Hannibal's house, Sunday

[sharp_as_knives]

So, Hannibal had half as many children himself this weekend as he had last time, but that hadn't made it any less hectic or full of cooking. And he wouldn't even pretend that he minded. At least this time he had his own kitchen.

So, he was up early again today, getting started on breakfast for the crowd. He was one carafe of coffee and a set of recipe cards into it when Angela stumbled down, yawning, and grinned at him. "I thought I could sous-chef again, if you like." She kissed his cheek.

Hannibal smiled back. "That would be lovely; thank you. What do you think?" He fanned the recipe cards out for her to see.

"I like it," she decided. "I'll start cutting."

Breakfast menu:
Crepes with honeyed oranges
Apple, brie, and prosciutto crepes
Crepes with pears, gouda, and fresh thyme
Leek, apple, fennel sausage, and goat cheese crepes
Peanut butter and jam crepes (Shush, there were bound to be young ones around.)
Maple-espresso bacon
Blood pudding
Creamy French scrambled eggs
Pancetta and gruyere strata
Fresh orange juice
Organic milk
An assortment of teas
As much coffee as Hannibal can possibly brew

Comments

Re: Before breakfast!

[glacial_queen]

Karla was very good with a knife. That much she'd be able to do with no ill-effects. It was when she decided to start improvising that things got tricky.

"You're no fun," Karla declared, pouting at him. "Don't you need more help when you have a lot of guests?"

Re: Before breakfast!

[sharp_as_knives]

"Of course," Hannibal answered. "And I would be very grateful if you were to set the table."

Re: Before breakfast!

[glacial_queen]

Karla narrowed her eyes at him. "...Isn't that the job you normally hand off to the children?" She was pretty sure he had Kayla setting the table last year. "My Queenly dignity feels threatened."

That wasn't stopping her from heading over to get the plates. Because, HA! Queenly dignity.

Re: Before breakfast!

[sharp_as_knives]

"No," Hannibal answered easily, "it's the job I normally hand off to whomever is prone to make the most trouble when they have no job."

Go on, Karla; try to deny that one!

Re: Before breakfast!

[glacial_queen]

"Well, that explains why it's always me or my offspring who end up doing it," Karla said.

Deny it? On the contrary, Karla looked pleased.

"I assume it's normally Jono's job, then?"

Re: Before breakfast!

[sharp_as_knives]

"I would give it to Joni, but there's the lack of opposable thumbs to contend with," Hannibal said, "so he does it on her behalf."

Re: Before breakfast!

[glacial_queen]

"Joni is never any trouble," Karla said, defending the kitten staunchly. "She's tiny and perfect and so there."

Re: Before breakfast!

[sharp_as_knives]

"Beethoven would beg to differ," Hannibal said, shaking his head.

Re: Before breakfast!

[glacial_queen]

"Beethoven's an old grouch," Karla declared. She hadn't been able to make friends with him yet, even after attempts at bribery, so clearly he had no emotions. "And just jealous of how adorable Joni is."

Re: Before breakfast!

[sharp_as_knives]

"Actually I think he prefers his ears to remain unchewed," Hannibal said. "But yes, he is an old grouch."

Re: Before breakfast!

[glacial_queen]

"Pffft," Karla said, waving her hand. Fortunately, it was not the one currently holding cutlery to lay on the table. "Everyone knows that's what ears are for. It's a sign of love and affection."