ellipsanet | [video] un: aymeric

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[video] un: aymeric

The feed began a little shaky as the person holding the device adjusts. Once it focused, Night Sky muttered from behind the camera, "'Kay, it's recording."

Who was she speaking to? Why, Aymeric de Borel, bedecked in a punny apron as he stood in his kitchen. (Though those who know him will notice that his hair is a few inches longer than usual ~~pretend the screencap reflects this~~.) Night Sky's confirmation cued him to smile and wave at the camera.

"Well met, everyone. This is Aymeric with a presentation on one of my personal favourite hobbies: cooking. It is a craft that I believe we can all say we enjoy for more than just basic sustenance."

As Aymeric continued, the camera steadily zoomed in on his handsome face.

"I will be showing everyone my recipe for a dish called popotoes au gratin - at least, it is called that in the world from which I hail. 'Twould seem that the root vegetables that we call popotoes are called potatoes in most other realms. They seem to be one in the same. I will be referring to them as popotoes here." He shrugged a bit. "But I digress. Without further adieu, let's get started, shall we?"

With the camera as zoomed in as it is, the video got a great shot of Aymeric's ever-so-charming smile.

((OOC: Aymeric's video borrows heavily from this wonderful video, and to a lesser extent the official FFXIV cookbook.))

The video cut to Aymeric standing at a kitchen counter with bowls of chopped ingredients. There was a cutting board in front of him with a piece of cheesecloth laid out and herbs next to it. The camera is back to showing all of Aymeric from the waist/counter-up.

"I'll begin by preparing an ingredient that can be used for many things, not just today's popotoes au gratin, and that's chicken stock. Making it is time-consuming, but very simple."

And thus the cooking actually began. Aymeric explained the term "mise-en-place", roughly meaning "everything in its place" in French - wait, no, he called the language "my people's mother tongue"? Regardless, the concept of mise-en-place is preparing one's ingredients before any mixing or heat gets involved.

"You don't want to have to run around chopping and measuring while your other ingredients burn, now do you? If everything is ready and mise-en-place, it's that much easier to add it when needed."

Aymeric went on to explain the purpose of the cheesecloth: to make a bundle containing the nearby herbs. That way, removing them will be easier. With the freshness and potency of the herbs, they only need to be left in for "half a bell" or so, while the rest of the stock will simmer overnight. He assembled the herb bundle. The camera zoomed in on his work - by way of starting at his broad shoulders, then following his long, strong arms down to the cutting board. Once he finished with that...

Another cut - this time to Aymeric and Estinien peeling ~~potatoes~~ popotoes. Grins tugged at their lips.

"This is rather nostalgic, isn't it?" said Aymeric.

"From the time when we put a thumbtack on the captain's chair?"

"Aye," Aymeric replied, snickering. "Halone forgive me, how he yelped!"

"Like a kicked dog," added Estinien.

The two of them shared a laugh.

"And thus we were punished with scullery duty for a fortnight..." Hence the popoto-related nostalgia.

"Only because that brown-nosed rookie ratted us out," said Estinien, pointing with his peeler.

"'Twas worth it though."

"Aye, 'twas worth it."

All right, back on track. Cut again to Aymeric at the stove, mixing chicken stock with other ingredients. Onions were caramelizing in a frying pan next to the sauce pan. The camera zoomed in on the stove top. After explaining the basics of how to work with the onions, he turned his attention back to the sauce.

"With the chicken stock made, I'm adding it to a mixture of flour, butter, and white wine. This will make a thick sauce base called 'roux'."

Aymeric continued, speaking of the spices to add (including another cheesecloth bundle), what textures to watch for, how to ensure it didn't burn while reducing. The camera drifted upwards by a few inches, coming to focus on Aymeric's strong arms in those rolled-up sleeves.

After a moment of that, Estinien's rough voice muttered from the side, "On the food, Sky."

The camera readjusted to focus on the food.

Aymeric paused briefly, then went back to speaking of adding the cream at the end to avoid having it curdle. After grating some cheese, he finally assembled it all in a casserole dish, including slices of the popotoes he and Estinien peeled, and those beautiful caramelized onions. The video cut one more time to the finished product, creamy and golden brown and scrumptious-looking - which was only shown for a moment before Aymeric served it onto three dishes. Estinien took one and started eating in the background as Aymeric spoke again.

