Fandom High School

Class today was meeting in the Danger Shop, and they would arrive to find it set up like a large, gourmet kitchen. Hannibal stood there with an apron on and smiled and nodded at them.

"Since your class project will be due soon, I thought I would demonstrate what I expect by example. Which also, not coincidentally, gives me the opportunity of indulging in one of my favorite activities - cooking for an audience."

He walked around the kitchen, getting things ready as he kept talking. "Today I will be making for you steak and kidney pies. I decided upon these because they have a special place in my heart. Most Americans will not have had them, as offal are hardly ever eaten in this country, which is a terrible shame that I like to correct, and also, they are a fairly traditional food in my husband's country." He smiled as he cooked the onions and mushrooms. "The process of making them is not particularly laden with tradition, although I can make a different shape of pie for each of you, if you like; it's a simple way to make your dish fit a particular audience."

He explained each step as he did it, and showed them the roux - "One of the first techniques I learned, and invaluable." - and making the gravy and then the pastries.

He smiled. "And now we wait. So, do any of you have plans yet for your own projects?"

Hannibal had listened to the radio this morning, and was currently happier for having Dante than he'd ever been before. His paint-splashed umbrella was sitting off to one side, along with a selection of towels for anyone that needed them.

Class this week was meeting in the Danger Shop. In the center was a table with food set out. One one side, it was set up to look like a British pub, with dark wooden tables, dim-ish lighting, and rock music playing; on the other, it was a fancier restaurant, with cloth tablecloths, actual silver silverware, and light classical playing. Between the two, past the table of food, was a lawn with a picnic laid own under a tree.

Hannibal greeted the students. "We've touched a bit upon this already, but today we're going to discuss more about what things affect the meaning of 'food'. Particularly, environment." He waved to indicate the different setups. "What sorts of food would you expect in each of these locations? How would you expect to eat it?"

He nodded at the food. "Choose what you like, take it where you like, and let's discuss your choices."

Hannibal smiled at the students as they filed in, and once they were all there, greeted them.

"Good morning. I am Dr. Lecter; this class is The Philosophy of Food." He handed out the syllabus to each of them. "If you're not in the right place, you're welcome to stay regardless."

He leaned against the desk at the front of the room. "If you'd prefer, you may pull your seats forward, or sit upon the floor. So long as you listen and participate, I'm not bothered where or whether you sit."

He nodded at the syllabus in the nearest student's hand. "You will not need to take any notes, although you may do so if you choose. As you can see, there will be a final project, no exams or quizzes. I have only two requirements for my classes: one, you must participate." He indicated the covered dishes on the desk behind him. "You may choose to eat or not anything I put before you. You may choose to eat none of it; while I might be disappointed, it will in no way affect your grade. However, you must have opinions and speak them, and possibly be prepared to defend them." He smiled.

"My second rule is this – there will be no judging. There will undoubtedly be things presented to you that you do not think of as edible, or that you have a cultural or religious bias against. There may be practices in the raising or creation of food which you may find objectionable. I expect you to say just that, and to be prepared to explain why. There will be no use of the term 'disgusting', no 'ew's or 'gross'es." He frowned. "That will affect your grade if I hear it. You will similarly not judge any of the others here for their opinions on the food."

He stood again. "Introductions are traditional our first week. You may be somewhat tired of them by now, but they are a necessity here. In addition to your name, please tell me any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have. I expect this class to cause you to think about your food and expand your horizons, not kill you from anaphylaxis." Though he did have medicines just in case; he'd never lost a student unintentionally yet, and had no plans of starting now.

He nodded at the first student. "Your turn now."