fandomtownies | Community Center Class: Flavors, Food Choices, and Menu Planning

"Since we covered sweet foods our last week bar the movie," Hannibal said, "this week we will cover sour. The two often work very well together. In general, children appreciate more sourness than adults, as you can see in the marketing of sour candies. Adults may appreciate a greater variety, however.

"Sourness is determined by a food's acidity. Because of this you must be careful, not only how tastes combine, but how their chemistry will work together. The acidity of very sour foods can affect other foods in various ways - for instance, by curdling dairy."

He indicated the foods in front of them today.

"Fruits are often acidic, and therefore sour, so you'll note we have a number of them in today's dishes. "Hot and sour soup; in addition to sourness, it has umami. Grilled pineapple and banana sauce with honey and lime, with vanilla ice cream. Sour and sweet together. Rhubarb pork and noodles; a mixture of many flavors, but you should notice the sour blends with them all nicely. And pickled cucumbers, where the other flavors take a back seat to the sourness. Also we have lemonade to drink - sour and sweet again."

He smiled and waved them toward it all. "Ask any questions you may have, and then I hope you will make your own sour foods. I am available if you would like help."

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Sourly.

Lucille Sharpe

Sparkle

Ask questions about sour.

Make something sour.

Still sad about the weekend when she both and been a moth and had failed to reach her brother with an invitation, Lucille felt sour was a suitable flavour. And pickles, that was at least familiar. This would be a day of pickled cucumber.

Should she see it as a sign that she had missed sweet?

"It's good to see you back," Hannibal said, nodding to her. "How are you doing?"

"I was a moth," Lucille said. "I am still not used to such things."

Hannibal should be able to guess that this also meant that she had missed Parents' Weekend, and that her brother hadn't been able to visit.

Hannibal grimaced. "Unfortunate, but I'm pleased it was nothing serious. The island does have its whims."

"It does." Lucille wasn't going to bring up the subject of her brother, but her face betrayed how she felt. Cooking, however, was a better subject.

"I'm making pickled cucumbers."

Hannibal nodded, allowing her the change of subject. "Any particular sort of pickling?"

"I have yet to decide," Lucille said. "What would you suggest?"

Hannibal spread his hands. "Whatever you like. The possibilities are vast." He called up a search for pickles on his tablet. "What sorts of herbs are you fond of?"

Sparkle considered his options today, and then shrugged and hit up Google. He wanted to try something that he didn't usually throw together, and needed some inspiration.

He pulled up a recipe for kimchi and then got to work.

... It obviously wasn't going to be ready to eat today, but hey, good things took time. Or something.

Hannibal watched Sparkle for a minute, then checked the recipe and chuckled. "You'll have enough for a month."

"Half a month," Sparkle replied, glancing up at Hannibal and shrugging a little. "I mean, I cook for Atton, too. And the flavours get stronger the longer it ferments, right? I kind of want to get a feel for how, in case..."

In case... something? Maybe in case he barricaded himself in the apartment and never left again. Maybe that.

"I don't know. But if the worst thing I have to deal with is getting sick of fermented cabbage, that's, like, not so bad."

"There are worse fates," Hannibal agreed. "Do you think this is a vegetable Atton will agree to eat?" He'd rather gotten the impression the man was allergic to them.

"He'll eat anything if I hide it in enough meat," Sparkle replied, smiling faintly. "He's stubborn, but he's got better things to do with his life than deal with scurvy."

Sparkle got the distinct impression that Atton enjoyed having teeth and things.

Hannibal shook his head. "This should definitely help with that." He nodded at the food. "When you start to think you're having problems caring for yourself, perhaps you should remember your skill at taking care of others."

Sparkle's shoulders bunched up a little as he looked down at the food he was making.

"... It's easier to worry about them than me," he admitted after a pause. "What does that say?"

"That you do for them what you feel you're not worthy of yourself," Hannibal answered. "You don't lack ability, only self-worth." He squeezed Sparkle's shoulder. "But you are worthy of all good things. And eventually, you will believe it."

Sparkle didn't entirely know what to say to that. He didn't feel like he'd believe it, not even 'eventually.' And worthy of good things? When had he ever been?

But...

He huffed out a short, wry laugh. And then he turned to face Hannibal and just sort of... leaned forward. To kind of thump his forehead against his shoulder, if Hannibal would let him.

"M' tired."

Hannibal would let him. He'd even set a hand on Sparkle's back in a kind of hug.

He'd said everything Sparkle needed to hear already, and he didn't seem to be searching for more advice now, so Hannibal simply let him rest.

"I know."

He's here if you need help or have questions.

I get to go home today for a whole week! With cats!

Community Center Class: Flavors, Food Choices, and Menu Planning

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