Berridge

Overview

Berridge is a dish cooked throughout the nation of Vraitha, mostly during the colder times from the golden days of autumn to the green days of the spring. Some people cook it even in the warmer days for comfort. Because of this it is sometimes referred to as "Soulfood".

History

Since the lands of Vraitha are cold most of the time, oat is one of the few basic ingredients of food. As the trade picked up throughout the decades, oat became less and less popular, as wheat took its place.
But people remembered the golden days of oat, where they've put frozen / winter berries in a bowl of hot oat porridge, let it sit for a few minutes and eat it. this gave it the name of Berridge, because Porridge with Berries was a name too long to say every time. And porridge without berries was just porridge.
It became very clear very fast that Berridge was a peoples favourite and even the royal family enjoyed it. It was not a states dish, but sometimes it was served alongside smoked fish, barrels of whiskey, and honey desserts. Throughout the decades the Mistress of Vraitha often chose Berridge over some turkey or quails. That caused a lot of noble or royal guests to be a bit irritated, but you don't ask the Mistress why they chose a "poor" dish.

(Psychological) Effects

Besides being healthy on its own the Berridge is just tasty and has a similar effect on a lot of people than a piece of chocolate or a cup of hot chocolate. It creates a surge of dopamin and a relaxed feeling like sitting in front of an open fire behind cold glass when the winter is in full strength outside.
In combination with the berries it has a fruity, fresh, and a bit crunchy mouth-feeling to the oat-taste. Served hot - or at least still warm - it creates a feeling of comfort and cozyness, even when you are poor and it is your only meal per day.
For royal/noble guests it gives the feeling of coming home or being welcome in the hosts halls. If they deem Berridge worthy to be in their high-up mouths and carefully developed tastebuds.

Recipe

• Oat
• Hot water or hot milk
• Berries
• Spice(s), mint or whatever strikes your fancy

Boil water or milk, pour oat into the liquid (a quarter or two quarter of the hot liquid), let it simmer for a few minutes, put the pot from the stove, let it cool a bit and then put the berries in. Stir, serve.

Bowl of Berridge by CrazyEddie via Midjourney

"There is nothing like a hot bowl of Berridge in Vraitha, when the storm is howling, frost and snow have the land in their grip and you don't wanna go out. Well, unless our beloved women make you."

— Husband in Vraitha

"Nothing beats a good bowl of Berridge after some long nights.", said Vrinis with a hot steaming bowl in hands and a satisfied smile, her body barely covered by... anything.

"If you say so.", coughed Roland out of breath, not covered by anything, with a wry smile and then he got a porridge covered berry placed on his lips by his beloved Mistress.