Solo [Rearing Stallion] Party Flavors (Solo)

[Orin Fenix]

8th Bell, 55th of Spring

Today was a big day for Orin. Today he'd be catering for not one, but two birthday parties. Not the entire meal but the main dishes. And he'd be doing it at the same time. More importantly, both these parties were for friends of his, so everything needed to go perfectly. The timing had worked out really well, as had the business aspects. Orin had been forced to explain it all in detail before Remi and Kevith had agreed to let it happen. They'd wanted to host a surprise party for Sayana but unfortunately hadn't been sure that they could afford to. Then Alexander had come along and surprisingly had his birthday on the same day and had expressed interest in having it at The Rearing Stallion. Orin had been concerned at first that it wouldn't work out but then inspiration struck. He'd carefully explained to his bosses that they could keep the tavern open for lunch, the close it early ostensibly for party preparations but really so they could have Sayana's party in the afternoon. Then in the evening proper Alexander's party would occur. Orin has also stated that he'd do all the main courses for both parties and he'd cook the same dishes, just in bulk so it wouldn't cost that much. As long as Remi and Rondi cooked lunch and the side dishes, everything would work out. In fact, with Alexander's money they might even make a tidy profit and the only person who'd be working harder would be Orin.

He'd planned out the menu in advance with Remi and Rondo. Orin didn't know much about Alexander's tastes but he knew Sayana craved spicy foods and while she probably shouldn't eat them while pregnant, Orin figured just once wouldn't hurt her or the baby. So he'd decided to make a rather exotic dish a curry, then roast a pig for anyone who wanted something plainer. It should cover every possible taste. Orin even had some clay on hand in case some Pycons decided to show up. Orin knew Nivel was definitely coming to Sayana's celebration.

First step was to make the curry paste. Taking out his mother's knife, Orin stared at it for a moment. Normally he never used it, since it was too precious to him but today he'd need all the help he could get. It was foolish but he felt closer to her when he used it. Orin pushed such thoughts from his mind. He'd already laid out everything he would need. Orin peeled the garlic and chopped it finely. Next came slicing up the chili peppers. He placed those into a pan and then added an assortment of spices including cayenne powder, peppercorns, ginger, salt, cumin and coriander along with tomato, salt, ground almonds and oil. He then added just a touch of cloves. Orin took the whole mixture over to the stove.

Setting it down, Orin checked the heat. Satisfied it would be enough for his purposes, Orin placed the pan down. He wouldn’t be leaving it there for long, just a few chimes. The curry paste didn’t really need to be cooked fully, it just needed a bit of heat to activate the full flavors of each individual element and make combining them into a whole easier. When the savory scent drifted up to Orin’s nose he took it off the stove. Orin waited patiently for it to cool. When it did, Orin lifted out the contents of the pan and put them into his mortar. He ground them down with the pestle until they were the proper consistency for the paste, then set them aside for later. It was time for Orin to check on the pig.

[Orin Fenix]

An entire pig had come in yesterday morning as per the request with the butcher. Orin still hadn’t quite forgiven the man for giving Orin a hard time when he’d gone to make personal purchases but the quality of his goods was still excellent. Orin had immediately set it to soaking in a brine mixture. Brining was an excellent technique to make the otherwise bland pork into an excellent taste, full of subtle and intriguing flavors. This particular brine had an apple cider base. Orin had mixed the cider with water, salt, pepper, sage, and small amounts of sugar and cinnamon. Orin poked a few holes in the pig so the brine could get under the skin as well. When the sugar and salt had dissolved Orin had placed the pig into the tub it’d sit in for the next day and covered it, making sure it was submerged completely.

Lifting his cover, Orin pulled the pig onto the table and drained the brine into a trash bucket. Lifting the pig was incredibly difficult seeing as it weighed at least a third of what Orin did. He patted the pig dry with a few cloths. Next, Orin rubbed the entire surface of the pig with olive oil. He had to turn it a few times to reach all the sides. Orin prepared a baste of apple cider, red wine vinegar, a pinch of sugar and herbs including rosemary, thyme, fennel, sage, and lavender. All this he placed on a pan slightly elevated from the hearth fire, in the same hearth where the pig would eventually be roasting. The idea would be that the juices from the pig would drip into the pan and Orin would periodically coat the outside of the pig to prevent the meat from drying out. The base he’d just put in was simply to add flavor to the roast.

