Fandom Foods: Happy Waffle Day!

March 25th was National Waffle Day, so to celebrate such a glorious holiday, I would like to provide you with a recipe for your everyday, typical waffle and then offer some tweaks with fandom twists.

First, here is your ordinary waffle recipe, the bare bones of our fandom foodie fun:

Typical Waffle Recipe

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups warm milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar; set aside. Preheat waffle iron to desired temperature.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the milk, butter and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture; beat until blended.

Ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve immediately.

Stranger Things 

Now, to put a fandom spin on these tasty treats. If we're talking waffles, then we HAVE to start with Stranger Things, right? El loves Eggos, but that doesn't mean we can't make hot, fresh, and homemade waffles.

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Suggested Tweaks:

Though, you could always just buy Eggo Waffles...

Suggested Toppings:

French Fries (secondhand fries are fine)
Ice Cream
Apples
Whipped Cream
Snack Pack Chocolate Pudding

Six of Crows series

If you haven't read Six of Crows or anything by Leigh Bardugo for that matter, then I suggest you stop reading this post and pick up something by her immediately!

(Why is the French Edition so pretty?!)

One of the characters in the series is a girl named Nina, who is an accomplished magic user and avid waffle appreciator. She adores these fluffy, sweet treats. Thus, I present tweaks and toppings that I'm sure would be Nina (and Inej) approved. Since the country Nina comes from is based a lot on the Russian culture, I added some Russian flare to breakfast. 

Suggested Tweaks:

Add Cognac (brandy), condensed milk, and caramel to mixture and give it a traditional Russian flavor. For a non-alcoholic substitution, instead of using Cognac, replace with peach, pear or apricot juice.

Suggested Toppings:
More Caramel and chocolate never hurt!
Walnuts (if not allergic)

Teen Titans

Teen Titans (the original, not Go!) is about teenagers fighting crime, but more importantly, it's about friendship and the time we spent with the ones we love. Each team member has their own unique personality, so I thought that I'd give you several options about how to better your waffle experience. 

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With the team in mind, here they are:

Suggested Tweaks:

Instead of regular eggs, make sure to use vegan substitutes. Beast Boy is vegetarian, but I'm positive he would much prefer the vegan recipe. Here's a recipe from the Flaming Vegan: 

Ingredients: 

2 cups of all-purpose flour

2 cups of unsweetened soy milk
4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt

Instructions: 

Step 1: Grease the waffle iron with a drop of vegetable oil and turn it on

Step 2: Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl

Step 3: Add the soy milk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients

Step 4: Whisk the mixture by hand until it forms into a smooth batter

Step 5: Pour the batter into the waffle iron according to its instructions.

Second option might be to dye the waffles purple for Raven.

Suggested Toppings: 

Have a mustard dipping sauce on the side to satisfy Starfire, chocolate chips for Robin, and lots of crispy bacon for Cyborg (just, don't tell Beast Boy). 

Persona 5

Persona 5 has become my latest obsession. It's a strategy game which revolves around the idea of teenagers, who usually do not have that much power in society, having the ability to change people's hearts for the better.

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When it comes to food, there are many options in the game. Some food even gives you health or magic boosts. So, since Persona takes place in Tokyo, I wanted to offer Japanese flavor options.  

Suggested Tweaks: 

Add Matcha to the mix.

Toppings:

Assorted Fruit (pineapple, apple, strawberries, banana, berries)

Red Bean Paste

Voltron Legendary Defender 

Voltron is a show about a group of people fighting to save the Galaxy. One of the characters, Hunk, is a brilliant chef, so when he's faced with alien food, he can get pretty creative.

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Here are some suggestions to help inspire you to think outside the box with your breakfast, just like Hunk!

Suggested Tweaks: 

Colored dye

Lemon juice

Suggested Toppings: 

Cut into triangles to signify Al markings

Boysenberry syrup

Star-shaped sprinkles

Incorporating fandom into anything can be fun. Having your passions shine through will brighten your day and get the creative juices flowing in new and exciting ways. Though Waffle Day has passed, know that if you so choose, waffles and fandoms can be enjoyed whenever you feel like it. If you like books AND waffles, be sure to follow my friend Jaime at her blog here.

