Poor-Folk Cuisine:

"It isn't much, but at least it's something in your stomach."

In the austere and unforgiving landscapes of Everwealth, the culinary traditions of the impoverished are a testament to resilience and ingenuity. With resources perpetually scarce, the common folk have crafted a cuisine centered around the few staples that the harsh environment yields: potatoes, carrots, and bread dumplings. These humble ingredients form the backbone of daily sustenance, offering the minimal nourishment necessary to endure the relentless hardships of life. Among these staples, some Everwealthy natives stand out; Take the Glumpumpkins, small but flavorful, nutritious pumpkins deemed unsavory to consume by those of richer tastes, for the fruit's tendency to cry at night or scream bloody murder when carved and emptied of it's contents. Or the famed Amber Potatoes, tubers as unyielding as the land itself. Abundant across the mainland, this potato is notorious for its stone-like hardness, requiring intense heat, comparable to that of a blacksmith's forge, to render it even remotely edible. Despite its burdensome preparation, the Amber Potato is a dietary mainstay, often boiled for hours until it softens enough to be mashed or creamed. In a common dish, these laboriously prepared potatoes are layered over fried mutton and root vegetables, creating a hearty meal that, while modest, provides essential sustenance. On rare occasions, such as communal gatherings or seasonal festivals, the resourceful poor demonstrate their culinary adaptability with dishes like "Harrows Pie." This dish features mutton stewed with whatever vegetables are at hand, topped with a crust of mashed Amber Potatoes. The pie is then baked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld into a comforting repast that, despite its simplicity, offers a fleeting respite from daily adversity. These moments of shared meals underscore the enduring spirit of Everwealth's people, finding solace and connection through the unifying act of breaking bread together.
Culinary Practices and Traditions:
The preparation of daily meals in Everwealth is a communal affair, often involving multiple generations within a household. Given the arduous process required to make the Amber Potato edible, families typically designate specific days for its preparation, ensuring that enough is cooked to last several meals. Cooking methods are adapted to maximize the limited resources available; for instance, stews and soups are favored as they allow for stretching small quantities of meat and vegetables to feed larger groups. Bread dumplings, made from coarse flour and water, are another staple, providing a filling accompaniment to broths and stews. These dumplings are often flavored with wild herbs foraged from the surrounding countryside, adding a hint of variety to an otherwise monotonous diet. Carrots and other root vegetables are commonly incorporated into dishes, valued for their ability to be stored through the harsh winters.
Seasonal and Festive Foods:
During special occasions, such as the Harvest Festival or midwinter celebrations, the poor folk of Everwealth endeavor to elevate their humble fare. "Harrow Pie" becomes the centerpiece of these feasts, symbolizing both the hardships endured and the hope for better times. Communities might pool their resources to procure additional ingredients like cheese or preserved fruits to enhance their meals. These gatherings serve not only as a means of nourishment but also as vital social events, reinforcing communal bonds and shared cultural identity.
Adaptation and Survival:
The relentless scarcity in Everwealth has fostered a culture of frugality and resourcefulness. Every part of an ingredient is utilized to its fullest potential—bones are boiled to create rich broths, vegetable peels are composted to enrich the soil, and leftovers are creatively repurposed into new meals. This pragmatic approach to cooking ensures that nothing goes to waste, a necessity in a land where every morsel is hard-earned.
Traditional Poor-Folk Dishes:

• Stonebread Stew: A thick, hearty soup featuring root vegetables and scraps of meat, thickened with crumbled stale bread to add substance and minimize waste.
• Forge Cakes: Dense, pan-fried patties made from a mixture of mashed Amber Potatoes and ground barley, providing a portable and filling meal for laborers.
• Razorwheat Sweet Rolls: In regions where Razorwheat thrives, its dark, nutrient-rich grains are transformed into "Razorwheat Sweet Rolls." Despite the perilous harvesting process, the resulting flour yields a dense, slightly bitter dough. Sweetened with rare honey or dried fruits when available, these rolls offer a modest indulgence amidst daily struggles. The contrast of the subtle sweetness against the hearty grain embodies the delicate balance of hardship and hope that defines life in Everwealth. Sharing these rolls during communal gatherings or festivals reinforces the bonds forged through shared toil and perseverance.

In summary, the cuisine of Everwealth's impoverished populace is a reflection of their enduring spirit and ability to adapt. Through simple yet hearty dishes centered around staple ingredients like the formidable Amber Potato, they have crafted a culinary tradition that sustains both body and soul amidst the relentless challenges of their environment.