leopard!Shoto, who prefers to maintain his grooming routine on his own terms, will often retreat to a secluded spot to lick his fur clean with meticulous care, glaring intently at you, making sure you're not trying to give him a bath.

Snow leopard!Shoto, who is quite picky about his food. He can and will be the drama king when it comes to his meals. You might present him with the fanciest of gourmet feeds, only for him to theatrically gag at the mere scent. For him, nothing quite compares to the delight of raw salmon or a juicy steak.

[rollingsins]

all hers, part xvii

part i | part ii | part iii | part iv | part v | part vi | part vii | part viii | part ix | part x | part xi | part xii | part xiii | part xiv | part xv | part xvi | part xvii | part xviii | part xix | part xx | part xxi | part xxii | part xxiii | part xxiv | part xxv | part xxvi | epilogue

summary: The scooby-gang are back together. This time to silence Ghostface. Forever.  

warnings: (+18), Tara is Ghostface, mention of murder.

word count: 4.4k

a/n: I was screaming, shaking, crying writing this chapter for some unknown reason. Call it writer's block. Sorry for the wait, thanks for all your guys' love and patience!

You wake up to the smell of pancakes. 

Tara stirs, a little sleepy as you press a kiss to her neck, leaning down to check her dressing. 

“It’s not like your parents to make us breakfast,” She murmurs, sitting up slightly. You were a cereal and toast kind of family. You furrow your brows, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes. 

“Girls!” Sam’s voice calls up the stairs, “Breakfast is ready.” 

Tara’s eyes widen. 

“Oh no.” 

-

Sam’s pancakes are made out of buckwheat flour and vegan butter. They’re brown - browner than a pancake should be, and her toppings are a mesh of eggs, avocado and chorizo. Not a raspberry, or blueberry - or any kind of traditional pancake topping in sight. 

“Maple syrup isn’t good for you,” Sam assures when you ask for it. Instead, she offers a small bottle of honey, “Here. This is much healthier.”

Tara stares down at her plate, nudging her food suspiciously. 

“It’s so nice to have a cook in the house,” Your mother gushes as she digs into her plate, “And this is really gourmet stuff. Our own little Gordan Ramsey.” 

Tara swallows, her expression stormy. She picks up a piece of pancake with her fork and sniffs it. Makes a face. 

 Sam settles into the spot next to you. You take a half-hearted bite. 

“How does it taste?” Sam asks, and you swallow, locking eyes with Tara. 

“Healthy.” 

“Good,” Sam says, sounding pleased with herself, “Tara needs nutrients.”

“Isn’t it nice of your sister to make you breakfast?” You ask Tara pointedly, nudging her foot under the table. 

She blinks. Looks at you like she doesn’t want to answer. 

You kick her again. 

“Really nice, thanks Sam,” Tara mumbles into her plate. 

It’s small and half-hearted. But it makes Sam beam. 

-

It’s a Tuesday morning but you’re not in school. 

Tara’s still too weak to walk for a prolonged amount of time, and you manage to convince your Dad it’s safer to stay home with Tara and Sam than go to school by yourself. 

He and your Mom file out, one by one. He presses a kiss to your forehead. Makes sure you remember to lock the door on his way out. 

They’ve been a little more at ease with Sam around, though she’s taken all their nervous energy and increased it tenfold. She spends most of her time checking the locks and cleaning her guns. The leftover is spent in the kitchen making Tara countless healthy snacks, to Tara’s great horror. Your room is filled with barely touched plates of carrot sticks and cucumber straws, tofu balls and seaweed crackers. 

Sam is just as obsessive as her sister, though she shows it in a much different way. 

Tara grumbles as she shoves another platter of hummus and carrots to your desk, phone pressed to her ear. She’s invited around her friends, and she must catch the look on your face because when she hangs up. She takes you in her arms and presses a long kiss to the side of your head. 

“We need them,” She promises, “We need bodies to catch Ghostface.” 

“If you say so,” You say, biting your lip. 

It seems a little silly to you. Afterall, who’s to say one of them wasn't Ghostface? Between you and Tara, you had managed to kill two of their best friends. It wasn’t far-fetched to imagine they might be a little pissed about it if they knew. 

She wraps her arms around your shoulders, presses a light kiss to your lips. 

“They’ll be here in twenty,” She says, and so you quiet the thought of Chad and Liv in matching Ghostface masks and abandon Tara to get dressed. 

Sam’s in the kitchen when they arrive, making Tara a green smoothie. 

She doesn’t see the door open, doesn’t hear the hushed whispers as you shuffle them all upstairs to pile into your tiny bedroom. 

Chad makes himself at home, lays back against the bed, one of your cushions in hand. 

“Brace yourself,” He says as Tara shuts the door, “Mindy made a power-point.” 

“I just thought the suspect list might be a little easier to palate in a visual format.” Mindy says, shooting a glare at her twin. She opens her laptop. Tara rolls her eyes. 

“Forget about the suspect list,” She tells Mindy, “What’s the plan? It doesn’t matter who he is, we just need to catch him.” 

“I still say we trap him,” Liv pipes up. 

Tara groans. 

“Liv, that’s why we’re here.” 

“We could do it at the house,” Mindy suggests, biting her lip. 

“And how are we going to do that?” Tara asks, “This house is on lockdown. He’ll never get in, now. Not with Sam parading about like the secret service.”

“We do it at school,” Chad suggests, “Think about it. Ghostface won’t be scared off by Sam and YN’s Dad. And it’s a familiar place - we know it like the back of our hands.” 

“Ghostface hasn’t attacked us at school.” You say, chewing your lip. 

“Not yet.” Chad stresses, “But maybe he will. If we can draw him out.” 

“And how are we supposed to do that?” Tara asks, voice dry, “Send him a text message? Hey, Ghostface - YN and I will be hanging out by ourselves in the girls locker room if you want to try carve us up like cattle again.” 

“We need to make it public knowledge that we’ll be alone,” You say, sitting up, “If we can spread it through the entire school, surely he’ll find out. He’s watching us, remember.” 

“Detention.” Chad says, snapping his fingers together, “Principal Garcia’s detention! There’ll be no one there. No one is ever bad enough to get Principal Garcia’s detention.” 

Principal Garcia had started a programme just as you’d joined Woodboro High. Regular detention was held after school, as usual. But Principal Garcia’s detention was held Saturday mornings. You’d only ever heard of one student who was naughty enough to get one of the Principal’s detention. 

And that person happened to be your girlfriend. 

“He doesn’t hand them out willy-nilly,” Tara says, sounding frustrated, “You have to be really bad to get one.” 

“You got one,” Mindy says, raising an eyebrow, “Figures you could get one again.” 

Tara’s Principal’s detention had been granted at one of your old soccer games. Faye Evans, one of the girls on the opposing team had played it too fast and loose one the field and ended up kicking your shins a little too hard. You’d toppled to the ground in agony. 

Faye would have got a red card, if Tara had not got to her first. 

You’d sat up, just in time to see Tara bee-lining from her spot on the sidelines. She’d grabbed Faye by the arms and body-slammed her so hard into the ground she drew blood. She’d maybe have done worse had you not pried her off. 

Thankfully, Faye’s parents had settled for the detention (and Tara’s permanent ban from watching your soccer games) in lieu of a lawsuit. 

“Chad punched someone last year and got suspended,” Tara grumbles, “That isn’t what we need. We need a detention, not a mark on our permanent records.”

“I was defending Liv’s honor,” Chad says, puffing his chest out a little, “Some dude in Chemistry grabbed her ass.” 

Liv all but swoons. She ducks down and kisses him. 

“My hero.” She murmurs. 

Mindy wrinkles her nose. 

Tara looks at you, “I was doing the same for you,” She says, sounding aggrieved, “Some girlfriends are grateful, see?” 

“You’re not body-slamming anyone again,” You tell her, eyebrows raised, “Besides, you can barely stand up without wincing.” 

“Maybe you could cuss out a teacher?” Mindy suggests. 

Tara shakes her head. 

“I’ve done that too, got a regular detention.” She says. 

The teacher in question was Mrs. Cartwright. She’d given you a C+ on your English paper. And Tara had hit the roof. 

You stir, not enjoying this trip down memory lane. 

Tara looks over at you. 

“We could get caught.” She suggests, “Third period - maybe before History class.” 

Your cheeks flame red. 

“No,” You hiss, “Absolutely not.” 

“Baby, we have to do something.” Tara insists, “It has to be bad enough to get a Principal’s detention, not so bad we get suspended-”

“I’m not fucking you in front of Mr Saunders,” You say. 

“It wouldn’t be all the way, maybe just some mouth stuff.” Liv says, helpfully. 

You glare at her. 

“Forget it,” You tell Tara, “Think of something else.” 

The group collectively slump back in their seats. It’s quiet a moment, and then Chad sits up. 

“I’ve got it!” He says, sounding excited, “We make a big show in class, Tara and I get into an argument - and then she punches me! The only reason I got suspended is because that kid’s Dad got involved. So I just won’t tell mine.”

You furrow your brows.

“You can act like I hit on your girl, or something,” Chad continues, “It’s perfect!”

“And I am I supposed to get detention from this?” You ask. 

Chad shrugs, “I don’t know. You punch me too?” 

Tara chews her lip. 

“It’s a terrible idea,” She says, “But it’s the best we have so far.” 

“What’s a terrible idea?” Sam’s in the doorway. You hadn’t heard her come in. She has another platter of vegetables in hand.

The five of you whip around, the guilt on all of your faces evident. 

“Chad thinks we should get McDonalds for lunch,” Mindy says, lamely. 

Sam stares at her, disbelieving. 

“What’s this about punching Chad?” She says, staring at Tara, “And why do you want detention?” 

Liv folds like a lawn chair. 

“We’re trying to get Tara and YN a principal’s detention.” She says, quickly, “So Ghostface will attack Tara and YN and we’ll be able to catch the guy.” 

Mindy groans. 

“Liv,” She hisses, “We were fine.”

Sam stares a moment. 

“No,” She says, immediately. Tara sits up a little straighter. 

“Sam we need a plan,” She argues, “If we can trap the asshole and take off his mask-”

“You have a three inch hole in your stomach,” Sam says, voice shrill, “And if you think I’m trusting these idiots to protect you-” 

 “Sam,” Tara interjects, voice raised, “I’m not a little kid anymore. I can look after myself.”