Have you ever made fandom-inspired waffles? 

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Why You Should Read DC's Earth-One Comics

In 2010, DC Comics started a new, ongoing comic book series that retells the earliest adventures and origins of their greatest heroes. This new series is called Earth-One. As of right now, four character story lines have been released: Superman, Batman, Teen Titans, and Wonder Woman. There are plans to add the Flash and Aquaman at a later date.

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Overall, the Earth-One comics have peaked interest and received decent reviews. The series isn't hailed as the greatest series ever or receiving the highest marks of praise, yet I still think there's merit and worth to the series. There are many elements that make Earth-One stand out in my mind as a worthwhile comic book series to read. Here's why.

The 21st-century modernization

The point of Earth-One was to create the origin stories of well-known heroes but with a 21st-century audience in mind. This gives the series an edge that other comic books don't have. Heroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman have been around for a long time. There are decades worth of story arcs already created, read, re-read, and re-created. While relaunching origin stories is not a new concept, giving readers a 21st-century feel to the stories is. It helps the readers connect to the characters and world more than a story line from the 1930s ever could.

The illustrations

One recurring point of praise that is evident for all four released story lines is the artwork. The artwork of Earth-One, all done by different artists, is gorgeous. These comics show-off the 21st-century technology for artists. The color palettes for each hero is carefully chosen and beautifully visualized. I recently finished the first volume for the Wonder Woman arc, and I was mesmerized by the dazzling colors of the Amazon ladies on Paradise Island. The artwork, if anything, is a high point for Earth-One.

The plot twists

I'll admit there are predictable moments when it comes to the comics. It's hard to retell a well-known origin story without the reader knowing some of what will happen. Of course Superman will make the right decision, Wonder Woman will come to Earth, Bruce Wayne will become Batman, and the Teen Titans will team-up to become...well, the Teen Titans. There is predictability, but at the same time, there are also some excellent plot twists. Superman: Earth One has probably one of the best, well-crafted plot twists, which left the end of the three volume arc open for more. Batman: Earth One shook things up in Gotham in much the same way. I promise you there won't be total disappointment when reading these if you enjoy a few unique changes to the well-known stories.

New stories, same heroes

For the most part, these comics retell the known story arcs of the characters. Kal-El lands on Earth and is found by the Kents after Kyrpton exploded. Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. Wonder Woman is an Amazonian warrior princess. The Teen Titans are teen superheroes. However, there are some differences with the stories. These characters aren't necessarily heroic right away. The series shows their journey to becoming the heroes we know. They have to learn who they are and how they can be heroes.

"For a handful of heroes, Earth-1 is that proverbial unknown of the Multiverse. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Teen Titans may be household names to us, but rest assured, these are not the seasoned veterans with storied histories we’ve come to know and love.
On the newly formed Earth-1, these heroes are just starting out. They’re untested, raw and prone to rookie mistakes. They’re learning on the job. Sounds rough, right? Not entirely. They also have a tremendous drive to protect those who can’t protect themselves. As a result, they have the courage to emerge as the first heroes of this infant Earth." -DC Comics  

This makes their stories different than the normal. Clark Kent doesn't immediately go to the Daily Planet for a job, allowing him to explore options of who he could be and who he chooses to be. Bruce Wayne is related to both the Waynes and the Arkhams, which give his story line a richer connection to the roots of Gotham City. Wonder Woman is put on trial by her Amazonian comrades, which places her in a different position than the revered and powerful victor she's established herself as. The Teen Titans have various elements tying them together, which gives them shared purpose to defeating their enemies. It's intriguing to see well-known heroes with slight differences in their story lines, giving us something old yet something new.