Taking up the spit, Orin slid it through the back thighs before piercing the skin. He took it all the way through the pigs body before emerging from the pig’s mouth. Taking up twine, Orin trussed the pig securely to the spit, using every trick he knew to make it stay. Orin didn’t want a disaster to occur such as the pig falling off the spit and into the fire as the skin and muscles shifted while roasting. Orin had that happen to him once and he’d never lived it down. So he wanted to be extra careful with this one. That done, Orin grabbed the ends of the spit and lifted it up, grunting with effort. Staggering a few steps under the full weight of the pig, Orin finally managed to balance it and turned to the hearth fire. Resolutely placing one step in front of the other, Orin finally reached his destination. Swinging the spit down carefully, Orin secured it to the two hooks that made up the rest of the spit. Making sure they were level and that the bar holding up the pig wouldn't fall down, Orin stepped back satisfied with his work. It would be many bells until the pig was roasted through fully. Until then, Orin had more than enough to occupy his time. He gathered up all the materials that he would no longer be using in his endeavors and returned them form whence they came. He was especially careful to ensure that the spices went back into the spice cabinet, unless Orin would be using them for his curry. He didn't want to either deprive the rest of the kitchen of the spices or get into trouble because the spices were missing. When Orin had cleaned up everything he could, clearing space for his curry prep, Orin went back to the pig and gave it a small turn, scooping up the liquid in the pan below and dribbling it onto the pig.

[Orin Fenix]

Orin gave his setup for the pig one last look over and then nodded once, satisfied. It would definitely hold up while Orin moved on to other tasks. That done, Orin tried to figure out how much time had passed. He decided that it wasn't quite time for him to begin his curry. While he could potentially keep it warm for the party there wasn't any need to since it would be fresher if he started later.

In a flash of inspiration Orin figured that he should make mini tartlets as a dessert. The other cooks were handling the side dishes but no one had thought much one way or another about the dessert. Orin had just thought they wouldn't really need one. However if Orin was making as good time as he was, there was no reason not to. Taking out flour, eggs and butter, Orin began filling cups with water. He went over to the spice cabinet and took out the saffron, cradling it in his hands like it were a child. This pouch was probably worth more than everything Orin had made last season. One day, Orin would determine why exactly saffron was so costly. Until then he'd just properly respect it and use it sparingly. Walking over to his work area, Orin added pinches of saffron to each cup before returning the spice to its cabinet.

Next Orin added butter to the flour in a large mixing bowl. He cracked a few eggs, quickly and efficiently separating the yolks from the whites, dumping the yolks in his larger bowl and the whites in a smaller one. Orin would give it to Remi or Rondo to deal with. The saffron water came after the yolks. He stirred it all together until it was the right consistency, then began breaking off chunks, rolling them into thin sheets, and placing them in the smaller pin tims owned by the tavern. Counting them when all the dough was used up Orin was pleased to see that he'd outdone himself. There might even be enough for everyone to have two, depending on how many people showed up to Alexander's party.

Orin washed his hands of the residual flour and egg, then went over to the pig. It was time for another turn and another basting session. That accomplished, Orin darted back to the pantry to retrieve what he would need for the tart fillings. The pickings were a bit slim when it came to fresh fruit since it wasn't the season for them but Orin found some strawberries that would definitely do the trick. Taking those out Orin, also pulled the red wine, the milk, the cream, honey, and some dates that should still be good. Orin also pulled the ginger from the spices. He had to make several trips for it all.

However eventually it was all laid out before him. He added the milk, cream, wine and ginger to a pot. Cracking a few more eggs for their yolks, Orin mixed the honey with many yolks and two full eggs. With all that set up, Orin slid the dough that would be the crust into the oven for some preliminary baking. Immediately afterwards Orin put the pot with the milk and wine and other assorted ingredients onto the stove. Orin waited patiently as it came to a boil even though his instincts were telling him to rush. He'd never worked on three separate dishes simultaneously before and he may have bitten off more than he could chew. Still his better sense won out and Orin reminded himself firmly that cutting corners would just end up with an inferior set of dishes. If Orin continued to manage his time well and trusted in his abilities as a cook then all would turn out well. And if Orin was in over his head, though it rankled, he could always ask for help from Remi at least. And Rondo would never give up the chance to lord it over Orin and try and convince Orin that Rondo was superior in every way. Orin would do it for the sake of the food but only as a last resort. He could do this as long as he stuck to the plan.