“You’re not leaving this house unless I’m with you,” Sam says, sounding final, “And if you think I’m going to let you use yourself as bait for Ghostface-”

“She’s already bait for Ghostface,” You say, cutting in. Sam stares at you, “Look at what just happened. Sam, if we want to stop this guy, we need to know who he is.” 

Sam looks at you.  

Really looks at you. 

You’re right and she knows it. You can tell by the look in her eyes. Hesitant, troubled. Like she’s fighting a losing battle in her own head. 

Tara interjects before she can say anything. 

“You can be a part of the plan if you want,” She says, “But we’re doing it with or without you.”

“You’re doing it with me,” Sam says, after a long moment, “You’re doing it right. Tell me the plan.” 

Chad goes into animated detail. Too much detail.  

“You’re an idiot,” Sam cuts Chad off mid-sentence, eyebrows furrowed, “Assault is assault, Chad. Tara will be suspended within the hour.” 

“So what do you suggest, Sam?” You ask, a little desperate. 

Tara interjects, “I still think we should get caught having-”

“No.” You and Sam say at the same time. 

Tara crosses her arms. 

“I have an idea,” Sam says, biting her lip, “But I need you to trust me.” 

-

Sam’s idea is ridiculous at best, plain cruel at worst. 

But it’s the best idea you have. 

Wednesday morning you’re sitting in history class after having half-carried Tara into school, your stomach awash with butterflies. Chad, Liv and Mindy sit around you like body-guards, and despite the ridiculousness of the Ghostface-fighting crew you’ve put together, it does give you a little comfort knowing they’re close. 

Mr Saunders is a dreary, five foot seven, forty one year old. He wears bowties to school and torments his classes with facts about history, which he delivers in a droning, tired voice. As if even he is sick of hearing about it. 

It’s the Vietnam war today. 

You let him begin the class, even listen for a little. 

Sorry, you think preemptively. 

It’s almost Ironic, how he spends so much time talking about war and is so unaware he’s about to be the next casualty in one. 

Right on schedule, as he pauses to take a sip of his coffee, Tara raises her hand. 

“Mr Saunders,” She pipes up, “Can YN and I be excused?” 

Mr Saunders looks down at her. Long lines draw across his forehead. His shoulders tighten. He doesn’t like being interrupted.

He looks between you and Tara, eyes appraising. The two of you had a certain reputation in school, and you were certain no teacher would let the two of you go off alone. Let alone him. 

“Do you need to see the nurse, Ms Carpenter? I’m sure, Mr Meeks-Martin can escort you.” Pointed, as if he sees right through her façade. 

Tara shakes her head. Her eyes blaze in that way they do when she’s determined to see something though. 

Your stomach flips. 

“Not really,” She says, a little blasé, “This lesson is just boring me, a little.” 

The class sniggers. Mr Saunders’ expression turns frosty. He stands a little taller, hushes the class with a whack against the white board.

“I’m sorry you don’t find the Vietnam war more entertaining, Ms Carpenter,” He says, voice stern, “But you’ll just have to make do. No, you may not be excused.” 

You grip Tara’s hand a little tighter. It’s your turn. 

“Why do you have such a stick up your ass all the time, Sir?” You say, voice a little shaky. 

Tara rubs her thumb over the back of your hand, comfortingly. 

Mr Saunders blinks back at you. It isn’t often you spoke up in his class, if at all. His face flames red with anger. 

“Why don’t I tell you in detention?” He says, curling his lip. 

He turns his back to you, scribbling madly on the whiteboard, trying to redirect the attention of the class. 

Disappointment floods through you. 

Detention. A regular detention. It isn’t what you need. 

“He’s balding, babe, that’s why,” Tara says, loudly, “He wears a toupee and thinks everyone can’t tell-“ 

Mr Saunders whirls around. 

“Detention,” He hissed again, “Both of you.” 

“Mr Saunders doesn’t have a toupee,” Chad says, exactly on time, “There’s no way. Look at that thick head of hair.” 

Tara stands. 

“Sit down, Ms Carpenter,” Mr Saunders says, voice irate. 

You can’t look as it happens. 

Mr Saunders, although a little strict, is a perfectly nice teacher. And you were about to humiliate him in front of a sea of piranha-like teenagers. 

Liv squeezes your shoulder. 

“It’s for a good cause,” She offers in a whisper. 

Tara reaches the front of the room. Mr Saunders doesn’t see it coming. He blocks the door, as if that’s where she’s trying to go. 

And then in one swift move, she’s launching her arm forward and plucking the toupee straight off his head. 

The class gasps, then erupts into a flurry of shock and laughter.  You bury your head in your hands. 

Tara waves the toupee about as if it’s a trophy for a moment before Mr Saunders snatches it back and tries to jam it - upside down - on his bald head. 

“Principal’s office,” He hisses, face contorted, red, like he’s about to explode, “Both of you. Now.” 

-

There’s a lot of yelling. 

Mr Saunders wants you both suspended, for being “arrogant, disrespectful little shits.”

You Dad is at work, so it’s Sam who gets called. 

Principal Garcia watches the two of you over his glasses with faint distaste. Like he doesn’t get paid enough to deal with this kind of ridiculous nonsense. 

“Mr Saunders, I am so sorry for my sister's behavior,” Sam says, wide-eyed when she arrives, as if it weren’t her very idea, “The only explanation I can give you is it’s been a very tough couple of weeks. You know, Tara was attacked by Ghostface just days ago.”

For the first time in the last hour, the Principal softens. He looks down at Tara, appraises her for a moment. 

“That’s understandable,” He says. Mr Saunders’ shoulders tighten again, like an angry little wind-up doll, “But it’s no excuse for her behavior-“ 

“I agree,” Says Sam, nodding softly, “Principal, perhaps one of your special detentions will set her in order. Both of them. Give them time to think about how they behave in school.”

The Principal hums. 

And agrees. 

Exactly to plan. 

-

Saturday detention can’t come fast enough. 

Tara breaks down the plan over and over, as if you’re both in Ocean's Eleven, the detention your diamond heist. 

There are cabinets which line the back of the classrooms. Chad and Liv are to sneak into school early, hide back there until the attack happens. Mindy and Sam are to scout the doors, using a nearby utility closet to stay out of sight. 

Tara and Sam are both to be armed, and the six of you are going to be wearing military strength bulletproof vests - courtesy of Tara’s mom’s credit card she still hadn’t changed the PIN number to. 

Perhaps she might after the near nine hundred dollar bill she had just incurred. 

Sam instructs all of you to “aim for the knees, but kill the asshole if you have to.” 

And despite all the planning and the manpower, you can’t help but have the sinking suspicion something will go wrong. 

“It’ll be okay, baby,” Tara murmurs that morning, scouting out your quiet trepidation with expertise. She presses a kiss to your forehead and takes you in her arms, “I’ll protect you. He won’t touch you.” 

“It’s not me I’m worried about,” You murmur, lightly touching her wound with your fingertips. It’s been almost a week but she’s still healing. She winces when she sits down, and still leans on you sometimes when she walks. 

You’re terrified that despite the gun and the vest, she’ll collapse to the ground and make herself Ghostface’s pin cushion once again. 

She smoothes your hair back, fondly scratches your scalp. 

“I’ll be okay,” She assures, “Once the adrenaline takes over.” 

She kisses you. 

“It’s going to be over, today,” She promises. Her dark eyes are awash with something: that fearlessness that comes so easy to her, “You’re never going to have to be afraid of him again.”

But you are afraid. 

Not just of the inevitable attack that would occur, only hours later. You’re afraid once he’s unmasked he’ll talk. He knows, you know he knows. And one single utter of ‘Ghostface” and Tara’s name in the same sentence and the Sheriff would be knocking down your door to take her away. 

“We have to kill him, baby,” You murmur. You bury your head in her neck, inhale her scent as if it will give you some comfort, “If he talks-”

“He won’t talk,” Tara says, sounding determined, “I’ll put a bullet through his brain before he gets the chance.” 

-

The mood is somber. 

Chad and Liv are en-route to the school, they’d texted ahead. 

Mindy is to meet Sam outside the school in all but thirty minutes. 

You chew down on some plain toast, trying to quell the tide of nausea rocking waves in your stomach. 

“You okay, babe?” Tara asks, rubbing your back, “We need to get dressed in a minute.” 

“I have a bad feeling,” You say. Tara leans over, presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. 

“It’s just nerves.” She promises. 

“Don’t be nervous,” Sam assures from across the table. She’s loading pellets into her shotgun, “I’m going to be armed with more firepower than the entire nation of Latvia. Motherfucker better hope he’s wearing knee pads, else I’m going to blow his knee caps clean off.”

If anything, that makes you more nervous. 

“Don’t fire it close to Tara.” You tell her, chewing your lip. 

Sam shoots you a look. 

“Do I look like a rookie to you?” 

A little, you’d fire back but your thought is interrupted by a sharp, urgent knock at the front door. 

Tara tilts her head. 

“Who’s that?” 

You frown, crane your neck to try and see the figure through the glass. Your parents were at work, and they didn’t often host unexpected guests. 

Sam stands, carefully places her shotgun on the countertop as she goes to answer the door. 

You follow, curiosity peaked. 

And then immediately wish you hadn’t. 

It’s the Sheriff, and two other offices, poised at either side of her shoulders. 

Her stance is stoic, expression unreadable. Your stomach churns in that uneasy way it always does when she’s around. But something about this is different.

She seems… formal. Far too formal for this to be a house call. You grip Tara’s hand tight between your fingers. 

“Sheriff?” Sam asks, a little confused, “What are you doing here?”

But the Sheriff isn’t looking at Sam. Her eyes are honed in on Tara. Like she’s found her mark. 

“Tara Carpenter,” She says, voice even, “I need you to come down with me to the station."

“Why?” Sam asks, immediately. Her shoulders tense. 

“We have some questions,” Sheriff Hicks says, eyes flickering, “That’s all.” 

“So ask them,” Sam says, eyebrows furrowed, “She’s not going anywhere with you.” 

Sheriff Hicks reaches into her pocket. 

She pulls out a piece of paper, and thrusts it towards Sam. 

