The Magic We Make- a dinner story

They day had been bitter cold, and the mud still stuck to our shoes from the thaw before. The hall smelled of cooking beef and vegetables and it tempted everyone in from their duties to gods and men to the warmth of the kitchen.


It's a bit early to eat, no promise of peace for the company to finish a meal, but the chill and the promise of full bellies overrides any concerns and soon the hall is filled with bodies cradling bowls of bread heaped with stew and sharing stories, laughter and song. Tonight is special, more so than our average evening meal taken with friends old and new. Tonight we exchange hand made gifts, tokens of gratitude for those gathered around the dinner pot, appreciation for the comradeship we've found in that small room.

As the warmth of the drink and companionship begin to settle into world weary bones a cry goes up for the traditional story from our leader. The Turnip Story, a tradition of ridiculous villains, abnormally large crossbows and late night heroics, is the necessary ending to the evening. Long after we've gathered ourselves and set out to brave the cold once again, the tastes of the evening linger on our tongues like a perfect wine.

This is our magic. It's no explosive or world ending, it is a subtle spell that seeps into people and leaves friendship, joy and a sense of belonging. The best part of this kind of magic...you can't use it on others, without casting it on yourself as well.


Revel Pot Roast

• 4-5lb. pot roast
• 1 sweet onion
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 2lbs. baby red potatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (12 oz.) jars chili sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 6+ cups beef broth
• Sea salt

1.  Prep: Slice onion into rings and cut potatoes into quarters. Combine together with carrots and set aside. In a bowl, mix garlic, chili sauce, brown sugar and 2 cups of the broth until combined. set aside.
2. In a large crock pot, place roast fatty side down. Sprinkle with sea salt and add vegetables. Pour chili mixture over everything, liberally over the meat. Fill the crock pot with remaining broth until meat and veggies are just covered.
3. Cover and cook on high for 6-8 hours, until meat falls away. Stir well before serving.

I recommend serving in sour dough bread bowls for maximum excellence!