At about that time Orin noticed the first signs of bubbles in the pot. Coming fully alert Orin waited the few ticks for it to boil completely then pulled it off the stove to cool. Moving to the other side of the central island Orin pulled the tart crusts out of the oven and slid them onto the counter. He'd need them in a chime or so. Moving back to the now safe to touch pot, Orin lifted it up and poured a small portion into his egg and honey mixture. He beat it all together before dumping all of it into the pot. Taking up a knife Orin cut up the strawberries, his fingers almost a blur after years of practice. Orin still sliced himself but it happened when he was learning a new dish rather than making one that he'd done before. Placing the strawberries and dates in a bowl Orin carried them in one hand and the cream in another. He scooped the fruit into each waiting crust then spooned a generous portion of cream in. Then it all went back into the oven to bake. Orin washed his hands again [/color]

[Orin Fenix]

Orin darted over to the pig since it was time to turn it and seeing that the skin was looking dry Orin basted it again. It was beginning to smell heavenly. Orin stopped for a moment, probably one he didn't have and just inhaled the scent of roasted meat. It put a smile on his face and Orin felt muscles he hadn't even known were tense relax. Sometimes in his hectic life and busy schedule he forgot why he was doing all this. He was doing it because he loves food and the power it had to bring individuals of all walks of life together. A shared meal did a lot to create a connection between people. It might not create friends out of sworn enemies or build lasting empires but it was most certainly one of the most important simple joys of life. Not everything needed to be a grand struggle.

However Orin didn't really have all that much time to ponder all this. Taking up a knife, Orin sliced up several lemons. He took half and cut them into smaller pieces to use as a garnish. The rest, Orin took over to his paste. He squeezed lemon juice onto a plate then mixed it together with his paste. His fish was freshly caught and already cleaned with even the bones removed. All Orin had to do was take the white meat fillets and liberally cover them with the sauce he'd just created on the plate. He left them there once every one had been coated to go work on his vegetables. He made short work of the onions, garlic, and chilis. Then he added coriander stalks and ginger to them once they'd been sliced and peeled. This along with a generous amount of olive oil and the remaining curry paste went into a large pan. The pan was placed on the stove although not on the hottest part of it. Next Orin peeled his potatoes and cut them into small chunks, added them to the pan as he went.

That would take around fifteen chimes to cook through. While he was waiting Orin would prepare the rest of the ingredients. He stopped periodically to stir the pan. When he wasn't stirring, Orin chopped the tomatoes into quarters and placed them with the lentils and the cauliflower. When the fifteen chimes were up, Orin added the three last vegetables and boiling water until the pan was nearly full. He brought the pan down to a simmer, then left it. It would need somewhere between a half and a full bell to cook fully through. Orin would monitor it carefully and alternatively stir the pan and turn the spit. This was probably going to be the least hectic portion of the endeavor. Orin took a moment to wipe the sweat off his brow with his apron, which was smeared with both old and new stains from various materials. While Orin had this down time he took the opportunity to clean up the counter where he'd done most of his work. Bottles, jars, spices and ingredients went to their respective places in the pantry and the cabinets. Any dishes that were dirty went into the sink to soak. Finally Orin had put away or dealt with everything he could and it was time to return to the food. [/color]

[Orin Fenix]

First Orin went to the pig, turning it and saturating it with the juices that dripped into the pan below. After that, Orin stirred the curry. He went back and forth between the two of them for about a half bell. At that point, Orin judged his tarts to be ready. He pulled them from the oven and was glad to see that the crust was a perfect golden-brown and there was steam wafting from the delicious looking filling. At the very least the dessert had turned out well.