"While there likely are faster ways to make popotoes au gratin, the culinary arts are very much a matter of getting as good a result as the effort you're willing to put in. This recipe produces a rich, velvety texture as well as robust flavour. 'Tis a pleasure to feel in your mouth as well as to taste. Wouldn't you agree, Estinien?"

Estinien grunted and ate another mouthful. He'd already polished off a chunk of his serving. Perhaps the empty space on his plate said more than enough on its own.

Aymeric smiled. "Well, Night Sky and I better dig in as well, lest Estinien eat our portions." As he continued, Estinien smirked as he stole a popoto slice from one of the other plates and ate it. "Thank you ever so much for joining me. I have included the written recipe as well. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Farewell for now, and may Halone guide you and keep you."

He turned around in time to see Estinien stealing another piece of popoto. "Wh- Estinien, I didn't think you'd actually - "

The video ended.

[Attachment: Popotoes_au_Gratin-recipe]

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Spoiler: Sun Spear retained none of that.

"Didn't think the stuffy one would be that fun." 'The stuffy one' being Aymeric, obviously. The comment made in reference to the prank. "And I didn't know Estinien was such a hog - but I guess he did grow up on a farm."

Even having just met Sun Spear (and admittedly gone monster-arm-fighting with her), such a response was entirely in-character for her. Estinien seemed to have made friends with her, and for all her bite, she didn't actually seem that bad. Aymeric knew how to handle grumpiness, sarcasm, and back-talk - mostly from Estinien.

Maybe it's little wonder they hit it off so well.

"Oh, yes, Estinien and I got into quite a bit of mischief together. As for his eating habits, I'm afraid I cannot make excuses for him. Perhaps he has another growth spurt on the way."

"Fuck me, I hope not." She said with a scoff. "If he gets any taller he won't fit in the doorways." Also, he'll make fun of her even more for being short!!

"... he ever do anything really embarrassing?"

Aymeric laughed. "With you here now to knock him down a peg every so often, I doubt he's at risk of that."

"Perhaps he did," he added with a smirk.

"So? Spill." Irrelevant if Estinien was standing right there.

Aymeric thought for a moment, his gaze moving between Estinien and his device. There was a good chance Estinien would try to get back at him for this somehow.

Oh well.

He stepped aside, out of his friend's direct hearing. "During our first week as Temple Knight recruits, Estinien slept passed the morning bell and arrived late for drills. The next day, our instructor had him put a frilly, matronly nightgown over his armour." Aymeric's face pulled into a grin at the memory. He held back a snicker before continuing. "Our instructor once said that she'd have us able to do these exercises in our sleep. As she ordered Estinien to change, she said she was putting that to the test."

The faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. The image of Estinien with a gown over his armor was pretty hilarious on its face.

"I take it he never slept in again?"

[About the roux...]

Can mayo be used instead of wine for this?

[This is a very "important" question.]

As in mayonnaise? Hmm...[Aymeric thinks for a moment, then shakes his head.] I would not recommend it. The wine is meant to help cut some of the fatty textures, but being primarily oil and eggs, mayonnaise is more fatty texture. However, the wine is optional. I simply find that the overall texture of the finished sauce is better for it.

May I inquire as to why you ask?

[Oh... that—] Um... to be honest, I'm not that good at this stuff. Sensei doesn't eat much without mayo, but I wanted to surprise him once. It's just that I rather not change your roux too much.

Just hearing you talk; I know you're an expert.

Edited 2024-02-10 18:42 (UTC)

[Aw shucks~] Thank you, young man. That is kind of you to say.

If you wish to add mayonnaise to the recipe I provided, it would likely be best to use it in place of the butter. The roux's base is some sort of fat mixed with flour, which acts a thickener. Of course, having not made a roux with mayonnaise before, this is...something of an educated guess.

Do be sure to take Kagami's recipe into account as well. He runs a diner, and having tasted his food on many occasions, I personally advocate for his culinary talents.

[He doesn't exactly wish to use it...]

