Cooking in Carthal

[Dream Loxley]

*She had not wanted to leave... the atmosphere one of excitement mingling with the edge of competition....and so many people. She had been in awe of them, still after all these years did she find herself shying away from the crowds...and yet she did enjoy seeing old friends and new.

Windstorm, as always had shown loyalty to the inter home events and turned out in abundance... Edfeil, Beren and Halethala......Andrea and Laurestina too....even the tall guest had thrown himself into the kitchens at Carthal.... creating a most interesting dish with onions that made her tummy rumble. Others from homes she knew, some she did nae.....all there with a common cause. One of peace and enjoyment, a rare thing in these troubled times.....indeed she would cherish the memories.

She had taken a deep breath and did her best with the Shortbread....it was fun to compete....and as such it was reward in itself to be in such pleasing company. She had nae a hope of winning, and did nae expect nor need such. It was a shame she could nae have stayed to watch others..... so many delicious dishes would be created she was sure.

Her Farewells were greeted with kindness and understanding....she had been welcomed and felt safe during her stay.....the ride home was comfortable and she pondered the evening as she settled back into her chambers that night. Lady Teresa had done her home justice and she should be proud......a most delightful evening indeed.*

[Sinold Bragasson]

(Share some recipees?)



LE Edit: Here are the posts of the participating contestants:
www.minoguetech.com/members/Teresa/cooking%20contest%20posts.doc

[Lady Edfeil]

*She had enjoyed the cookie baking. Of course she had expected to, but the eve had more then fulfilled her expectations. Many a person had come, from Kielder, Windstorm, Eenheid, other homes she nae knew...

There was an atmosphere of ease and anticipation, where laughter is ready and hearts light. The scents that soon filled kitchen and great hall had only contributed to that.
A warriors tea, shortbread, figbars, Devonshire splits and almond biscotti had competed for the honour and title of best baking cook. The judging of which would be done later by King Charles.

Edfeil smiled into the flames on the hearth with the idea that mayhap she somehow would be entering twice in the competition. Once of her own virtue... a second time by the hands of her .. champion. The request of Lord Sighehelm to wear her colours for the contest had been surprising. Surely 't was but a galantry, and the occasion hardly was formal. Still... she had given her ribon and thus indeed accepted. A kind man he was. To honour her thus. She would nae allow words of distrust from others to colour her mind.

Aye... the eve had been pleasant, and filled with laughter. The fun in competing had been more important then whoever would win the laurels. Later in the eve, a slight ripple in the air had coloured perception, when she had seen Lord Daniel DeForia, and his fear to hold or even touch his goddaughter. Something nae was right, and she suspected 't had to do with what had passed in Windstorm between him and Amelrick. She nae spoke of 't... time... would heal that wound. And so would she.

From the cookie bakng, she would but keep the pleasant memory. *G* And of course, the basket filled with treats that she had gotten from Duchess Theresa to share with the others!

[Lady Alexandreania (Andrea)]

~The gay swaths of fabric that bedecked the halls, the Ladies in gowns that rivaled the colors of the rainbow, the gallant Gentlemen that held court, The regal spendor of Her Majesty, Nicole, Queen of Kielder and finally the delicious aromas that thru the air.~

~Of spice and nut, honey and fruit, all intermingling together to set mouths awatering and tongues slipping out to lick lips in anticipation of testing the tributes brought forth by each competitor brought together to prove their abilities in the kitchens either over the hearth or oven. ~

~All that had gathered, were light of heart. Smiles and laughter were seen to caress faces and to ring in the ears, as each contestant gave the best of their culinary skills to be judged. And by the end of the day when all was said and done, with the exception of a slight shadow coming across the the countinence of Milord de Foria that did not last long, were those of Carthal and the Festival visitors remembered of only a pleasant time enjoyed by all.~