[video]

[daikonrose]

 [ The video starts with a sweeping view of a grassy plain, the camera slowly turning to pan up to a hill off on one end. Kyoko doesn't actually come into view, but her voice rings out clear and chipper.  ]

I know things have been kinda busy lately, but has anyone else been out here yet? A hill springing up out of nowhere is kinda suspicious, but we've checked it all over and there's nothing weird up there! It's true! You would think there'd be flowers that put you into a thousand year sleep or at least a mysterious creature that stalks through the trees at night but never comes clearly into sight--but there's really just trees and a nice view! That's all!

[ The camera swings around towards the plain again, this time bringing a couple lads into focus. Shinji is on a patch of ground that's been cleared of grass and weeds, busy tending some young green plants. A ways off behind him, Kaito is splashing in a creek; when the camera catches him, he yells something indistinct and upbeat about BUGS!! ]

Anyway, it's awfully nice down here, too! Last month I planted some shiso-- [ The camera is swiveled down to show a healthy plant up close, and also a pair of boots shifting in the dirt. ] --and now there's kind of a lot... [ Pulling back, a wide swath of the purple leaves is revealed. ] So if anybody wants some, you should just come take it while the season lasts.

That's all I wanted to say! Good afternoon!

[ ooc: this post is just to get the IC knowledge out about the hill and the communal garden terraforms! Please feel free to use them as you wish, they Exist now. c: ]

Comments

[ghoulserrand]

I didn't think I missed the woods, but I guess I was wrong.
That looks super cool.
I don't know if I've worked with Shiso before.
Can you tell me about it?

[daikonrose]

Right? It's super picturesque out here! You should come look around when you have time! ^o^

How to describe shiso... Sort of minty, but also like cinnamon? Kinda citrusy, but a little bitter too? This kind I'm growing here actually isn't the best for eating straight, but I use it to make rice seasoning and juice. It's a taste of summer!

[ghoulserrand]

I suppose I've got time now. :)

That sounds like a fantastic flavor. The taste of summer...
[He wishes he could properly taste...]
Maybe I'll try to make something with it myself.

[daikonrose]

Oh, maybe we'll even see each other!

There's lots of it, and if you just take the leaves it'll keep growing, so don't hesitate! I can give you a recipe if you like.

[ghoulserrand]

I'll give a wave if I do.

I'd love that. I'd take any recipes you have, actually. Even if we don't have the ingredients for them. They're nice to look through.

[daikonrose]

You must be quite the gourmand! Thinking about recipes without being able to make them is fun, but sometimes the longing is too much for me.

Here, I'll try to write it down quickly.

*~Shiso Juice~*
Submerge the shiso leaves in just about enough boiling water to cover them, and cook for five minutes or so. The water will turn purple and the leaves will turn green! When that's done, you strain out the leaves, and squeeze out every drop of liquid. Bring the liquid back to a simmer and stir in sugar. A 1:4 sugar to water ratio is about right. Then 1/2 a part of mild vinegar, relative to the amount of sugar. Ah, is that too vague?

Anyway, when you want to drink it, dilute with water to taste for a refreshing juice! It's good for settling the stomach, too!

Oh, and for the leftover leaves, add a little more vinegar and then you can dry them out in the oven (about 60 C is good) and then crumble them up and salt them to make a delicious seasoning!

[ghoulserrand]

Heh, I think I used to be, maybe. But I know what you mean. [Really...]

Thank you, Kyoko. You rock! :D
I think I'll try all this, once I've gathered some leaves up.

[daikonrose]

Used to be?

I hope you like it! All together, it's a pretty distinctive taste of Japan~

[ghoulserrand]

Haven't really done any cooking in a kitchen since the apocalypse, so it's been a couple years at least.

I think it might be something my roommate will enjoy. I'll be sure to have him try it out with me.

[daikonrose]

Oh, I see... That does make sense. But I guess you have a chance to try again now, huh?

It's easy to make a lot, so it's a good thing to share! I hope he likes it!

[ghoulserrand]

Yeah. Gotta be glad for that. :)

Thanks. And, good to know. I'll keep an eye on those portions.