As a dwarf, it’s hard not to be aware of the transformative powers of heat. In one of the mines I was working in, we had a room with four forges running day in day out. So hot, you’d start to sweat if you thought about the place while sitting in a tavern 10 miles away.
Only much later, once I left Niflheim and started to work in kitchens here and there, would I open my eyes to more unusual and pleasurable possibilities hidden within a fire (sorry Sou Far). Take a hearth, cozy and warm all night, a head of cauliflower and roast it long enough until it starts to brown and caramelize, turning creamy, toasty, sweet and nutty all at once. Layer the flavors with spices, sherry vinaigrette and parsley, serve on a crispy slice of whole wheat bread. Beats standing in front of a forge all day.
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