Two Cups of Sugar

[ry0un0suke]

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Two Cups of Sugar
 Raspberry Cheesecake
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⁂ four 8-ounce blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

⁂ 2 cups granulated sugar

⁂ 1 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature

⁂ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

⁂ 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 

⁂ 3 large eggs, at room temperature
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We bear roles within the Empire. Like components that encompass something far grand. The most minute of pieces, of tasks all contribute to the vast spin and turn. I liked to cook out of necessity then it became a passion. Maybe I can describe it as passion. I cooked for my husband when we were younger. Our adolescence had many days spent in the expansive kitchen of my family's estate within the ironed Fortress at the centerpiece of Achyon. Sweets are not a favorite of mine but, Ryker likes them. I bake him cakes and pies. I taste them but never has my tooth been one for sweets. It feels like mush but I can taste if it's good or not. I'm scribing something new. I wonder if he'll like it.

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⁂ 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
⁂ 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
⁂ 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Noble women don't oft cook. When I returned from the Homeland I took up the trade following my promotion to Lieutenant, now Captain, at thirteen years old. I found it difficult to be normal. I wasn't. So I cooked. First, just mere provisions. I did my part, boxed them all up personally in little steel containers that I forged myself. They're all stacked in closet I took over in the manor's kitchen. Sometimes Niffty watched me cook or hug in the living space. I listened to her play. Maybe she didn't know I was there. When Alexei and Xenia were growing up, she'd sing a few... several songs, like little concerts coupled with a dance routine. Alexei would watch me cut vegetables, sometimes closely but keeping his distance. Sometimes. He was a bit taller than me at the time.

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⁂ Heat the oven 350F
⁂ Make the crust
⁂ Make the filling
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Amelia's visits aren't frequent. We no longer share a room so seeing her is a rarity. With so much to be done, ADAM, a few endeavors we've spoken of privately. My promotion to Commander has left me overwhelmed. It's harder to cook. But, when she does visits I prepare something simple for her. The house cooks don't mind, of course. Our space is one shared. Pumpkin soup. Something easy for her to eat in the midst of her work. We both know how important it is to be efficient... Bruno rarely or never came to the manor. He's a view I don't agree with. Yet he's spoken fondly of the noodles I make. He purchases them rather than sitting with me directly. We don't spend a lot of time together. I avoid him, in fact. He knows my feelings towards his magic and mindset yet at the end of the day, he's my brother, and not a traitor at that. How long has it been since I've seen Cyril?

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⁂ Fresh Raspberry Sauce
⁂ Combine two cups of raspberries
⁂ 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
⁂1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
⁂ Let simmer for 5 minutes
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I'm trying out a new recipe, cheesecake, something new. It's not for me. Maybe it's for Ryker due to the pinkish sauce I plan to add. Or Xenia. Alexei. Maybe Luca. He hasn't been the same after Imogen passed. I wasn't fond of the woman for many reasons but life is life and lost life should be mourned and respected. She did her part for the Empire in the end. His and her children are treats. They're what I expected from Docros. Entitled. Bratty. Selfish. Yet they're family nonetheless and I extend out my cooking to them should they please. When they were younger they pocketed baked chocolate chip cookies. Emilee asked, Dominik thought I couldn't see him. I did. I've resulted to baking treats rather than meals. It's quicker and barely squeezed into my schedule as is. Days start at dawn and end just a bit near it. Training, reviewing reports, directing squadrons. My children enroll into Starfall Academy and I've nothing but the highest hopes for them. They're bright, both of them. Blood does not quite ensure such but rather the hard teachings I've given them. Countless lessons, the best services that money can offer. There's room to my wealth and I'll extend all possible to them both equally. Ryker spoils them rotten... Though, at least they've a moment to simply be as children. Alexei follows his father's craft, Xenia is figuring herself out in the world. I'm hard on her, maybe too hard. She can reach the Stars themselves and tear them from the skies. This I know.

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⁂ Prepare four plates
⁂ Touch three with raspberry sauce
⁂ Finish them with three fresh raspberries each
⁂ Serve alongside sweetened tea
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I wonder if I'm a good mother.
They probably don't know that I love them more than anything in the world.
I wonder if I'm a good wife.
He's my world.
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