The Witch's Ichor

Amateur Chef Zoe [19]

Crickets chirp softly throughout the neighborhood at this time of day. The sun is nearly set, and the stars are out. Chilly winds blow through, yet Zoe's coat keeps her warm. She rereads the group chat with a bashful smile on her face.

Zoe: Tracy did my makeup! Thoughts?
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Derek: Holy fuck you look hot

Theo: SECOND TERM OF THJE AGREEMENT!

Derek: Bro fucking look at the picture

Jamison: You look stunning, Zoe. <3

Theo: Zoe do I have your permission to print this picture out

Zoe: Uh what??

Derek: Bro that's so creepy wtf

Theo: I won't do anything weird with it I swear

Theo: It's for my conspiracy board

Jamison: ???

Derek: ???

Zoe: Oh sure yeah!

Zoe: Also thanks guys, love ya <3

For some reason nobody said anything after Zoe sent that last message, but that's not her problem. She hums a little song to herself as she steps up to her home. She opens the front door, and calls out to her family.

"I'm home!"

Strangely enough nobody answers. Zoe turns to peek outside and realizes her parents are both out. Zoe pouts after realizing she's alone.

I guess this is as good a time as any to work on my new hobby.
Time to cook!

Zoe didn't feel any aversion to cooking when she was a boy, but she also didn't really feel like doing anything as a boy. Hopefully cooking delicious food can be both entertaining and relaxing. Plus she can give yummy treats to her friends!

The spacious kitchen provides Zoe with ample space to work. She scrolls through her phone for the notes, and chooses to make 'baked macaroni and cheese'. The finished product is a rich breadcrumb infused casserole comprised of macaroni noodles, cheese, and butter.

This sounds delicious... I must have it!

Zoe pulls up her sleeves and gets to work. She pulls out a rectangular baking pan and gives it a good coating of olive oil spray. She checks the instructions before diving into the next step.

One big pot full of water goes on the stovetop. Zoe shifts her focus to the cheese as the water heats up. According to the recipe the most delicious option is to take a block of cheese and shred it yourself.

Zoe rifles through the drawers like a curious mouse. It takes her a good minute, but she finds a cheese grater. She fetches a block of sharp cheddar from the fridge. The water still isn't boiling.

This is already kind of fun!

Using a bowl to catch the shredded cheese, Zoe pushes the cheese block across the top of the cheese grater. She repeats this process until the pot of water starts to boil.

Zoe puts her cheese on hold, and grabs the macaroni noodles. She pours the whole box into the pot. The macaroni needs to cook for several minutes. Zoe resumes the cheese grating.

With a bowl full of cheese Zoe can finally work on the cheese sauce. She puts a small saucepan on the stove. Butter, salt, pepper, and a hefty helping of freshly shredded cheese get dumped into the saucepan. Zoe stirs the sauce with a whisk.