Your stomach sinks. A wave of hot anxiety flushes through you at the sight. 

It’s an arrest warrant. With Tara’s name on it. 

“You want to bet?” Sheriff Hicks says, voice cold.

You feel your heart start to pound. Tara blinks, staring at the paper a moment. You feel hot, your brain swimming. Your chest is tight, like the walls are closing in. 

“I don’t understand,” Sam murmurs, crinkling the paper between her fingertips, “You’re arresting her for what exactly?” 

“For murder,” Sheriff Hicks says, “For multiple murders. For the murder of Aaron and Sam Collins, Chase Matthews, Sadie Jones, Amber Freeman-“ 

Her voice quivers. 

“And Wesley Hicks.” 

It’s quiet a moment. 

Your throat closes. Sam stares, eyes widening. 

And then she splutters, “That’s ridiculous-“ 

Your hand tightens around Tara’s. She hasn’t moved. Her expression hasn’t changed. 

Sheriff Hicks narrows her eyes. 

“Don’t make me do this the hard way, Tara.” She says, “I can make a scene. I can handcuff you in front of your girlfriend and your sister or you can make it easy and come with me right now.” 

Her hands touch the metallic handcuffs dangling off her belt, menacingly. 

Panic swells in your chest. You feel as though you might combust. Your throat is tight but you manage to pry  through a few strangled words. 

“You’ve got it wrong,” You plead, tears pricking behind your eyes, “Tara hasn’t killed anyone.” 

A blatant lie. 

She’d see it if she looked over at you, saw the falsehood, the desperation swimming in your eyes. But the Sheriff isn’t looking at you. She’s looking at Tara, victorious. 

As if she’s got her right in the scope. 

Sam stares between them, then snaps into action. 

“It’s going to be okay.” Sam says, all big-sister mode. She presses her hands to Tara’s shoulders, “I’m going to call a lawyer, right now. Don’t say anything to them Tara. I’ll follow, right behind, I’ll be in the waiting room the entire time-“ 

The plan. 

It hits you like a jolt of lightning. The trap you’d perfected. The painstaking hours that had gone into planning it. The quick knock on the door that had sent it all out the window. 

You’d had him. 

Ghostface would have been yours. You’d have him unmasked, in the handcuffs the Sheriff had intended for Tara. 

You think, quickly. And then close your eyes. Muster the strength it takes to get the words out. 

“No,” You says, quietly. Tara and Sam both look over at you, “We had plans today, Sam.” 

Sam looks at you as if you’re crazy. 

There are police in your yard, swarming the lawn, sirens blaring. There’s a dozen of them, as if the Sheriff needed backup. As if, your tiny, injured, 5”1 girlfriend would put up so much fight twelve police officers would have to hold her down. 

You blink back tears, hold the lump in your throat. 

And you know exactly what you need to do. 

“My Dad will be with her,” You continue, “I’ll call him now. He’ll call the lawyer, drive her home when they let her go. Inevitably.” 

You shoot a look at the Sheriff. 

“But Sam, it’s the only way.”

“No,” Tara says, voice flat, “No. Sam, tell her no.”

“It’s the only way,” You say, breathless. You blink back the tears, “We need to give them something.” 

The Sheriff is watching, eyes peeled. Eyes narrowed, like she’s trying to make out your not-so-secret code. 

You swallow. Taper down your emotions for a moment. Determination surges through you. 

Lawyers, police, The Sheriff. Nothing could fix this but doing one thing. 

Giving the police Ghostface. On a silver platter. 

Sam’s quiet. 

But Tara kicks up a fuss. 

“Baby,” She urges, trying to pry your attention, to her “Baby, look at me. Say you won’t. Promise me you won’t.” 

You swallow. 

Brush her hair out of her face. Her eyes are wide, desperate. Huge brown orbs, pleading. It’s so strange to see her powerless. It’s unnatural. 

You kiss her, softly. 

“I’m going to protect you,” You promise against her lips, voice but a whisper, “The way you protect me.” 

“That’s enough.” The Sheriff says, voice stern, “Tara. Easy way or the hard way? Your choice.” 

Tara swallows. 

“Sam,” She says, voice urgent, “Promise me you won’t let her. Promise me.” 

Sam blinks a moment, her face blank. 

And then she nods, presses a long kiss to Tara’s forehead. 

“I promise,” She says, voice soft, “Go with the Sheriff. YN and I will be right behind you.” 

Your heart sinks. Relief floods through Tara’s face. 

“Now, Tara,” The Sheriff says, voice stern. Tara steps forward. Shoots a final look at you. 

“I love you,” She murmurs. 

And then you watch, tears in your eyes, as she’s hauled off in the back of a squad car. She limps to the car, looking so small amongst the sea of police officers. Helpless.

It makes you ache.

You turn to Sam when they’re out of sight, eyes shimmering with brand new determination. 

“Sam- I know you’re in shock, but it’s the only way-”

“You don’t have to sell me a pitch, YN,” Sam says, voice low. The unshed tears in her eyes mirror yours, “We’re going to the school and we’re catching Ghostface.” 

You blink. 

Sam looks at you. 

“You’re right,” She says, lip quivering, “It’s the only way to save her.”

[tianasimstreehouse]

Poached Pears

In the autumn months, Pip takes a basket with her to visit the orchard which sits at back of the farmhouse. Her basket laden with juicy pears, she hums to herself as she heads home and pops them in a saucepan on the stove. She pulls out some of her jars of precious homemade custard and chocolate syrup which sit bottled in her larder, and drizzles them over the delicious fragrant pears.

*REQUIRES the latest version of my TianaSims Cookbook to work* Download here (free): https://www.patreon.com/posts/tianasims-64612779

Category: Desserts

Ingredients: Pears, Custard (CL), Chocolate Syrup (CL)

Skill Level: 1 (Gourmet)

Available sizes: Single, Family, Party

Dietary: Vegetarian-Safe

DOWNLOAD (Patreon): https://www.patreon.com/posts/89330756?pr=true Milk and Cookies: Now! Sugar Cookies: 9th October Public: 16th October

[boldlyvoid]

No Longer Alone Together: Part 7

Part 7 | Masterlist

December 20th: Atlas Day

She has a really bad nightmare that night. She wakes up in a pool of sweat, crying so hard it startles Spencer awake too. “Hey, hey, you’re okay. I’m right here…” 

She turns into him and cries harder, searching for his warmth to feel real again. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? What happened?” 

“I— I,” she stutters while trying to catch her breath. “I died again…” 

It always felt so real. 

She woke up with the kids, she kissed them before they took the bus to school and then she went to work. Completely normal. But she wasn’t at her normal work. She was at a dig site, she was in a tunnel trying to get to something big for the museum when it all went south.

The walls started closing in. The way the dirt smelled like pure earth as it filled her lungs and swallowed her whole. She was fighting for air, scratching at the surface, so close to saving herself, scared she’d never see her babies again, it was the last thought she had before it went dark. 

It was dark for so long… too long for a dream. 

Once she was awake all she could do was throw herself into Spencer's arms to ensure that she was still real. His chest is warm, his hands are sturdy, and his breathing is loud. He’s real. It’s real. It’s okay. 

“You’re not dead, you’re very much alive, my love,” he assures her, rubbing her back and her arms, creating friction against her skin so she’d start believing him. “You’re here, I’m here. It’s okay.” 

“Yeah,” she lets out a shaky breath, settling ever so slowly. Her body was still on high alert. “I died like my mom…” 

“The brain is so fucking mean,” he can’t believe it. “I’m so sorry, love.” 

“It’s cause it’s his birthday,” she puts two and two together. “She died when I was 8… now he’s 8.” 

“You’re not going to die,” he isn’t assuring her, he’s telling her. “It’s not happening this year, or ever, actually. I’m not letting it.” 

“Okay,” she manages to laugh at how serious he is. “If you say so I guess it has to be true.” 

“I make the rules,” he teases, resting his cheek against the top of her head. 

She lets out another deep breath, actually settling this time. She wraps her arms around him and holds him a bit tighter. “I’m sorry I woke you up.” 

“Don’t be, it’s more than okay,” he would stay up all night for her if he had to. She knew that because he has stayed up with her many nights before. “I love you.” 

“I love you, more,” Spencer whispers back. “But you can win today…” 

“I love you, most, how about that?” She quotes tangled, knowing almost all the words to that film thanks to the kids. 

Spencer turns to look at the clock on his night table, it’s only 5:30am, the kids don’t have to get up for another 2 hours, and he doubts that she’s going back to sleep. “Do you want to go downstairs and set up all his presents early and have breakfast, just me and you?” 

She nods, “please?” 

“Come on,” he gets her out of bed, they get dressed and tiptoe past the kids rooms on their way downstairs. 

It’s nothing gourmet or exciting, he simply puts a few waffles in the toaster and sets out some syrup, but it’s nice to get to eat together, just the two of them, in their own home. Having kids meant they were never alone together anymore, they always had someone watching over them or nearby… she doesn’t miss it, she just wishes they had more time together before they did the whole family thing. She wishes she knew Spencer her whole life. No matter how much time she got with him, it would never feel like enough. 

After they eat, they get Atlas’s birthday presents out from the hiding spot in the back of Spencer's office. The kids didn’t know it was there, only they did… it was originally a place for Y/N and the kids to hide in the case of an intruder while Spencer was at work, but now it’s basically Santa’s workshop— they have wrapping paper organized on the wall, tape dispensers on the desk beside the art supplies they use to write letters back to the kids from Santa. T shelves are filled with baskets that had each kid's name on them, and each basket was filled with little gifts collected over the year for their stockings and good behaviour rewards. Everything has a place, it’s the coolest room in their house… but right now it looks like a Christmas glitter bomb went off as they prep for the big day.

Atlas had asked Santa for something neither one of them expected him to this year, it’s the biggest gift in the room and they’ve been worried about how the heck they were going to wrap it up for him… now they can actually just set it up in the kitchen and he can use it right away while the sky is still dark enough outside. 

He’s suddenly done a 180 in his interest on earth's rocks and started paying a lot of attention to the moon instead. It started in the summer when they went star gazing and got more intense right after she taught him about how the earth moves around the sun. Now he wants to know everything about their solar system. With Spencer being gone and her field of knowledge being paleontology, she had to find help to answer all his questions. She asked her colleague at the air and space museum for book recommendations and the next day he was in her office with a box of his old books for Atlas. 