The potential

The potential for the comics is high. The point of it being called "Earth-One" is so it's distinguishable from every other comic story arc in existence. All of the arcs take place in a new Earth, which allows the series freedom from continuity errors. (This ties into the multiverse!) Basically, anything can happen. In addition, this is only the beginning of retelling character story arcs. They've already planned to add two more. In the future, we can probably expect them to add more characters--like Green Lantern, Shazam, Martian Manhunter, and Black Canary. (Seriously, DC, give me a Black Canary retelling!) There's potential to revisit all the major, and even minor, heroes of the DC Comics world. This will give the heroes a fresh story with vivid illustrations and interesting story lines for a new audience. This is what Earth-One is all about.

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Have you read any Earth-One comics yet? Which heroes' origins would you like DC to revisit in the future?

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My Terrakinetic Top 5 (In Honor of Earth Day)

Crysta from Ferngully (source)

Earth Day was this past Friday, so I decided to list my Top 5 Characters with Terrakinesis (meaning they have the ability to control geological materials). All of the following characters have a deep connection with earth and may even be able to control, contort, or communicate with it. So, without further ado, I begin my list with *drum roll*...

Toph from Avatar: The Last Airbender

Toph metalbending (source)

The Terrakinetic Top 5 wouldn't be complete without mentioning a character from the series Avatar: The Last Airbender.  And although Ang, Korra, and all the other Avatars are all capable of moving earth, I will focus my attention on Toph, one of Ang's companions and the series' most accomplished earthbender. Throughout the series, Toph is the sarcastic, grumpy girl that helps round out Team Avatar.  She sure is one talented earthbender, which is made even more impressive when you realize she's also blind.  She actually utilizes earthbending to see what's around her, using vibrations in the earth to do so.

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Toph first learned to earthbend at age six from badgermoles.  From there she only excelled, bending earth and, later on in the series, even metal. She went on to teach others her metalbending technique, eventually training an elite group of people who became metalbenders. Looking past her prickly and blasé exterior, one realizes she truly cares about people, even if she wants them to think otherwise.

As is true for other terrakinesis characters, Toph is grounded and steady, just as the earth that she moves. She is one with it and uses the earth as an extension of self. Talk about being in touch with the planet. Seems like Toph would most definitely appreciate Earth Day.

Cornelia Hale from W.I.T.C.H.

Nice shirt for Earth Day (source)

If you have never heard of the comic/show W.I.T.C.H, I highly recommend you change that.  However, you should start with the comic because it's WAY better than the TV series.   For those of you who are unfamiliar, W.I.T.C.H. (which is an acronym for the characters Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin) is an Italian magical girl comic that became popular and made into a TV series many moons ago.  It's about five teenage girls who are chosen as elementally infused guardians to protect the peace.   Each girl has a specific element (air, fire, etc.), but I will be touching on Cornelia Hale.

Cornelia is a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty with the power to control anything “earth” related, including plants, stones, and even sugar (yup, like table sugar)!  What’s interesting about W.I.T.C.H. is that the characters use their magic in creative ways.

Cornelia's Guardian state (source)

For example, Cornelia has the ability to move earth, right?  Well, as I was saying before, this series can take elemental control to the next level.  Cornelia not only moves earth but as she grows and improves upon her powers, she begins to stretch her abilities.  She is able to make hair grow faster (and harness it as a weapon), communicate with plants, heal people, and see visions simply by touching the earth.   She can even mess with metals and processed materials but only if most of the material's composition is made from the earth.

If we want to celebrate Cornelia’s powers, we must also appreciate her personality, which differs from the TV show to the comic.  While Cornelia is a bit boy-obsessed in the TV series,  the comic portrays her as someone who doesn't necessarily need a man.  Personally, I like comic Cornelia better.  She's strong, even though she's a tad overconfident, feeling that she must do all things alone.  Though she's fashionable and cares about her appearance, at times she can be materialistic.  This is because she's drawn to earthly pleasures, fitting for the element she possesses. But that doesn't mean she's shallow.  Far from it!  She greatly cares about others.

All and all, Cornelia is a true terrakinetic master and matches her element quite nicely.  