Now though, Orin had to finish off with the curry recipe. Taking a pot Orin filled it with water and a few pinches of the all important salt. He set it to boil then hurried over to check his other dishes. They were fine and by the time Orin got back the water was at the perfect temperature. Orin dumped nearly a half sack of rice in. The other half he'd probably cook right before Alexander arrived. Taking yet another pan from overhead, Orin placed it on the stove. He tossed the fish into the pan, and prodded at them until they were evenly spaced. They were fairly thinly cut, so Orin didn’t have to spend that long cooking them. Sure enough, in just a few chimes the skin was seared and charred to perfection and Orin lifted the pan off the stove before they could start to burn. He slid them onto a waiting platter and covered it with a lid so it wouldn't get cold.. When they were secure, Orin dipped a spoon into the curry and tasted. It was ready and definitely spicy enough for Sayana's tastes. Orin had to fan his mouth to try and reduce the agony it was in. At least he was smart enough to know that he shouldn't drink water. That would just make the sensation worse.

Taking the pan off the stove and putting a lid on it as well, Orin set it aside. The rice appeared to be finished as well. Orin strained out the extra water carefully, not that there was much left. Rice absorbed water for some reason. Orin had absolutely no idea why. It was just one of those facts of life. The pot of rice got the same treatment as the fish and the curry. Orin debated briefly how he wanted to handle serving the food at the party. The easiest would be to leave plates out and let the guests decide for themselves. However this food needed to keep until tonight so Orin didn't want to waste any of it if he didn't have to. He'd keep it all on a banked fire to make sure that it didn't get cold. Then he'd go around asking everyone what they wanted to eat. Besides the pig wasn't quite ready yet so Orin couldn't exactly make plates of the pork and vegetables. It would be done cooking by the time Sayana arrived of course. There might be something fun in carving it directly off the spitted pig when someone asked for pork. Orin stepped over to the spit and gave it another half-turn. The skin looked fine to Orin's experienced eye so he left it. He could always baste it later.

Happy with his catering plan, Orin turned to survey the kitchen. He tidied up the last of his mess quickly. Soon he'd gather up whichever of Sayana's friends, if any, had arrived. Getting invitations out to them all had been difficult, especially considering that Orin barely knew some of them. But with a little bit of help Orin had managed it. However, Orin had realized somewhat guiltily that he'd been neglecting the herbs that he'd promised to take care of for The Rearing Stallion recently. Taking up his watering can Orin filled it with water then hurried over to the potted plants that were mostly scattered throughout the windowsills of the kitchen. Orin had only really thought of them because he'd pulled most of the herbs he'd cooked with before from them. It was only fair that he pay them a bit of attention. He watered them all, judging how much they needed by the relative dampness of the soil in the pots holding the plants. It wasn't a foolproof method but Orin didn't know of a better one. When they were watered, Orin went to each and every stalk and leaf. He inspected them for any danger. Orin wasn't an expert gardener so he could exactly tell all of the signsbut there was nothing obviously wrong. No discoloration and nothing appeared to have been munching on the herbs, so Orin left it at that. Perhaps it might be a good idea to get someone who was just a bit more accomplished to teach Orin the proper care of plants. Orin didn't know of anyone he could reach easily off the top of his head but he'd start asking around.

Now though, Orin had instructions to give. Orin felt nervous. He didn't particularly like being the center of attention of a large group of people or talking in front of a crowd, however small. While he recognized that anyone Sayana befriended was likely to be a good person, that did nothing to dull his terror. It was his idea, his kitchen and he'd planned the party though so the responsibility fell squarely on his shoulders. Taking a deep breath Orin turned and went to go hunt down anyone he could find who was here for the party.

[Sayana]

Orin Skills: Skill EXP Planning +3 Organization +3 Leadership +1 Cooking +5 Philtering +1 Bodybuilding +1 Cleaning +3 Philosophy +1 Gardening +1 Herbalism +1 Lores: Planning: Catering for two parties Cooking: Preparing a curry paste Cooking: Brining pork Cooking: Roasting a pig on a spit Basic knots Cooking: Baking mini tarts Organization: Cooking multiple dishes at the same time Cooking: Fish curry Cooking: Rice absorbs water Gardening: Checking for discoloured leaves and pests Comments : Great job. You’re always so thorough in your cooking threads. Don't forget to edit/delete your grade request in the grade request thread. However, make sure to keep the link so that the DS can review graded threads with ease. If you have any questions or concerns about your grade please feel free to send me a message (like really, I’m all ears if you feel like I missed something). Enjoy.