He’s been obsessed ever since. 

At the start of the month, he saw that national geographic sold telescopes for kids, when he was looking at all the little science kits they offered… it’s almost $400 for a kids toy, it’s expensive and he’ll probably outgrow it, but he wants it. And sure, he asked Santa for it because Santa can make anything and money isn’t a problem for him… but they wanted to get it for him if it’s this big of a deal to him. 

They want to reward his interests, they don’t want him to have to wait for Santa to get into things he likes. 

For the first time in his life, he’s found an interest that is purely his own. At first he liked rocks cause his big cousin Henry had so many, then he liked dinosaurs because that’s where mommy worked. And there was a little period in time when he wanted to be an FBI agent, and then a writer, but mostly, his copycat tendencies were directed toward his mother. He loved fossils and rocks and crystals, he knew everything about every exhibit and could probably lead her tours for her, he could probably even teach a class on carbon dating bones… he was a little genius. 

And now that he likes space, they can throw in another extra present for him to go along with what they’re planning for the girls. 

In the spring they’re taking a trip to Florida, Luna wants to meet some princesses at Disney World and ever since Noelle heard that you can actually watch the sun go down and the lights go on in Radiator Springs, she’s been dying to go as well. The Kennedy Space centre isn’t too far away from Disney World, it wasn’t hard to add another day into their plans, and this way a real astronaut would be able to answer every question Atlas had. 

On Christmas morning the kids would know all about the trip, till then, their tickets and boarding passes are waiting in their stocking baskets along with Mickey Mouse ears and some NASA pins. 

Luna cries that morning when she doesn’t find her parents in their bed, she’s sniffling with her teddy and blanket when she comes down the stairs to look for them. “Where are you, mommy? Daddy?” 

“Oh honey,” Spencer picks her right up and wipes her cheeks, replacing her tears with soft kisses. “We came down to make your brother's birthday present.” 

“Oh yeah,” she brightens up. “It’s Atlas day!” 

“It is,” Y/N joins them, kissing Luna on the head to make sure her crying randomly wasn’t a sign she was getting sick. She wasn’t normally one to cry unless very overwhelmed, overtired or getting sick. 

She doesn’t feel warm, but they’d keep an eye on her just in case. It would suck if she’s sick on Christmas. 

“Do you want to go upstairs and wake him up with me?” Spencer suggests, “we’ll go get Noa first and then we can all give him a big hug in his bed, okay?” 

“Okay,” she nods along, sleep-filled eyes and her face all puffy from just waking up, she’s the cutest thing in the world. 

Spencer sets her down on the ground and she takes off up the stairs with her parents following swiftly behind her. She twists the door knob to Noelle’s room carefully but swings the door open a bit too hard, startling her sister. “What the heck?” The 6-year-old complains as she rubs her eyes, “Luna?” 

“Wake up, it’s Atlas day!” She whisper shouts.

“Do you want to help us wake up your brother?” Spencer explains why they’re all in her room a bit better than the 4-year-old could. 

“Yeah,” she stretches real hard, arms extended over her head and back arching till it cracks a few times. She rubs her now-healed arm, forgetting that she doesn’t have the cast anymore and she can extend it a lot more than before. She tosses her sheets back and hops down to the floor, pulling her sister into a quick hug to say good morning, and then her parents. 

Spencer kisses the top of her head, “sleep good?” 

She nods, “I had a dream I was making cakes with Selena Gomez…” she recalls, clearly watching way too much Selena+ chef on her iPad again. It was one of her favourite shows during the pandemic, she watched it almost as much as she watched Cars 3. What a weird combination, but so totally Noelle. 

She hugs her mom too, giving her a quick kiss before she heads to her brother's door and waits for the okay to open it. Y/N takes the door handle in her hands instead, twisting it slowly and opening it carefully… but all that care is useless when the girls run in shouting happy birthday. He sits up, startled as can be and then he smiles. His sisters jump into his bed and smother him in hugs, all giggling together within seconds. Spencer wraps an arm around Y/N watching from the doorway with matching smiles. 

They had the perfect family. 

The girls run down the stairs first, leaving Atlas to walk down holding Y/N’s hand with Spencer behind, holding up his phone camera so he can capture the shock and awe on his face when he sees his gift. 

He lights right up, gasping as he lets go of his mother's hand to cover his mouth, “no way…” he stops walking at the entrance of the living room, stuck in shock as he stares at his telescope with a big red bow placed on top of it. 

“It’s not the one you wanted, it’s better,” Spencer explains. “The National Geographic one wasn’t that good once we looked into it.” 

“But what if Santa brings that one?” Atlas worries.

“Oh,” Y/N turns to Spencer and improvises. “Um, Santa reached out to us through one of the elves and said he didn’t have any telescope glass left and it was hard to make more so we said we’d get you one for your birthday if he got everything else on your lists.” 

“Even Noa and Lulus?” He lights up for his sisters. “Thats so nice of Santa?” 

“Isn’t he just the best?” Y/N says with a smile, unable to keep a straight face. Lying to the kids about a magical man who brings them presents is so weird, but so fun. 

Atlas pulls her in for a hug, “thank you so much!” 

“You’re welcome, Bug,” she kisses the top of his head a few times. “It’s not the only gift we got you… go look.” 

On the table beside his telescope are 2 wrapped presents and a spaceship bag stuffed with bright green tissue paper. He opens the bag first, quickly pulling the paper out and dropping it to the floor. He pulls out a big puffy bomber jacket in his size. It’s dark blue with patches all over it. A huge NASA patch on the back, the Artemis 1 logo on the sleeve and an orange tag on the zipper the same way the astronauts have on their suits. He puts it on right away, loving it so much. 

“And look in the pocket,” Spencer instructs. “We did something really cool for you earlier this year…” 

“What?” He pulls a piece of paper out of the jacket pocket, unfolding it to see a boarding pass. 

“The Artemis 1 flew around the moon this month, remember we watched it take off?” Y/N explains. “We signed your name up so it’s on a flash drive that’s flying around the moon forever now… your name is in space.” 

“Wow,” he’s amazed, holding the paper with big glossy eyes. “Maybe I’ll go to the moon one day too?” 

“Maybe,” Spencer agrees. “Till then, your name has travelled 1.3 million miles and NASA is going to send me an email every time you can send your name up for something else too and you can save all the miles and see how far in space your name can go.” 

“Wow,” he says again, overwhelmed and starting to cry. “This is so cool, dad?” 

“It was your mom's idea,” he passes on all the credit. “She heard about it at work.” 

“My friend Scott, who gave you all those books, actually, he told me all about it and I knew I had to sign you up,” she explains. “I’m so glad you like it.” 

“I LOVE it!” He assures her with a huge smile. 

He opens his two other gifts, one is a real big book about Space accompanied by an audiobook from Neil deGrasse Tyson that he can listen to in his room while reading along.  His other gift was a couple nice T-shirts that he could pick from to wear to school today. He loves them all, he wants to get dressed in his gifts but they convince him to eat breakfast first before getting ready so he doesn’t ruin anything. 

They have pancakes with sprinkles and whip cream, it’s a feast for a king. He’s so excited about everything that he almost forgets that there is a present he wants to give to his sisters. All 3 of them, technically. He passes the Christmas tree on his way upstairs and sees the little gift he wrapped with his mom on the first night his bedtime got pushed back, it’s no perfect, but it’s definitely wrapped by him. He picks it up and comes barreling back into the kitchen with it. “Noa, Luna, this is for you!” 

“You can’t touch the Christmas tree presents!” Noelle almost loses her mind, “the elves are going to find out! Go put it back!” 

“No, no it’s from me,” he puts it on the table, “right mom?” 

“Oh, oh yeah,” she was doing the dishes, she has to wipe her wet hands off on her pyjama shirt and rush over to the table before a freakout happens. “Atlas wanted to give you guys something today too, isn’t that nice of him?”

“Oh,” Noelle settles down, ever the rule follower if it meant getting her brother in trouble. “We can open it early?” 

“Yeah, here,” Atlas slides it over to her, “come help, Lulu.” 

She sits beside her sister and the two of them peel off the wrapping paper together to see a small cardigan. “This won’t fit me?” Luna knows, “thank you?” 

“Are we supposed to give this to Mabel?” Noa rationalizes, holding it up to her chest to see how tiny it is. 

“Actually,” Atlas beams with excitement, “it’s for our new little sister…” 

“What sister?” Luna asks while Noelle's eyes light up and turn to her mom. 

“You’re having another baby?!” She all but screams as she realizes what they mean. 

She nods with a sweet smile, “I am…” 

“AH!!!” She screams at the top of her lungs with excitement, causing Luna to do the same, and all the screaming makes Spencer come running from upstairs. 

He’s half-dressed, getting ready to shovel a bit of the driveway before taking the kids up to the bus stop, “what’s going on? Are you alright?” 

Y/N’s laughing with them, watching them jump on their chairs and cheer, “mommy is having another baby!!” Luna cheers. 

“It’s a girl!” Noelle screams back, “we have another sister!” 

Spencer holds his hand over his heart and sighs, “you cant scream like that, I thought someone was breaking in?” 

“We’re okay,” Y/N explains walking over to him and wrapping her arms around him. She gives him a big kiss on the lips, whispering, “we’re really, really okay,” against them. 

—

They spend most of the morning wrapping all the presents they have for the kids, taking the chance to do it while no one is around to accidentally see them. They get everything wrapped by the time Luna’s bus is stopping at the top of the driveway, dropping her off from her half day, only someone else is in the driveway waiting for her, not her dad. 

Her mom and dad are busy “baking cookies” like they do every year…

“Looney Tunes!” Diana calls out to her with open arms, Liam right behind her with a big smile. 

“Gramma!” She cheers, rushing to them as quickly as possible in her winter boots, big heavy coat and book bag dragging her down. She hasn’t seen them in about a month, they left just a couple of days before Spencer got home, it was like a trade-off of missing someone for Luna. 

They smother her in hugs and kisses and then Spencer is rushing to the end of the driveway, “mom? What are you doing home?” 

