Page 3 of Tasty Tentacles

When we get to the park, we find that they have, in fact, decorated the big pine tree with the usual collection of huge plastic ornaments and cut-out pictures. I used to love this as a kid, identifying all the cartoon people. Unsurprisingly, the chef was my favorite, but the firefighter was a close second. Firefighter Bertie…maybe not. I suppose I would spend most of my time cooking meals at the station and rescuing cats from trees.

The festive decorations remind me I need to start planning our contribution for the Christmas Eve finger-food fest. Note to self: contact the guys and coordinate, and while I’m at it, chat with them about New Year’s Eve. Speaking of which…

“So, Doctor Genji, are you still good for the Beard Bash competition?”

“I cleared out my schedule for the holiday, so yes. The New Year’s resolutions won’t kick in until later in January, so the clinic should be quiet, and I’ll have no problem getting away for Christmas and the New Year. Looking forward to cheering you on!”

“I still haven’t decided if I’m going to compete this year.” It’s fun to compete, but it’s also a lot of work, with all the styling and coming up with an exciting theme. It might be easiest to hang on my hubby’s arm and enjoy the spectacle this year.

“You have to!” Hideo says. “You know you love it, and it won’t be the holidays if I don’t get to help with the hairspray.”

“Well, if you twist my arm, I suppose I must.” He does this every year, my biggest fan, and I love him for it.

My phone buzzes and it’s my number-one taste-tester, Orion, the hunky ginger giant.

“Do you mind?” I ask, knowing the answer. My hubby is always on call, so we’re both used to meals punctuated with interruptions. It’s a text message from Orion!

Hi Bertie. Just finished the new pastries. What did you call them?

Kouign-amann. But watch your step. Say that to the right fella and you’ll get kissed.

There’s a long pause. I hope I haven’t been too forward with him. I always flirt with my customers—it’s just who I am—but I admit I may let it get out of hand with Orion.

:)

Five stars. Well-defined lamination, buttery to the point of perfection, and caramelization complements beautifully. Cardamom?

Nice catch! Just a hint.

Works for me. Pencil me in for half a dozen when they go into production!

Hideo peeks over my shoulder and exclaims, “You’re making kouign-amann!”

I reach over and give him a kiss. We had them every morning during our fall vacation and turned it into a fun little ritual. We soon found that kween a-mahn is about as close as a non-French speaker can get, and if you do it right, it does irresistible things with your lips.

“I dare you to say it again,” I challenge.

“Kooooouign-Amm…” he starts, milking it for all it’s worth.

I smother it with another kiss, considerably longer this time.

“Mmmm. That brings back some nice memories.”

“Exactly my intention. I wanted to surprise you with them, but I guess the cat’s out of the bag.”

“Not soon enough for me,” he jokes. “Do you have one in that bag?”

“I might,” I tease. “And I happen to be auditioning taste-testers.”

“Looks like they’re already getting rave reviews.”

“Ah yes. My shy ginger giant seems to like it. So, are you ready?”

“Gimme!”

“Payment first.”

This time he’s the one giving the kiss, considerably more lusty.