Lore:Nord Cuisine (book)

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Seen In:	Elder Scrolls Online (Greymoor)
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This is a compilation of books assembled for easier reading.

Nord Cuisine

by Gilbard Bacqure

A look at Nord Cuisine

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Savory Edition

While there have been many accounts detailing the various meads enjoyed by Nords, there is surprisingly little information on their preferences in savory cuisine. While Nord recipes may not be as thrilling or complex as those of some other cultures, I believe them still worthy of note! There are many delicacies to be had on Nord feasting tables. They are a hearty people who drink and eat with more passion and vigor than any others I've met! Tasteless food represents as much an insult to them as cowardice on the battlefield. I shall transcribe my explorations through their cuisine here.

Horker Soup
There is an abundance of horkers in Skyrim. While they may not look entirely appetizing on the surface, they represent a wealth of untapped delicious potential! And as Nords are wont to do, they've taken a form of sustenance and made a stew out of it. I suppose it only makes sense. A hardy people who live most of their lives in the cold, covered in furs and trudging through snow, would certainly be purveyors of warm meals such as this. Horker soup is uncomplicated, wonderfully salty, and has a thin broth. It's best served with a warm loaf of bread to sop up the last dredges.

Hot Apple Cabbage Stew
This stew is a basic Nord household favorite. Ordinarily, a dish this simple might not be worth mentioning in a book on cuisine. But not in this case! While the recipe for the hot apple cabbage stew is simple, the taste and comfort of consuming such a dish is far from it! For many Nords, this meal reminds them of their youth. Though, there is some debate over the method of cooking the stew, mainly in the use of the apples. A strict divide exists between those who believe in mashing, and those who believe in cutting. I myself have sampled both and found them to be equally delicious. This is not an opinion I would share with a Nord, however. Most favor one over the other, usually to a violent degree.

Mammoth Steak
Those who first looked upon the mammoths of Skyrim and thought 'I think I'd like to eat that!' greatly inspire me. Nord's [sic] are known for their staunch bravery. Only a people so averse to cowardice would think to make a meal out of something so colossal. While much of the animal is tough and inedible, the loin is exquisitely tender. Cutting a slice from this impressive part of the beast yields a flank of meat that can be seared or broiled.

Seared Slaughterfish
I do not envy those who venture into murky waters in order to catch the creatures needed to make this meal. I am entirely grateful to them, however, for it is their bravery that allows us to experience the deliciousness of the seared slaughterfish! The proper Nord tradition requires the cook to sear the fish (once picked clean of bones, of course) until the skin is blackened. Some prefer to cook the flesh slowly by wrapping the fish in cabbage leaves, searing the skin as the very last step before consumption. Both methods work equally well, in my opinion.

Sweets Edition

While there have been many accounts detailing the various meads enjoyed by Nords, there is surprisingly little information on their preferences in cuisine. While Nord recipes may not be as thrilling or complex as some other cultures, I believe them still worthy of note! There are many delicacies to be had among Nords. They are a hearty people that drink and eat with more passion and vigor than any I've ever encountered! Tasteless food is as much an insult to them as cowardice on the battlefield. I shall transcribe my explorations through their cuisine here.

Sweet Treats

Honey-Dipped Apples
I would be remiss if I did not discuss the tart apples of Skyrim. A staple of Nord households, this fruit is as common in Skyrim as a mudcrab along a riverbank! It can be eaten as nature intended, directly from a tree, or it can be used to enhance stews, meat dishes, or salads. Perhaps the best use is as a dessert. The ingredients for a honey-dipped apple are rather obvious. Simplicity is at the heart of most Nord recipes—the foundations are plain and uncomplicated, but the end result is truly a taste to experience! Apples are either served roasted or raw, then iced with a drizzle of sweet milk and honey. They are sticky, messy, sweet, and tart. And wholly wonderful!

Snowberry Crostata
On their own, snowberries are so tart as to be quite unpalatable. The same cannot be said of a snowberry crostata! Simpler than a pie and yet no less delectable, this pastry perfectly marries the tartness of the berry with the sweetness of the bread to create a truly memorable experience. Enjoy this delicacy after a meal as a treat, or even early in the morning before the common Nord goes about his day. The versatile nature of the flavors make both options equally appealing.

Jazbay Crostata
In contrast, the Jazbay Crostata is strictly a delicacy best enjoyed after a heartier meal. While it is most often used by mages, the distinctive sweetness of these grapes cannot be ignored by any who consider themselves a food connoisseur. The dark, sweet juice of the grape sinks into the dough to create a deliciously moist base, though it's sturdy enough to not be soggy. Some say the sweetness overwhelms, but I say they are absolutely wrong!

Honey Nut Treat
Nords love their honey. It sweetens their mead perfectly, but that's not all! Popular in many a meadery across Skyrim, the honey nut treat is a sweet partner to any kind of drink. While messy, this sticky, nut-studded dough can conveniently be skewered on a stick so you can carry it anywhere. Whether you're traveling long distances or just enjoying a drink by the fire at your favorite inn, the honey nut treat is an enjoyable snack that everyone should try at least once.