I know it's not something you're normally asked—so hearing from both of you's more than enough, having two pros weigh in all at once... It's pretty rare to have chefs as a resource.

[Being someone who chars spaghetti; it's truly his teacher who's suffered the worst in this case.]

[Being called a "pro" has him even more flattered.] Again, I thank you. I am not so much professional as I am passionate. Regardless, full glad am I to have helped you, and stoked your own growing passion. In turn, you have made me quite curious. Perhaps I shall attempt an experimental batch using mayonnaise.

[He nods, though it's clear some larger concern appears to dim his expression. Narrowing eyes lower to fix on hands instead.]

I'm the one who's meant to say thanks. [The rest is slowed—and he hesitates.] Do you... think anyone could learn to cook?

[The mayo aside, and all that?]

Indeed, I do. So long as they are willing to put in the effort, to practice and learn from their mistakes. It sounds to me as though you are.

[It means a lot to learn a dish or two. His bow is slight, and the habit to dip his head remains an echo-bit of something else. He looks—still smiling—genuinely grateful.]

In that case, I won't give up... I understand it's asking a lot, but I'd like your input again for these things.

Sorry, Aymeric but I gotta chime in here. Yeah, you can use mayo. But if recommend a different recipe than this one. The one I learned was basically a loaded version: like cheese and cream and stuff.

So, just depends on how heavy on the fat you want it to be.

A fair point. As the professional cook between the two of us, your opinion ought to hold sway.

[This part is directed more so back at Todoroki] I suppose, in the end, it is a matter of making one's own recipe to preference. Many versions of popotoes au gratin exist, differentiated by the most minute yet strongly defended details. We may all have to experiment to get it just right for us. Do not be afraid to experiment - or, as you already have, ask questions.

[un:shoto "liked" this comment]

[Oh, woah—]

Do you think I could have that recipe too? I can't exactly leave the mayo out...

[So many chefs (??) he gets to rely on!]

I hope you saved some for me.

[ Joie is, without a doubt, entertained by this entire display. ]

Forgive me for feeling like I’ve missed something, was that Ser Estinien?

[Aymeric greets her with a smile.] Only if you are quick. I think I hear someone going back for seconds.

And aye, that was. He arrived part way through last moon. He just missed the wedding. [He shakes his head with a mock "tsk, tsk".]

How untimely of him. But I suppose he cannot be blamed for it this time, can he?

[She rests her chin on her hand. ]

You know, I hear all Ishgardian mothers have their own spin on this recipe.

Edited 2024-02-08 02:27 (UTC)

I suppose not. [Aymeric's smile warms] His presence is better than his absence, regardless of timing.

Oh, as have I. My own mother taught me this version, Halone keep her soul. Her cookbook was nearly as revered as a copy of the Enchiridion. Have you a version of your own?

Of course I do. My mother taught me everything I know from cooking to healing, though she is not walking in Halone’s halls…I admit to not visiting her quite as much as I should.

[ SHAME ON JOIE!]

Perhaps if you run out before I manage to get a plate, I could just make mine and bring the dish.

[A light chuckle] I pray you shall have the opportunity to remedy that when you return home. The more years pass, the more I realize how precious every moment spent with loved ones truly is.

I would look forward to trying it. Oh, perhaps one day we could compare them.

((Do you want to have Joie show up for a plate for reals? :) ))

I should hope that I do.

[ She thinks…and thinks. Before finally speaking up.]

I’ll come over with my own ingredients right now. What say you?

(( Absolutely! ))

I say that you are more than welcome. No doubt Night Sky will be glad of your presence, too. And your dish. I shall see you soon, then.

[And when Joie does arrive, Aymeric opens the door for her with a bright smile. The scent of his popotoes au gratin also greets her as she enters the house.] Good afternoon, my friend.

((Awesome! Feel free to handwave as necessary. :Db))

[Give her no more than half a bell to get over there with her ingredients in hand. She’s pretty sure she’s got the right place, after asking Aymeric for the directions.

She will make herself at home in the kitchen, cooking away. ]

Thank you for the invite.

Of course. Thank you for coming. [He looks to Estinien and Night Sky] I do hope the two of you saved a little extra room.