“We got our days mixed up,” Liam explains, placing a hand on Spencer's shoulder and pulling him in for a hug. “But now we’re home for the big guy's birthday.” 

“This is perfect” Spencer holds his father-in-law for a few moments, pulling back just as his mom puts his daughter back down on the snowy driveway. “Mom…” 

“My boy,” she opens her arms for him to fall into, holding her close and absorbing all the love she’s been dying to give him since he left on his big press tour. 

“When did you get here?” He wonders, they never knocked on the door… or if they did, Spencer was too busy to hear it. 

“A few minutes ago but we know the bus schedule,” Liam explains, taking Luna's backpack for her. “Figured you’d want as much time alone as possible…” 

Spencer looks at him with wide eyes, “we were just making Christmas cookies…” 

“Uh huh, sounded like it,” Diana can’t help but laugh. “You’re all flushed, sweetie…” 

He sighs, embarrassed, “well, come on in then…” 

Inside, Liam and Y/N hug and reconnect, they all have a cookie while Spencer puts the kettle on and warms up some lunch for Luna. They share a bunch of photos from their trip and ask all about the kids December traditions. Grandma and grandpa get a copy of the kids Santa photos and some other cute things they’ve done over the month. 

“Any other big things?” Diana asks, wanting to hear all about the new Prentiss baby that was just born. 

“Mommy, do you have a photo of our baby yet?” Luna asks, not thinking anything of it. 

“Your baby?” Liam repeats, “are you pregnant again?” 

Diana lights right up as well, the two of them exploding with excitement as Y/N nods, “yeah, I’m super pregnant…” 

She’s wrapped up in a million hugs it seems, she can't get any words in without Liam or Diana wanting one. They lay their hands over her growing belly, she hasn’t really noticed it all that much but she’s approaching 3 months, and she’s definitely growing. 

She wants to tell them more, but she has to go out and get the cake for their little party tonight, it’s supposed to be just them and the cousins, they’re all coming right over after school for pizza and a movie on the projector in the playroom. This year Atlas has requested an ice cream cake even though his birthday is in the middle of the winter and the snow hasn’t stopped falling since Sunday morning. Who were they to say no to him, though? It was his special day so he got whatever he wanted. 

Grandma offers to stay with the kids, but Spencer wants to stay home too, so Y/N gets a rare day trip out to the shops with her own dad. He drives, knowing how much she hates to drive while pregnant. She really only does it for work, and even then, Spencer sometimes drives her in while the kids are at school so she doesn’t have to. It was going to be interesting heading back to work in a few days and driving on her own, but she’d deal with that then. Right now, she’s having a great time. 

“We got the kids all matching shirts from Alaska, you should’ve told us there was a new baby, now she doesn’t have a shirt,” Liam complains, playfully of course, he didn’t mind. He loved his grand-babies so much it made her heart swell. 

“We found out the other day that she has down syndrome and we have a few more tests to do in the new year, too,” it just falls out of her. She needs her dad to know, “didn’t mom's aunt have it?” 

Liam nods, “yeah, your great aunt Doreen, she passed away when you were about Luna's age from a heart condition… science has changed so much since then though, sweetheart.” 

“I know, Spencer was telling me that the life expectancy now is 60, I’m really hopeful,” she admits with a shaky breath, nervous as ever. “I’m so worried for her already… with the others I was hopeful but from the second I went into the doctors they were reminding me I’m old and making me feel like she’s going to resent me for having her so late in life.” 

“I’m sure she won’t,” Liam reaches out for her hand to hold it. “you’re such a good mom to those kids you’ve got now and you’re a wonderful aunt to all the other little ones always wondering around your house… she’s going to fit right in and she has 14 built-in friends in those cousins and siblings. She’s going to be well protected in life, well-loved too.” 

“I know,” she tries to remind herself of that a lot ever since Spencer said it first. “I was bullied for the dumbest things as a kid, I guess I just worry kids haven’t gotten any better over the years… and then you know what Altas said when we told him? He just said he loved her already… how the heck did I get such sweet kids? Like what did I do to deserve him?” 

“Your mom used to ask me that all the time,” he reminisces. “She would’ve loved them…” Lucky for them they’re pulling up into the Dairy Queen parking lot when his eyes start to water.

“I’m also scared that I’m going to die this time,” she whispers. “I keep having dreams where I die and it’s always like what happened to mom… I suffocate in some dig site and I never see my kids again and it feels like a premonition.” 

“It’s not,” he reaches over for her hand to hold it. “You’re just pregnant, you’ve always had irrational pregnancy dreams… you remember when you were pregnant with Noelle, I was staying in your guest room while Spencer was on a case and you woke up screaming 'cause a bird stole Atlas from his crib in your dream?” 

“yeah…” it was kinda funny looking back on it. 

“A bird never stole him or the girls. This dream isn’t going to come true either,” he assures her. “I really had no idea I’d still be consoling you about bad dreams in my 70s, but here I am.” 

She laughs, wiping away the tear that falls down her cheek, “that bodes well for me, I’m going to get to baby them until they’re all 40, too, aren’t I?” 

“Yes, yes you will,” he pulls her in and kisses the top of her head, just like she did to all her babies now.

[artyandink]

the girl that kindness forgot | 3

I CAN’T ADMIT WHAT I FEEL IN FRONT OF HIM

Quote of the chapter: “After all that’s happened, it’s worth everything.”

…

“Miss Hernandez?” I coughed, feeling hands gripping me by the arm. “We’re with DEPRAC. Can you confirm you’re Miss Hernandez?” 

“Yes.”

”Rise and shine, sis.” I opened my eyes, spotting my brother at the door. 

“Hey, Turstin.” I groaned, rubbing my forehead. 

“I found out you were escorted here along with your old mate Lockwood and a new one; I think her name is Lucy Carlyle? Anyway, they wanted me to visit you.” 

“Visited. Now, if you excuse me, I need to get back into work.” I replied, shimmying into my trousers under my god-awful hospital gown. I ripped the wires off my arm, pulling the gown over my head. Turstin stared at me, eyes wide and horrified, so I paused and chuckled. 

“Come on, I’m wearing my sports bra. You’ve seen me working out in it.” 

“Still painful to watch.” 

“To you. To other’s it’s God’s gift.” I pulled my crop top on, slinging my jacket around me. “Do you know where he could be?” 

“Nah, but I have instructions to drop you to his house.” Turstin waved my Tesla keys, “So, wanna ride?” 

I couldn’t help but smile. Ever since our family’s misfortune, I’d been pushing Turstin away as I tried to manage SP3CTR. But despite that, here he was, ready to drive me home. “Yeah, I’d love to.” He slung an arm around my shoulder, grinning. 

“That’s the Artemis I know.” He laughed. “I know you’ve been under pressure ever since our parents. But I’m always here for you, yeah? I know the Arty underneath all this business-like exterior, and you’ll always be my sister.”

”Thanks, Turstin.” I beamed, leaning into my taller brother, who stood at 5’ 11” while I stood at 5’ 7”. 

“No problem. You’re my little sis.” 

“Not biologically, cause you’re adopted.” 

“Still counts.” 

I waved goodbye to Turstin, ascending the steps to the house and rapping on the door. 

“Lockwood, I swear, I’m going to kill-“ George stopped when he saw me, and mirrored a wide grin I had on my face. “Artemis?” 

“George!” We hugged each other hard, laughing. “It’s been so long.” 

“It really has. Come in, I need to make you some coffee and catch up.” He closed the door behind me, rushing into the kitchen and starting to make the coffee. “Things have been falling apart since you left, and you look so different. With the-“ He pointed to his head, indicating the white streaks dotted around my hair, “- and the -“ He gestured to my muscular stature, looking limb and flexible, “- and you’re a few inches taller too! Anthony can’t tease you about your height anymore.” 

“And I am very glad he can’t.” I giggled. 

“Does he know you’ve come back?” 

“He knows, all right.” I was handed my coffee, and as soon as I sipped it, I gasped. “You remembered?” 

“Like it was yesterday. Strong coffee, two dashes of milk, two tablespoons of caramel syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I would add whipped cream but we’re out, so…” 

“No, George, this is amazing.” We sat down, happily chatting. 

“So, how did you end up being the CEO of SP3CTR?” He asked. 

“My entire family got ghost locked.” I revealed, earning a sympathetic look. “Somehow Turstin and I survived, but it required me to take the mantle since I was the biological child. Most relatives died from heart failure due to shock, and some are still fighting.” 

“That must be horrible.”

”It’s-“ 

“GEORGE!” I heard a male voice yell, and a female voice yelp from upstairs. Lucy must already be home. And hurrah, Lockwood is too. He opened the door, looking a little annoyed. “Glad to see you two are getting along after all this time. I’d say like a house on fire but-“ 

“This is no time for amenities.” I snapped. He was irritating me so much, bloody hell. 

“Why didn’t you wait?” He asked, fist clenching and unclenching. 

“Because there was no need to.” I replied.

“I can’t deal with this right now, I need to sleep. George, if you could make that gourmet sabzi, with a shedload of rice, I’d love you forever, mate.” 

I snorted. “As if.” 

“I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that.” He left, and I rolled my eyes. 

“You turned your positive emotions on and off like a switch there. What’s your problem with him? And don’t get me wrong, he has a serious problem with you, I’m just yet to find out what exactly is the problem here.” George questioned.

“Anthony Lockwood almost cost me my life. And what’s more is that he blames me for it. So yes, huge problem.” 

“Can’t you try and make it up to him? You know, don’t be such a Stoic Sally when he’s around? Maybe he’ll come to an understanding.” 

“I can’t admit what I feel in front of him. Pfft, I can’t even show feelings.” I mocked. “It’s Anthony John Lockwood. Show feelings and you’ll be deemed weak.” 

“You’ll be surprised. He’s an idiot, yes, but he’s not a rock.” 

•´¨*•.¸¸.•*´¨•.¸¸.•´¨*•.¸¸.•*•´¨•.¸¸.•´¨`•.¸•´¨*•.¸¸.•*´¨•.¸¸.•´¨*•.¸¸.•*•´¨•.¸¸.•´¨`•.¸

I knocked on Lucy’s bedroom door, opening it. “It’s just me.” 

“Hey.” She answered quietly. 