Aerith Gainsborough from Final Fantasy VII

Aerith Gainsborough from Final Fantasy VII:  Crisis Core (source)

 No one is more in tune with the earth (or the planet, in general) than Aerith (not Aeris, as originally thought) from Final Fantasy VII.  She is one of my favorite Final Fantasy characters and has been for a long time.  She's independent, playful, cute, motherly, and upbeat.  And just like most earth-wielding characters, she's stubborn and won't back down from something she's already set her mind on.

In the world of FF VII (on the planet called Gaia),  Aerith is a descendant of the Cetra (also called the Ancients), who were one of the first races to reside on the planet.  They may look like normal human beings but in truth, they have a great tie to the earth.  We get hints of Aerith's powers when she mentions that she can hear the wind calling to her or during one instance when she says she's afraid of the sky.  In fact, we learn that she is the last remaining Cetra alive.  (How lonely!)

Because of her race and its influence over the planet, she is a powerful healer.  In the game, she became one of my favorite characters to use (since she is, you know, an astounding healer...which is important in any RPG).  Even in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, she heals Cloud and company multiple times.

You tell him, Aerith! (source)

Throughout the series, she protects and has connections to the earth.  She even helps save the planet.  Definitely an advocate for Earth Day.  

Terra from Teen Titans

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 Do you guys remember Teen Titans?  I was obsessed with that show.  I was in middle school at the time (yup, that sure dates me) and I remember relating with Starfire, while my best friend sided more with Robin, and my sister was a Raven fanatic.

But, I also remember liking Terra.  She was strong, mysterious, and she knew how to kick butt. (Eh, even though sometimes she kicked her fellow Titans' tushies.  What?  She was confused and misguided!  Darn you Slade! *shakes fist*)  I'm not sure how Terra acts in the comics, since I've never read the Teen Titans comics (le gasp!), but I have seen all the episodes of the animated series (plus the movie!).

Terra possess geokinetic abilities and is able to move earth, but that's not all that defines her.  What's truly alluring about Terra is that she's shy and insecure, and, deep down, she just wants to know her purpose in life.  Don't we all? I think that's what's so fascinating about her.

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She's confused and lost when she first meets the Titans.  Not having the capability to control her powers, Terra shies away from the Titans and joins Slade (the main antagonist of the series), who promises to teach her how to control her powers.  And she desperately yearns for this because whenever she uses her powers, she triggers seismic tremors and volcano eruptions that could potentially hurt people.  Once she does learn how to control her powers, she's a true team player (or a true terror, depending on whose side she's on).

But she is most definitely one with the earth and is a true asset to any team.

Mimi Tachikawa and Palmon from Digimon 

Mimi (source)

 Mimi is one of those characters that, at first, annoys you the minute she opens her mouth but, as the series continues, her whiny, high pitched squealing grows on you (caution: sometimes it never does).  All joking aside, Mimi develops over time and may even become a favorite by the end of the show.  She's cheerful, innocent and deep down she's a kind, sweet girl.  Not to mention she has her own style.

Fashionable and naive, she may look weak but her digicrest proves otherwise.  A crest is a physical manifestation of the digidestined's dominate characteristic.  It's also something they draw power from to evolve their digital partner.  Mimi's crest turns out to be sincerity (or purity in the Japanese version).  She uses this to digivolve her partner Palmon.

Palmon (source)

Palmon is a digimon that's plant/earth based.  She looks just like a harmless walking, talking flower but her looks can be deceiving as well.  She uses vines and earth-like powers to combat her foes in order to protect Mimi. The plant theme persists when she even digivolves into a fairy-like monster with plant-based attacks.  Since Mimi is paired with Palmon, she must have some connection to the earth.  Right?

So, again we see another example of a powerful (and very pink) planet-based hero storming the stage.  

Though I didn't mention all Terrakinetic heroes, I did want to mention a few more of my favorites:

Crysta from Ferngully:  The Last Rainforest 

Terra and Lexaeus from Kingdom Hearts 

Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Uranus, and Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon

Captain Planet and Kwame from Captain Planet 

Remember, we only have one Earth.  Let's get out there and protect it! (Hehe, now I sound like Captain Planet!)

Terra from Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep (source)

Do you have a favorite Terrakinetic character?  Let us know in the comments. 

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