Supernatural 12x06 "Celebrating the Life of Asa Fox"

Supernatural has rarely delved into the network of hunters that exist outside of the ones that come into contact with the Winchesters, so tonight was a nice look into some of the others that are also out there. And a nice little nod to the show being filmed in Canada with these hunters being based up in the north. Just how do we meet all of these new hunters?

Well, one of them dies, of course.

The one in question is Asa Fox, who we learn in a little flashback was a young boy saved from a werewolf by Mary back when she was supposed to have given up hunting. Once he knows about this other world, he takes it upon himself to also become a hunter, and we get a montage of his life growing up and killing things and bedding girls, you know, the hunter's way. All of that comes to an end when he gets strung up a tree, dead.

Turns out, Jody knew him, and she happens to find out about his death right when the Winchester are passing through town. They all head up to pay their respects, and learn that all of the other hunters know who the Winchesters are, with some of them being a little too fanboy gushy. They're all telling stories about Asa when Mary shows up, much to everyone's surprise. But she has been trying to find people she knew all those years ago, and found out about Asa, etc. etc.

It's not long before death visits the hunters again, though, when they discover that another of their own has been killed - and right in the very house the wake is taking place in, aka right under their noses. One of the hunters surmises that the one doing it must be a crossroads demon named JL, I think, who had it out for Asa. They try to head out to find said demon, but discover the house has been warded. They can't get out! Except for Dean, who is already outside lamenting his mommy issues.

Dean gets back in with the help of the reaper Billie, who was there taking dead hunter Randy's soul. The demon hops into one pour lout after another until it rests inside Jody, who of course no one wants to kill, except maybe Mary, since she doesn't understand the import of one Sheriff Jody Mills. There is much tossing about of people around the house and JL spouting off people's secrets - like two of the young ones were actually Asa's kids, and that Jody secretly wanted a relationship with him.

Oh, and that his best buddy actually killed him. Dun dun dun! Yes, it turns out that hunter Bucky accidentally killed Asa and decided to make it look as if JL had done it. He confesses to the whole thing after they manage to do a group exorcism. What do they do with Bucky? Basically ostracize him, which is better than killing him, I suppose.


Mary is still struggling with being back in the living world, though. She hasn't really accepted the hunter life, though it seems like she's on her way there. But then Billie shows back up. And I'll tell you what, I was going to be pissed if she left so quickly. Thankfully, it turns out that a reaper can't just take a soul without the person being dead, and seeing as no one is planning on killing Mary, that will just have to wait. Mary still isn't quite ready to head back to the bunker with the boys, but she at least lets them buy her breakfast.

Random Thoughts:

- I have to say, I enjoyed this episode a lot. I think it might be my favorite of the season so far. Do I like every episode that Jody is in? Hmm. I think maybe I do!

- These hunters were introduced in a more natural way than they've done in the past, and I wouldn't mind seeing some of them again, even those young twins who seem ripe for another Supernatural trial at a spin off, what with being the kids of a hunter and a witch. They did say their mom was a witch, right? I think so.

- Did you all hear that Supernatural will be moving to 8pm come mid-season? While the show has been on virtually every night of the week over its many years, it has never been on at any time other than 9pm. I'm not sure what to think about that. Isn't the 8pm hour supposed to be more tame? Hmm.

- I love that Mary has the one piece of hair that's longer than the rest. I don't know why, but I do.

Quotes:

Jody: Wow, you look terrible, what's wrong.
Dean: Sure, we'd love to come in.

Sam: Did you know people tell stories about us?
Dean: Yeah, we're like, legendary.

Billie: Between us, it's always nice to see a Winchester who can't get what he wants.

Dean: Can we buy you breakfast at least?
Mary: Bacon?
Dean: All the bacon.
Mary: I would love that.

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

Funny enough, I thought I had posted this recipe some time ago. Then I realized I think I didn't like the pictures, so I never did post it. What a shame! This cake is seriously delicious. It's super moist (I know, I know, some of you hate that word) and the toffee sauce on top?

O.M.G.

I could just spoon that straight into my mouth and be happy. Like, what else can we put this sauce on? Ice cream? Sure. That sounds amazing.

It's also pretty dang easy to make. The only thing you need is some time to chop up your dates and let them soak. Otherwise it's pretty basic and simple. I will give you one tip - I started making the rest of the dough while the dates were still resting, so I then let it sit a bit until those were done. It got a little hard to stir after that, so mixing in the date puree wasn't as easy and took a little more elbow grease. So, I would wait until the date puree is ready to go before starting on the rest of the batter. 

Also, the toffee sauce does bubble up a bit, so you may want to use a larger saucepan than you think is necessary. I just used a regular saucepan and had a couple close calls, but it did work. Just something to consider!