“I figured we hadn’t bonded much, so I snuck some snacks up here. The biscuit rule doesn’t apply when it’s just us, by the way.” I winked, putting down a packet of Sour Patch Kids, Toxic Wastes, Walkers crisps and chocolate Digestive biscuits. I ripped open a Toxic Waste packet and popped one in my mouth, unflinching at the sour taste. She took a biscuit, biting into it delicately.

“Did you get your hair dyed?” She asked, looking genuinely interested. 

“No. I survived a ghost touch somehow. It took some colour out of my hair, and affected me. You know your affiliation to connect with the dead?” 

“Yeah?” 

“I can connect with the dead and the living. Right now, I know that you’re wondering how biscuits are so delicious.” She giggled, covering her mouth. 

“That’s true.” 

“And when I connect with Lockwood, all I can see is himself, or me when he’s having his annoyed thoughts, and George’s is full of research and strangely tea.” I was making a good friend in Lucy, at least I think I am. “How d’you end up here?” 

“Can you promise not to tell anyone? It’s really bad.” She begged, so I nodded. 

“Yeah, you can tell me anything.” 

“My friends, most of them, from my old company, they died in a vicious ghost attack, and one went into ghost lock. My leader was right there. He could’ve helped me, but instead he ran and blamed everything on me. So I had to leave. I couldn’t stay; my mother didn’t believe me, my own friends didn’t believe me-“ 

“I do, if that’s worth something.” 

For the second time, I saw Lucy smile. "After all that's happened, it's worth everything."

TAGLIST:

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[malayaorganics]

Exploring the Tranquil Elegance of Lavender Water: Benefits, Uses, and Beyond

Discover the soothing allure of Lavender Water, a timeless botanical elixir revered for its myriad of benefits and versatile applications. From skincare to aromatherapy, this fragrant hydrosol embodies tranquility and elegance, offering a holistic approach to well-being.

Unveiling the Essence of Lavender Water:

Lavender Water is a gentle distillation of lavender flowers, capturing the essence of this beloved herb in a delicate aqueous form.

Unlike essential oils, which are extracted through steam distillation or solvent extraction, lavender water is obtained through the distillation of lavender blooms, resulting in a milder, water-soluble product.

The process preserves the aromatic compounds and therapeutic properties of lavender, imbuing the water with its signature floral scent and calming effects.

The Benefits of Lavender Water:

Lavender Water boasts a multitude of benefits for both the body and mind, thanks to its natural composition and soothing properties.

It is renowned for its calming and balancing effects on the skin, making it an ideal toner for all skin types, especially those prone to sensitivity or inflammation.

The gentle astringent properties of lavender water help to minimize pores, reduce excess oil production, and promote a clear, radiant complexion.

Beyond skincare, lavender water is prized for its aromatic qualities, serving as a natural air freshener, linen spray, and mood enhancer in aromatherapy practices.

Versatile Uses in Skincare:

Incorporating Lavender Water into your skincare routine can yield remarkable results, thanks to its gentle yet effective nature.

Use it as a facial toner to refresh and rebalance the skin after cleansing, or as a soothing mist throughout the day to hydrate and revitalize tired skin.

Its anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly beneficial for soothing sunburns, insect bites, and other minor skin irritations.

Harnessing the Power of Aromatherapy:

In aromatherapy practices, Lavender Water is prized for its calming and uplifting effects on the mind and emotions.

Diffuse it in your home or workspace to create a serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation, concentration, and mental clarity.

Mist your pillows and linens with lavender water before bedtime to promote restful sleep and alleviate insomnia.

Combine lavender water with other complementary essential oils, such as bergamot or chamomile, to create custom blends tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Culinary and Household Applications:

Beyond skincare and aromatherapy, Lavender Water can also be used in culinary and household applications.

Add a splash of lavender water to baked goods, beverages, and desserts for a subtle floral flavor and aroma.

Use it as a natural flavoring agent in syrups, sauces, and salad dressings, or incorporate it into homemade jams and preserves for a gourmet touch.

In the home, lavender water can be used as a gentle cleaner and deodorizer for surfaces, fabrics, and upholstery, leaving behind a fresh, lingering scent.

Conclusion: Embrace the Tranquility of Lavender Water

In a world filled with synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, Lavender Water offers a natural and holistic approach to skincare, aromatherapy, and beyond. Whether used as a soothing toner, a calming mist, or a fragrant addition to culinary creations, its versatility and gentle efficacy make it a must-have staple in any wellness arsenal. Embrace the tranquility and elegance of lavender water and experience the transformative power of botanical beauty.

[superionos]

Gourmet Flavored Coffee and Premium Organic Vanilla Coffee Beans

Premium Organic Vanilla Beans and Gourmet Flavored Coffee. The mere mention of gourmet flavored coffee conjures up images of piping-hot mugs of freshly brewed coffee being served alongside your crepe Suzette at a posh restaurant after dinner. Is there really a difference, or is it just a marketing ploy to get you to spend more on particular coffees? Gourmet-flavored coffees are real, and they aren't just for the rich and famous. In point of fact, gourmet-flavored coffee is probably available in a lot of offices and homes. Coffee with gourmet flavors has skyrocketed in popularity. The only ones were for a long time the instant coffees you could buy at your local grocery store. They have a lot of flavors, but they aren't nearly as good as a pot of gourmet-flavored coffee that has been freshly ground.

Coffee roasters realized that people like variety, so they started working on flavored coffee beans after noticing instant flavored coffees and coffee drinks. Exotic flavored coffees were not a priority for other coffee roasters; Instead, they concentrated on the bean's cultivation and roasting for a gourmet flavor. Beans grown in one area are regarded as more desirable than those grown in other areas. Consider those Juan Valdez advertisements. They were promoting the Columbian bean as a more prized and flavorful variety. Due to its delicious flavor and captivating aroma, the Jamaican Blue Forest Bean is one of the most sought-after gourmet beans. This bean demonstrates that gourmet flavor can originate from the bean itself rather than being added during roasting. During the roasting process, gourmet flavors can be added to the beans to enhance or completely alter the flavor of the coffee. To ensure that their coffee is truly gourmet, all gourmet coffee roasters adhere to a single fundamental premise: the bean they start with. Starting with a poor bean will result in a poor cup of coffee, regardless of the flavors or additions that are made during the roasting process.

Although there are more than 25 major varieties of coffee beans, the Arabica bean and the Robusta bean are regarded as the two main players.

More than 60% of all gourmet coffee produced worldwide is made from the Arabica bean. This bean is extremely delicate and susceptible to insect, disease, and weather-related ailments. It is a more expensive bean solely for these reasons. The Arabica bean is used in both gourmet flavored coffees and gourmet coffees as a base. The Arabica bean's flavor is determined by where it is grown. About 40% of the world's coffee is produced from the Robusta bean. Robusta beans are less expensive because they are easier to grow. They are not any less flavorful than Arabica beans, though. As the name suggests, Robusta beans have a flavor that is stronger and darker than that of Arabica beans. They can be used to give gourmet-flavored coffee a little more punch. A blend of Arabica and Robusta beans is frequently used as the foundation for gourmet flavored coffee by gourmet roasters. They will then flavor the coffee by adding enhancements like caramel or chocolate syrups during the roasting process. Chemical compounds made to resemble flavors and flavoring oils can also be used to flavor the coffee.

The most robust coffee base and subtle flavoring should go into a gourmet-flavored coffee that appears naturally flavored. During the flavoring process, flavored coffees that have been flavored through a chemical process lose some of their natural characteristics. In recent years, gourmet coffees have come a long way. From profound, hearty espresso that has been dimly broiled to those great vanilla bean connoisseur-seasoned espressos, sweetheart's ranges can be tempted with an assortment of espresso flavors. Gourmet coffees are no longer reserved for the elite; most anyone can purchase them at the local grocery store or coffee shop.

[content-publisher]

Enjoy a Gourmet Breakfast Experience at Indisubb Café in Mohali

If you’re searching for the perfect place to start your day with a delightful breakfast, look no further than Indisubb Café in Mohali. Nestled in the heart of Mohali, Indisubb Café is renowned for its exceptional breakfast offerings that blend traditional flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting the area, Indisubb Café promises a breakfast experience that is both satisfying and memorable.

A Breakfast Experience Like No Other

At Indisubb Café, we understand that breakfast is more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to set the tone for a successful day. Our extensive breakfast menu is thoughtfully crafted to cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. From classic Indian favorites to international breakfast staples, our offerings are designed to delight every palate.

Explore Our Breakfast Menu

1. Classic Indian Delights:

Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of our traditional Indian breakfast dishes. Start your day with our delectable parathas, which are served with an assortment of accompaniments such as tangy pickle, cooling yogurt, and flavorful chutneys. For a hearty meal, try our chole bhature, a beloved combination of spicy chickpea curry and fluffy deep-fried bread. Our idlis and dosas, served with steaming sambar and a selection of chutneys, offer a lighter yet equally satisfying option.

2. Continental Breakfast Favorites:

If you prefer a more Western-style breakfast, Indisubb Café has you covered. Our menu features a variety of continental breakfast options, including light and fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, buttery croissants filled with your choice of sweet or savory fillings, and a range of egg dishes cooked to your liking—whether you prefer them scrambled, poached, or sunny-side up. Our avocado toast, topped with ripe avocado and a sprinkle of sea salt, is a popular choice for those looking for a healthy start to their day.

3. Healthy and Wholesome Choices:

For those who prioritize health and nutrition, we offer a selection of wholesome breakfast options. Our fresh fruit salads, made with a medley of seasonal fruits, provide a refreshing and nutritious start to your day. Our Greek yogurt parfaits, layered with granola and fresh berries, are both delicious and packed with essential nutrients. We also offer a range of whole-grain toast options, including our signature avocado toast and hearty multigrain bread.

4. Beverages to Complement Your Meal:

No breakfast is complete without a great beverage. At Indisubb Café, we take pride in our freshly brewed coffee, made from the finest beans and expertly crafted to suit your taste. Choose from a variety of coffee styles, including rich espressos, creamy lattes, and refreshing iced coffees. For a lighter option, our freshly squeezed juices, made from the juiciest fruits, are a perfect complement to your meal. Our selection also includes herbal teas and flavored water for those seeking something different.