[They're letting their stomachs settle at the kitchen table. She waves to Joie; he nods.]

[Back to Joie - ] Need you assistance with anything?

Edited 2024-03-14 03:00 (UTC)

[ Well thankfully this stuff takes a moment to cook. ]

You could just keep me company. That works well enough for me.

[ She begins her prep. ]

Oh, you really did make a video...

[ He wasn't sure that was a real offer. ]

It looks a little difficult to do some of it, but this is better than just a recipe. Thanks.

[He laughs a bit] Aye, I did. Once the idea came to me, I could not shake it free.

You are most welcome. I would be happy to provide further assistance, if need be. 'Tis not the easiest of recipes for beginners, but you would learn several important parts of cooking along the way. Even just starting with the chicken stock alone would be an excellent first step.

I've made soup before but not something like stock. It seems like a long process. But it probably tastes better that way. I wouldn't say no to help the first time I try to make something like this. But I bet my friends would like eating it, so...

Oh, indeed. Putting in the extra effort is worth it, assuming you have the time to do so. And much of the time taken to make stock can be slept through.

I do not doubt that they would. Should you like me to provide that assistance in person, you need only choose a time and day. Also, if you wish, I could perhaps send you instructions for a simpler recipe? You're not the only one expression some apprehension at the potential difficulty.

Maybe I should start with a simpler one, if you have one, but I'd like to be able to make stuff like this one too…

[ He mulls that over for a minute. ]

I don't have a regular job. I just do missions or whatever.

[ He means quests. ]

So any day is fine. I lose track of them sometimes.

I do indeed: an omelette. 'Tis one of my personal best recipes. It's much faster than the gratin, and simpler, besides. Are you available tomorrow, then?

[And if Eren is, Aymeric will show up tomorrow, all the necessary ingredients in tow.]

I sort of know what an omelette is, but not how to cook it. So...yeah. Let's do it.

[ Eren still lives with Levi in the starter apartments. It's extremely clean because of Levi's insistence. Eren will clean the kitchen after they cook and hopefully that will be good enough for the captain.

For now, he lets Aymeric in when he arrives, taking ingredients and helping set them out on the counter. ]

Okay. What...exactly goes in this other than eggs?

I'm not much of a cook, so I might be easily impressed, but that all looks lovely.

[Color her impressed.]

Aha, thank you very much. 'Tis a hobby for me, so I am glad to turn so many heads, so to speak.

If you wish, should I do this again, I could present a simpler recipe?

How come you never told me cooking was hobby of yours? That looks really good, I'll have to try it some time!

Have I not? [He seems sincerely shocked that he hasn't brought it up] For shame! [His shame, of course] Pray forgive me, Kagami. I must've been too distracted with your food to think of my own cooking. [Aymeric chuckles] Oh well, we'll have all the more to talk about now. I could actually bring you a serving of the popotoes, if you wish. I made some Sohm Al tarts yesterday that I could bring as well.

[ He watches, though he's more interested in what's going on with the discussion than the meal. ]

Pardon my inquiry, but would I be correct in assuming that you both have a military background?

[Although he's still smiling, his demeanour has straightened up from the initial video. That username definitely catches his attention...]

Aye, you would. Perhaps a more official introduction is in order: I am Aymeric de Borel, lord commander of the Temple Knights of the Holy See of Ishgard, and Speaker of the House of Lords. My friend is Estinien Varlineau, formerly of the Order of the Knights Dragoon. His position was relinquished by choice, though he remains a revered knight regardless. [There's an added "and rightly so" in his tone. Whatever reason Estinien left for, it wasn't a matter of dishonour.]

[That's the first time in a while he's given someone his full titles. It feels good to come back to it, despite the formality.]

Edited 2024-02-10 03:25 (UTC)

"This is my first time participating in such... things. I am surprised to find it as informative as I do. Especially with Night Sky's focus on you instead of the food."

"And I was glad for your assistance. Hopefully you'll provide it again, should I do another one of these." He added with a chuckle, "Aye, she was somewhat...distracted, but I think she did good work with the camera otherwise."

"Aye, she did. And the food was good, too. I would not say no to another video." Or rather, the implication: more free food.

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