This is not a story, game, or story game. I suppose that means it’s a little off topic for this blog. But I’ve been busy and anxious and etc., so today I took some time to make a meal with some of my friends and I feel much better for it. In case you want to make that recipe yourselves, I’ve thrown it together here for you. It was largely improvised, so my recipe is a little informal. Also judgey about people who don’t like real cider.

You’ll need:

• 1 lb green lentils
• 1 double handful red lentils
• 2 carrots
• 2 parsnips
• 1 sweet onion
• 4-ish cloves garlic
• 1 gallon cider
• salt
• sage
• thyme
• cayenne
• olive oil

• drink some cider, there’s a whole gallon for a reason
• wash lentils
• dice onion into square chunks
• mince garlic into moderately fine bits
• coin carrots & parsnips (carrots needed first) into roughly even thin slices
• heat some olive oil in a pan
• add diced onion and begin sauteeing
• you probably need more cider in your cup now
• add garlic soon after, once onion has that early glassy look
• add carrot coins (some may need to be halved as well, if they’re thickish)
• cook these for a few minutes until the carrots have warmed up, possibly adding more oil if you like
• add parsnips and cook until warmed up, again adding more oil if you like
• pour in cider to cover, this is also an excellent time to drink more cider
• add lentils and more cider to cover again, more or less generous depending on how soupy you want the end result to be
• simmer that delicious soup! stir gently, and check occasionally for lentil/parsnip/carrot consistency
• once the cider has heated but before you’ve let it cook much, spice to taste:
• add some sage
• add a good deal more thyme
• add a dash of cayenne (a tiny bit goes a long way)
• who doesn’t love salt: be generous, mix, and taste test… then repeat
• once your desired lentil/carrot/parsnip consistency has been reached, turn off the heat, let sit for a minute or so, and serve!
• maybe have some more cider at multiple steps along the way