Why Choose Indisubb Café for Your Breakfast?

1. Premium Quality Ingredients:

We are committed to using only the highest quality ingredients in all our dishes. Our produce is sourced from local farms and suppliers, ensuring freshness and flavor in every bite. Our chefs use traditional techniques and innovative methods to prepare each dish to perfection, guaranteeing a breakfast experience that exceeds expectations.

2. Warm and Inviting Atmosphere:

Indisubb Café is designed to offer a warm and inviting ambiance that makes you feel right at home. Our cozy interior, combined with comfortable seating and tasteful décor, creates the perfect environment for enjoying a relaxed breakfast with family, friends, or colleagues. Whether you’re starting your day on a leisurely note or grabbing a quick bite before heading out, our café provides a welcoming space for all.

3. Exceptional Service:

Our dedicated and friendly staff are committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring that every visit to Indisubb Café is a pleasant one. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted with a smile and attentive service that makes you feel valued and cared for. We strive to make every breakfast experience at our café enjoyable and stress-free.

Plan Your Visit to Indisubb Café

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the best breakfast in Mohali. Visit Indisubb Café today and treat yourself to a delicious and satisfying morning meal that will leave you energized and ready to take on the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Indian breakfast, a classic continental meal, or a healthy start, we have something for everyone. Website: https://indisubb.com

Join us at Indisubb Café and discover why we’re the go-to destination for breakfast in Mohali. We look forward to serving you!

[shopseranobakery]

The Ultimate Convenience: Discovering the Benefits of an Online Coffee Basket

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of relaxation and enjoyment can be a challenge. For coffee lovers, the ritual of savoring a well-brewed cup of coffee is a cherished daily pleasure. Fortunately, the rise of online shopping has made it easier than ever to enhance this experience with the convenience of an Online Coffee Basket. These curated selections of coffee and related treats offer a delightful way to enjoy high-quality coffee and discover new favorites, all from the comfort of your home.

What Is an Online Coffee Basket?

An Online Coffee Basket is a carefully curated collection of coffee-related items, typically featuring a variety of coffee blends, brewing accessories, and complementary snacks. These baskets are designed to cater to different tastes and preferences, offering something for every coffee enthusiast. From gourmet coffee beans and artisanal blends to flavored syrups and biscotti, an Online Coffee Basket provides a comprehensive coffee experience in one convenient package.

The Convenience of Online Coffee Baskets

One of the main advantages of ordering an Online Coffee Basket is the convenience it offers. Instead of searching for individual coffee products and accessories, you can have everything you need delivered to your doorstep in one go. This is especially beneficial for busy individuals who may not have the time to visit multiple stores or cafes. With just a few clicks, you can explore a range of options and have a thoughtfully assembled basket delivered right to your home or to someone else as a gift.

Tailored to Your Taste

Online Coffee Basket are available in a variety of themes and styles, allowing you to choose one that suits your preferences or the preferences of the recipient. For instance, you can find baskets that feature:

Gourmet Coffee Blends: Specialty beans from renowned coffee regions, including single-origin options and blends crafted by expert roasters.

Flavored Coffees: Fun and unique flavors such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and more, perfect for those who enjoy a twist on traditional coffee.

Brewing Accessories: Essential tools like coffee grinders, pour-over kits, or French presses that enhance the brewing experience.

Complementary Snacks: Pairings such as chocolate, biscotti, or pastries that perfectly complement a cup of coffee.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Online Coffee Baskets make an excellent gift for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply want to show appreciation, a well-chosen coffee basket is a thoughtful and practical gift. They are also ideal for corporate gifting, offering a professional yet personal touch. Many online retailers allow you to customize the baskets, ensuring that the contents align with the recipient’s tastes and preferences.

Discovering New Favorites

One of the joys of receiving an Online Coffee Basket is the opportunity to discover new coffee blends and products that you may not have encountered otherwise. These baskets often feature artisanal or specialty items that can broaden your coffee horizons and introduce you to unique flavors and brands. This can be particularly exciting for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy exploring new tastes and brewing techniques.

How to Choose the Right Online Coffee Basket

When selecting an Online Coffee Basket, consider the following factors:

Quality: Look for baskets from reputable retailers that prioritize high-quality ingredients and products.

Variety: Choose a basket that offers a good mix of coffee blends, accessories, and snacks to create a well-rounded coffee experience.

Customization: If available, take advantage of customization options to tailor the basket to specific tastes or dietary preferences.

Conclusion

An Online Coffee Basket is a fantastic way to enjoy the convenience of high-quality coffee and related treats delivered straight to your door. Whether for personal enjoyment or as a thoughtful gift, these baskets offer a delightful experience that can enhance your coffee routine. With a wide range of options available, you can find the perfect basket to suit your tastes and make each coffee moment a little more special. For more details visit our website: www.seranobakery.com

[reviewspotapp]

10 Creative Recipes You Can Make with Your Mixer Grinder

Mixer grinders are kitchen powerhouses, often relegated to grinding spices or making smoothies. However, their versatility extends far beyond these common uses. With a little creativity, you can whip up a wide variety of delicious and innovative recipes. Here’s a list of 10 creative recipes that showcase the diverse capabilities of your mixer grinder.

1. Homemade Nut Butters

Making nut butters at home is easier than you think. Simply toss your choice of nuts—like almonds, cashews, or peanuts—into the mixer grinder. Blend them until you reach the desired consistency. Add a pinch of salt or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor. Homemade nut butters are fresher and free from preservatives, making them a healthy alternative to store-bought versions.

Ingredients:

1 cup nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)

A pinch of salt

Optional: 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

Place the nuts in the mixer grinder.

Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator.

2. Freshly Ground Spice Blends

Enhance your dishes with custom spice blends made in your mixer grinder. Combine spices like cumin, coriander, black pepper, and turmeric for a flavorful blend. Grinding your own spices ensures maximum freshness and potency.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

1 tablespoon coriander seeds

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Instructions:

Add the cumin, coriander, and peppercorns to the grinder.

Blend until finely ground.

Mix in the turmeric powder.

Store in an airtight container.

3. Nutritious Smoothies

Elevate your smoothies with a touch of creativity. Blend fruits, vegetables, and even a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients. Experiment with different combinations, like a tropical mango-spinach smoothie or a berry-banana blend.

Ingredients:

1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)

1 banana

1 cup spinach

1 cup almond milk

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in the mixer grinder.

Blend until smooth.

Serve chilled.

4. Homemade Dosa Batter

Prepare the perfect dosa batter with your mixer grinder. Soak rice and urad dal (split black gram) overnight, then blend until smooth. The batter can be used for crispy dosas or soft idlis.

Ingredients:

1 cup rice

1/4 cup urad dal

Water (as needed)

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Soak rice and urad dal in water overnight.

Drain and add to the grinder with a bit of water.

Blend until smooth and pour into a bowl.

Let the batter ferment overnight if desired. Add salt before cooking.

5. Flavored Hummus

Make your own hummus with unique flavors. Blend chickpeas, tahini, and garlic with extras like roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a gourmet twist on this classic dip.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked chickpeas

1/4 cup tahini

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup roasted red peppers

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in the mixer grinder.

Blend until smooth.

Adjust seasoning and texture as needed.

6. Homemade Pasta Sauce

Create a rich, flavorful pasta sauce using fresh tomatoes and herbs. Blend tomatoes, garlic, onion, and basil for a sauce that’s perfect for any pasta dish.

Ingredients:

4 ripe tomatoes

1 onion

2 cloves garlic

A handful of fresh basil leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in the mixer grinder until smooth.

Pour into a pan and simmer for 20 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Serve over pasta or store for later use.

7. Vegetable Purees

Prepare healthy vegetable purees for soups, sauces, or baby food. Steam vegetables like carrots, peas, or sweet potatoes, then blend until smooth.

Ingredients:

2 cups steamed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas)

A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Add the steamed vegetables to the mixer grinder.

Blend until smooth.

Use immediately or freeze in portions.

8. Savory Chutneys

Chutneys are versatile accompaniments for a range of dishes. Blend ingredients like coconut, mint, or coriander with spices for a fresh and flavorful chutney.

Ingredients:

1 cup grated coconut

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

1 green chili

A small piece of ginger

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in the mixer grinder.

Blend until smooth.

Serve with snacks or as a condiment.

9. Energy-Boosting Protein Shakes

Make protein shakes at home using a combination of fruits, yogurt, and protein powder. This is a great way to boost your energy and get essential nutrients.

Ingredients:

1 banana

1 cup yogurt

1 scoop protein powder

1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in the mixer grinder.

Blend until smooth.

Enjoy as a quick and healthy snack.

10. Sweet Lassi

Refresh yourself with a traditional sweet lassi. Blend yogurt with a bit of sugar, a pinch of cardamom, and a splash of rose water for a deliciously cooling drink.

Ingredients:

1 cup yogurt

2 tablespoons sugar

A pinch of cardamom

1 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in the mixer grinder.

Blend until well combined and frothy.

Serve chilled.

By exploring these creative recipes, you can make the most of your mixer grinder and bring a variety of flavors and textures to your meals. Whether you’re preparing homemade nut butters or experimenting with new dips and sauces, your mixer grinder is an invaluable tool in the kitchen. Enjoy cooking!

[tbrc34]

"The Sweet Revolution: Flavored Syrup Market Trends and Forecasts Through 2033"

Flavored syrups are transforming ordinary beverages and dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. From classic vanilla to exotic hibiscus, these gourmet syrups add a splash of flavor that elevates your coffee, cocktails, and desserts to new heights. Perfect for at-home baristas and mixologists, flavored syrups offer endless possibilities to experiment and personalize your favorite treats. Whether you're looking to sweeten your morning brew, craft a signature cocktail, or drizzle something special over pancakes, these versatile syrups are the must-have ingredient for flavor enthusiasts everywhere.

#FlavoredSyrup #GourmetFlavors #DrinkInspiration #CoffeeLovers #CocktailCrafting #SweetLife #FlavorExplosion #HomeBarista #MixologyMagic #SyrupAddict #DessertGoals #FlavorFusion #BreakfastVibes #SweetTreats #FlavorElevated #CulinaryCreativity #SipInStyle #MorningRituals #DIYDrinks #FlavorJourney #TasteTheMagic #KitchenEssentials #FlavorBoost #FoodieLife #SweetIndulgence #FlavorFanatic

[popcornaa]

Indulge in Decadence: Chocolate Orange Caramel Popcorn for the Win!