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Author: Jen @ Fresh From The…
Servings: 18 Pieces
Prep time: 01:00

Cook time: 00:45

Total time: 01:45
Printable Recipe

This cake does take some time to make, but it’s totally worth it – deliciously sweet and irresistible.

Ingredients:

For The Cake:
• 12 ounces (2 ¼ cups) dried dates
• 2 ¼ cups boiling water
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 stick (8 Tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Sauce:
• 1 stick (8 Tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. First, make the cake: Pit and roughly chop the dates and place them in a heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and stir in the baking soda. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x13 baking pan.
3. Blend the date mixture in a blender or food processor (I used a hand blender) until smooth. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugars. Whisk in the the eggs, then the salt. Stir in the flour, and then the date puree. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Then, make the sauce: Combine the butter, cream, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then whisk for about 10 minutes until it thickens a bit.
5. Cut out a piece and drizzle on the toffee and enjoy! Optionally, you can also make some whipped cream and add that as well if you need a little break from the sweetness. 

Recipe via Smitten Kitchen

Supernatural 12x05 "The One You've Been Waiting For"

What could have been a very timely episode turned into a very silly one, in my opinion. I'll be honest, it's been hard to concentrate on everyday things since Tuesday. I usually keep this blog completely separate from anything political because that's not what you're here for. You're here to read some stuff about Supernatural and see some recipes and that's what I'm giving you. But I am very sad and disheartened about what happened on Tuesday, and I'll leave it at that.

So, yes, this episode about the resurrection of Adolf Hitler via an enchanted horcux, er stopwatch, could've been timely given who has been elected, but I suppose they didn't know this was going to happen back when they wrote and filmed it, so whatever. That doesn't really mean it was an altogether entertaining and super interesting episode regardless. Because if I'm being honest, I was only half paying attention most of the time, and didn't particularly care about what was happening for the rest.

Basically, Dean finds this case where a couple people in an antique shop were burned alive. Turns out, the owner of the antique shop was a big Nazi fan, and the stopwatch he had been intending to sell this rich white woman was some Nazi relic. The Winchesters call up their Jewish buddy to find out if he knows anything, but that's kind of a bust. What they do know is that another body has shown up, only this time there was also a survivor.

Only said survivor is taken by one of those Nazi worshipers, the thule or whatever the heck they are. Sam and Dean catch up with them and capture the dude, who confesses that the stopwatch was Hitler's and essentially has a bit of Hitler's soul in it and they want to resurrect him. Only, they need someone of his bloodline in order to do. Hence - that girl who this Nazi dude kidnapped.

The Nazis end up getting her back again, and transfer her blood into their leader, and do some spell and such to resurrect Hitler into his body. He's generally wacky and played for comedy, and eventually the brothers are able to kick some butt and kill all the Nazis, with Dean getting the killshot on Hitler himself. Which, of course, he will never let Sam hear the end of.

So. That happened.

Random Thoughts:


- At least next week's episode looks interesting. Apologies to any of you who actually liked tonight's, but maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it either.

- Not mentioned above, in the beginning of the episode Dean refuses his beloved pie, but of course after besting Hitler in the end, he must go get some dang pie. Har har har.

Quotes:

Sam: Looks like we missed the cavalry.
Dean: Guess we should go home then.

Dean: We've gotta follow that car. I've always wanted to say that.

Dean: Boy, family's a bitch, ain't it?

Dean: Let's go kill some Nazi's.

Dean: Heil this.
Sam: Dude, you killed Hitler.
Dean: Yeah. Awesome.

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Easy Homemade Pita Bread

Bread always seems very intimidating, doesn't it? All this kneading and rising and blah blah makes a person just want to go buy a loaf at the grocery. Pita bread seems especially daunting. How does one get a pocket inside a piece of bread? What is this magic? Surely I can't do it myself!

My friends, you are wrong. You CAN make pita bread yourself, and you will be downright amazed at just how much dang better it is than anything you can buy at the store. Like, whoa, I just wanted to eat all of it immediately, better. And it's pretty easy. For someone who hasn't made a lot of bread, I didn't really have many problems doing this. I suppose I have baked a bunch so I kind of have a certain instinct going on, but seriously? So easy. And delicious. Deliciously easy.

I'll tell you what's also really fun - getting to watch them puff up in the oven. I was like how does this work, really? What will happen in there to make a pocket? Answer - puff up city. The puffing happens because of the water vapor creating steam and the high high heat being up next to the broiler. Magic? Maybe not. But it seems like it, right?

For this batch, I just used an upside down baking sheet because I was lazy and did not want to deal with getting the baking stone out from the cupboard. I'll have to try it another time on that and see if it makes any kind of difference. But these turned out so wonderfully, I don't know that it's even necessary.

So - go! Make pita bread! Eat it and love it forever!

