What better way to kick off the new year than to enjoy an evening with cooking in the village of Stormglem just outside Gilneas city. An evening with delicious food and excellent cooking. Alas, of course that is not quite how it went..
Sunday evening, the drizzle over Stormglen set the perfect scene for a delightful outdoor cooking lesson, hosted by the ever-patient Yazmin. With a large tent shielding attendees from the rain, the Rose Inn's courtyard transformed into a hub of culinary exploration—or perhaps culinary chaos.
Participants gathered around crackling fires, wielding pots, pans, and, in some cases, dubious quantities of salt. The dish of the evening? Macaroni and cheese, though it quickly became clear that some recipes were destined for legend—if not infamy.
The Salt Connoisseurs:
Anna and James took
"seasoning to taste" to a new level, ensuring their dish would never lack flavour (or sodium).
"Fae-safe!" James declared, proposing the dish be left in the woods as a deterrent to mischievous faeries. Anna’s attempt to
"speed-run" the recipe with arcane magic resulted in pasta that may have boiled its way into another dimension.
Brandy in the Roux? Why Not!
James decided that butter and flour alone were far too conventional. His brandy-laced roux earned nods of curiosity (and concern) from the crowd. "It’s warm and soupy," he beamed, while Mel roux took on a darker, more
"crispy" quality.
"Ignorance is bliss," he quipped as he whisked burnt bits into the sauce.
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The Hungry Dog Did It:
Wickerhorn, Stormglen's resident culinary critic (and golden retriever), made off with one dish before anyone could object.
"No evidence," claimed Arrant, though the dog’s cheese-covered muzzle betrayed him.
Macaroni Mischief:
While some attendees produced passable dishes (Leotyria’s modestly seasoned mac and cheese drew applause), others spiraled into chaos. Billung, determined to showcase his Dark Iron pride, declared,
"I can make boiling water!" Meanwhile, Arrant demonstrated an
"ancient trick" by throwing pasta at the wall to check if it was done.
Lessons Learned:
Yazmin’s calm demeanour held strong throughout the event.
"The roux is the hardest part," she reassured.
"But we’ll all get there—just maybe with less salt next time." By the end, there was laughter, camaraderie, and a surprising amount of edible macaroni. Plans for future lessons were eagerly discussed, with suggestions ranging from
"gunpowder mac and cheese" to
"sugar-based spells."
If you missed the chaos this time, keep an eye on the Gilnean noticeboard for the next lesson. Just remember to bring your own fork—and maybe leave the brandy at home.