Elevate your snacking experience with a gourmet treat that combines the richness of chocolate, the sweetness of caramel, and the zesty freshness of orange. Chocolate orange caramel popcorn is the ultimate indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to create this delicious snack and why it’s a winner.

Why Chocolate Orange Caramel Popcorn is a Must-Try

1. Unique Flavor Combination

Rich and Sweet: The caramel provides a deep, buttery sweetness.

Zesty and Fresh: Orange zest adds a burst of citrusy freshness.

Decadent and Smooth: The chocolate drizzle ties it all together with a luscious finish.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

Movie Nights: Elevate your movie-watching experience with this gourmet popcorn.

Parties and Gatherings: Impress your guests with a unique and delicious treat.

Gifts: Packaged beautifully, it makes for a thoughtful and delectable gift.

3. Easy to Make at Home

Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry ingredients and can be made with minimal effort.

Customizable: Adjust the recipe to your taste by adding nuts, sea salt, or extra orange zest.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients

8 cups of popped popcorn

1 cup of granulated sugar

1/2 cup of unsalted butter

1/4 cup of corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Zest of one orange

1 cup of melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white)

Instructions

Prepare the Popcorn:

Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (stovetop, air popper, or microwave).

Spread the popcorn on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and corn syrup.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a boil.

Continue boiling for about 4-5 minutes without stirring until it turns a golden brown color.

Remove from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and orange zest.

Coat the Popcorn:

Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn, stirring gently to coat evenly.

Spread the caramel-coated popcorn in an even layer on the baking sheet.

Bake the Popcorn:

Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).

Bake the popcorn for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.

Drizzle with Chocolate:

Once the caramel popcorn is done baking, let it cool slightly.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn using a fork or piping bag.

Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for faster setting.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the chocolate has set, break the popcorn into clusters and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Chocolate Orange Caramel Popcorn

1. Pair with Beverages

Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Complement the sweet and citrusy flavors with a warm beverage.

Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The light bubbles and crisp taste of sparkling wine pair perfectly with this gourmet snack.

2. Mix and Match

Trail Mix: Add nuts, dried fruit, and other favorite snacks to create a custom trail mix.

Ice Cream Topping: Sprinkle over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.

3. Gift Ideas

Holiday Treats: Package in festive bags or tins for holiday gifts.

Party Favors: Offer as party favors for weddings, birthdays, or baby showers.

Top Brands to Try

1. Popcornaa

Known for their gourmet popcorn, including unique flavors like chocolate orange caramel.

2. Harry & David

Offers high-quality, delicious popcorn treats perfect for gifting or personal indulgence.

Indulge in the decadent taste of chocolate orange caramel popcorn. Whether you make it at home or buy from a top brand, this ultimate snack is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and elevate any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the perfect crunch with every bite!

[saurabhanandtripzygo]

The Best Foodie Destinations in the Netherlands A Culinary Journey

If you're a lover of delicious food and breathtaking travel destinations, then the Netherlands should be at the top of your list. This charming country, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, is also a hidden gem for culinary enthusiasts. Let's embark on a mouthwatering journey through some of the best foodie destinations in the Netherlands.

1. Amsterdam

No culinary journey in the Netherlands is complete without a visit to Amsterdam. The capital city offers an eclectic mix of international cuisines and traditional Dutch dishes. Don't miss:

Stroopwafels: Thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup, best enjoyed warm from street vendors.

Poffertjes: Mini fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and butter.

Rijsttafel: A Dutch-Indonesian feast featuring a variety of small, flavorful dishes.

2. Rotterdam

Rotterdam, known for its modern architecture, is also a haven for food lovers.

Markthal: This indoor food market is a must-visit, offering fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, and international street food.

Bitterballen: Crispy meat-filled balls, perfect with a pint of local beer.

Kapsalon: A decadent dish consisting of fries topped with shawarma meat, melted cheese, and salad, typically served with garlic sauce.

3. Utrecht

This charming city is not only picturesque but also boasts a vibrant food scene.

Canal-side Dining: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants along Utrecht's scenic canals.

Dutch Cheese: Visit local cheese shops to sample some of the finest Gouda and Edam.

Traditional Dutch Pies: Try a slice of vlaai, a delicious fruit pie originating from the Limburg region.

4. Groningen

A bit off the beaten path, Groningen is a university town with a lively culinary scene.

Eierbal: A unique snack featuring a boiled egg wrapped in a meat mixture and deep-fried.

Seafood: Being close to the coast, Groningen offers fresh and delicious seafood dishes.

Craft Beer: Explore the local craft beer scene with breweries offering a variety of unique and flavorful brews.

5. Maastricht

Located in the southern part of the Netherlands, Maastricht offers a taste of both Dutch and Belgian influences.

Vrijthof Square: A great spot to enjoy alfresco dining with a view of historical buildings.

Limburgse Vlaai: A regional specialty, this pie comes in various flavors like apple, cherry, and rice.

Fine Dining: Maastricht is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants offering exquisite gourmet experiences.

The Hague

Known for its governmental buildings and royal palaces, The Hague also has a rich culinary heritage.

Raw Herring: Try this Dutch delicacy served with onions and pickles.

Scheveningen Beach: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants.

International Cuisine: The Hague's diverse population means you'll find everything from Indonesian to Middle Eastern cuisine.

Conclusion

The Netherlands is a paradise for food lovers, offering a blend of traditional Dutch dishes and international flavors. Whether you're savoring street food in Amsterdam or enjoying fine dining in Maastricht, each city provides a unique and delectable experience. Pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready for a culinary adventure you'll never forget in Europe Tour Packages.

[downtoearthmarkets]

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is almost upon us, which means we’ve finally reached the much-anticipated unofficial start of summer! Get ready to break out your sunscreen, flip flops and white jeans and dig into some tasty classic cookout fare. You can rest assured that your local Down to Earth farmers market will be well-stocked with all the grilling essentials and plenty of seasonal goodies to snap up as you make the rounds at your favorite vendors this Sunday. Marinades Before you tie on your apron and fire up the barbie, your fresh meat, fish, poultry and veggies from the farmers market will require a little pre-grilling TLC to bring out their best. Marinades are just seasoned sauces that you apply before cooking but the introduction of salt, acid and then the heat of cooking amplifies the marinade’s effect on texture and taste. Similar to a vinaigrette, marinades are typically made up of three parts oil to one part acid (3:1) plus seasonings and aromatics that can be handpicked to create whatever style and flavor you desire. If you’d rather skip the DIY, MOMO Dressing's line of unique Japanese-inspired dressings make the perfect ready-to-use marinades with an Asian twist. MOMO Dressing uses the freshest ingredients sourced from eco-certified New York State farms to create their small-batch, handcrafted products right here in Brooklyn, NY. Their flavors include Shiso (Japanese Mint), Basil, Sesame, Yuzu Jalapeno and Ginger. Condiments Your juicy burgers and hot dogs are going to be fully decked out this weekend thanks to an array of delicious farmers market condiments to choose from:

Dr. Pickle’s Mmmelish combines the doc’s sweet relish with horseradish brined sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, and finely chopped horseradish pickles. Try it once and you'll be hooked! It’s the ultimate enhancer for beefy burgers, dogs, sausages, veggie burgers and even grilled cheese. Don’t forget to pick up a jar of their whole pickles and pickle chips too. No barbecue is complete without them! 

MOMO Dressing's homemade BBQ Sauce will add layers of smoky, tangy, thick and sweet flavors to whatever it’s paired with.

Bombay Chutney Company's authentic Indian chutneys will make the perfect spicy accompaniment to all your grilled entrees. Flavors include mint, plum, cranberry, coconut, pomegranate and tomato.

Your burger will taste great topped with sticky caramelized onions and Taiim Shack Mobile's creamy hummus for a delicious contrast.

Simple Fine Foods makes farm-to-table sauces, spreads, condiments and British pub-inspired heat-and-eat foods. Their line of bottled, squeezable sauces will jazz up everything from egg and potato salads to burgers, dogs and fries. Flavors include Everything Aioli Squeeze, Pesto Aioli Squeeze, Spicy Chipotle Squeeze and Sriracha Horseradish Squeeze.

Fixings Why not splash out and put all the fixings on your burgers, sandwiches and dogs this weekend! After all, extra toppings and garnish deliver a punch of visual appeal, layers of flavor and nutritional goodness to boot!

Bacon makes everything taste better so fry up some rashers of Goode and Local By Don Rodrigo’s premium thick-cut, hickory-smoked Pennsylvania bacon. Lightly flavored with maple syrup, cinnamon, and spices, their pastured, Mangalitsa bacon is nitrate and nitrite-free for a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or quality.

Dr. Pickle’s fresh barrel sauerkraut is crisp, golden and delicious. They make it by lightly salting and soaking white cabbage in vinegar and water.

Raw onions can pack a pungent bite, not to mention the need for breath mints! Caramelized onions are delicious on top of a burger or sandwich and are super easy to make at home. Pick up 2-3 yellow, white, or red onions at the farmstalls, Maplebrook Farm unsalted butter and a bottle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil and follow this simple recipe to whip up your own batch that will last for a few days in the fridge.

A medley of sautéed gourmet mushrooms from Mushrooms.NYC make a delicious side or topping and will add a pop of flavor to burgers, steak, chicken, fish and salads.

Of course, a classic American burger isn’t truly complete without a generous layer of crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes. Instead of blander iceberg lettuce, branch out with some crunchy romaine or silky butterhead lettuces which are not only tastier, they also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Although tomato season isn’t here yet, the farms are carrying greenhouse-grown tomatoes which have ripened under the spring sunshine of late.

Strawberries are reaching their springtime prime right now which means selecting dessert will be a no-brainer for Memorial Day. And goodness knows that a big dollop of Goodness Dairy's grass-fed, creamy vanilla ice cream will make the perfect “condiment” for these lushly ripe ruby red gems. As we usher in the warmer weather and droves of new seasonal produce, we wish you a relaxing long weekend and look forward to seeing you in the farmers market.