12. Baked goods

Between the two of them Vervain was the one that enjoyed cooking the most. It wasn't hard to convince Jaden to help out with meals, they often made breakfast without even being asked. Vervain liked to cook so much that they would often be busy in the kitchen just for the joy they found in cooking. They made many things, more than the two of them could eat all on their own, but that was fine, breads and extra baked goods went to town with their excess fruits and veggies, passed along to whomever it was that was in charge of making sure everyone had what they needed. In exchange for their excess, they picked up the things they needed and didn't grow or make themselves. Sugar and flour were the number one things that Vervain requested for Jaden to bring back when a cartful of produce went to town.

Bread was an easy recipe on the surface, but that just meant that once you knew what all the ingredients were for, you could add and change things and get an entirely different tasting loaf. Vervain made savory rolls for sopping up the last of the thick stew that was a staple dinner for them. Those were Jaden's favorite. Buttery and packed with basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. For softer, sweeter rolls, the fresh herbs were left out and Vervain added egg yolks and vanilla. 

Dinner rolls weren't the only thing they could make with a sweet dough, rolling it out thin, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, roll up and slice before baking. Vervain tried all sorts of things, adding dried fruits, zest from citrus peels and all sorts of spices.

One of the days when they were together in town with Jaden, Vervain had picked up a recipe for pie crust, which opened up a whole new world of pies and tarts to follow. Fruit fillings like apple, cherry and fig, dense pies with pumpkin and spices. Tiny tarts and bite sized quiches were perfect hors d'oeuvres. (Vervain was baking up such a storm before the Harvest Festival, they had entirely run out of eggs.)

Vervain kept the kitchen windows open while they were baking so much, (moving their collection of herb garden pots to the floor so that they would be in no danger of falling when the breezes picked up). Despite the cold weather, the house grew too warm with the oven always running. Jaden was happy to keep the door to their workroom open, sometimes even moving their spinning wheel out into the common area of the house. They didn't mind working alone for hours spinning, but sometimes it was nice to share space, themself set up in the room outside the open kitchen. The two of them could chat, exchange gossip, or just work in silence, comfortable in each other's company. Of course, Vervain wasn't one to be silent for long, they hummed, or sang softly while they worked. Jaden didn't sing, but could sometimes be caught humming along.

(WC: 504)