Homemade Pita Bread
Author: Jen @ Fresh From The...
Servings: 8 pieces
Prep time: 01:45

Cook time: 00:03

Total time: 01:55

Homemade pita bread is about 1000 times better than store bought, and really very easy to make. Yum!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix together the yeast, sugar, and a 1/2 cup lukewarm water in a small bowl. Let sit for about five minutes until it gets foamy.
2. Combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix on low until blended. Add in your yeast mixture, another 1/2 cup water, and the olive oil. Mix on low until the dough forms a ball that pulls clear from the sides and bottom of the bowl. If that doesn't happen after about a minute, add another tablespoon of water.
3. The moment the dough starts to pull clear of the bottom of the bowl, add another 1/2 cup water and continue mixing until it's all incorporated. The dough should feel tacky when slapped with a clean hand, but it shouldn't be very sticky. If it sticks to your hand, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it feels right.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about an hour. OR you can let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Note: It didn't really rise for me in the fridge. I took it out and let it sit for quite a while on the counter and it did eventually rise.
5. Preheat your oven to 500°F, with a rack in the upper third. Place either a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to preheat along with the oven.
6. Roll the dough into 8 balls roughly the size of baseballs. Cover with a cloth and let rise until they are about the size of softballs.
7. Roll out each dough ball to about a 1/4 inch thickness with a floured rolling pin on a floured work surface. Place one or two at a time on your baking stone or sheet and bake until puffed and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately, or let cool.

Recipe via Michael Solomonov's Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking Cookbook

Supernatural 12x04 "American Nightmare"

As is Supernatural's wont, this week dealt with the tense family dynamic by having the boys run into another family with a strange dynamic. Except it wasn't really Dean dealing with them, so his sudden turnaround at the end was a bit unwarranted. But whatever!

The producers said that they would be going more back to the basics this season, and this episode definitely had more of that feel. It started off with your typical strange death, followed up by the boys riding into town to investigate. This time around, the death is a form of stigmata. Holes in the hands, flayed back and all. Dean wants to chalk it up to the Beth, the woman who gained the job after her boss died from said stigmata, but Sam isn't so sure.

So, when another local delivery boy turns up dead in the same fashion, with no known ties to Beth, it seems dear Sammy may be right. But what do the two dead people have in common, one may wonder? Why, this odd, ultra-religious family that lives on the edge of town. The first victim was their child protective services case worker while the other was their grocery delivery boy. Dun dun dun!

But when the boys go to investigate, things seem rather okay at first. Dean thinks they're just fine, but Sam isn't so sure. In fact, he gets really pissed about the fact that the daughter had died because they wouldn't take her to get medicine some time ago. He's convinced something more is going on. And wouldn't you know it? He's right! Turns out, said dead daughter is not so dead, but instead locked up in the basement and forced to whip herself as punishment for having the devil inside her. Sam finds out while doing some night investigating around their barn, and calls up Dean. Of course, just as he's telling him, the family takes him hostage and locks him up downstairs with Magda, the daughter.

Of course, Sam knows she's not possessed by the devil, because duh. Instead she's just some psychic kid like he used to be. Which, wait, those are still around? I thought they were all infected by yellow eyes or something. Oh whatever. I'm sure there's some explanation that I don't really care about.

Basically what we're saying here is the mom is really the crazy one, which only becomes more clear at the supposed family dinner where she, you know, kills the dad with rat poison, then urges the others to eat it with her so they can all go to the afterlife together. Magda stops her brother from doing it with her psychic powers, which makes her mom go crazy and come at her with a knife, only her brother jumps in the way and gets a knife in the gut himself. Magda uses her powers to make the mom turn the knife on herself, but after Sam urging her to take control of her powers, she doesn't go through with it, condemning her mother to prison instead.

They send her off to go live with her aunt while Dean owns up to the fact that he's being a jerk because he's upset about Mary taking off, particularly after she doesn't text him back. Only she does eventually text him back, saying her phone died and she didn't have a charger. Because, you know, she doesn't really know about technology stuff.

Meanwhile, Magda gets off at some rest stop to use the bathroom on the way to California, and we see the mysterious motorcycle that was shown earlier in the episode. Turns out, the British Men of Letters have sent Mr. Catch after Magda, so he just shoots her in the bathroom. Because people with powers count as monsters now, too? Sheesh.

Random Thoughts:

- I think I spotted a few gray hairs in Monsieur Padalecki's glorious mane of hair!

- This episode was pretty boring, I'll be honest. I'm surprised the recap got as long as it did.

- I don't really have many thoughts after this one. It was pretty much a standalone. So there you have it.

Quotes:

Dean: I'm a thirteen-year-old girl.

Dean: That's right. One's an angel, one's a demon. And apparently, they solve crimes.

Dean: Sorry I missed all the psycho.
Sam: Yeah and you thought our family was crazy.

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