Lava Jam
“If ye don’t blister at least once makin’ it, ye did it wrong.”
Origin
Lava Jam is a fiery, bittersweet preserve made from the fruit of the Lava Thistle — a thick-skinned, ember-red fruit that ripens only beside molten lava flows. The tree draws minerals from volcanic stone and feeds on heat itself, resulting in a fruit with a char-smoked rind, molten-sweet pulp, and a hint of capsaicin burn.
Harvesting is dangerous work, done by Ash-Runners, specialist foragers who wear stone-cooled boots and fire-slicked cloaks.
Manufacturing process
Instructions
- Scorch the Skins
Place the Lava Thistle fruits directly on hot stone or metal until the outer skin blisters and splits. This helps release the pulp and intensifies the natural smokiness. Cool briefly, then peel (carefully). - Pulverize the Pulp
Mash the fruit pulp with a stone pestle in a forge-bowl until smooth. Be sure to remove the firecores (hard seed stones) — these are sometimes saved for planting or rune-carving. - Brew the Base
In a heavy-bottomed cauldron, combine the pulp with emberroot, sugar crystals, and mead. Simmer over low forge-heat, stirring with a blackened bone spoon, for 2–3 hours or until thickened. Add forge-charcoal in the last half-hour. - Test the Burn
Taste carefully. A good Lava Jam should tingle the tongue, warm the chest, and bring a single tear to the eye. Add glowpepper at this stage for extra bite. - Jar with Honor
Pour into stone or rune-glass jars while hot. Seal with wax infused with basalt ash. Leave to set in a cool tunnel for 2 days — or beside a sleeping cave-hog, if you’re in a rush.
Significance
Notes for the Culturally Curious
- Traditionally served with heavy breads, smoked cave-goat cheese, or as a glaze for fire-roasted meats.
- A single spoonful is said to give clarity before battle or debate.
- Dwarves say Lava Jam is best enjoyed in silence, with one’s back to the hearth.
Item type
Consumable, Food / Drink
Raw materials & Components
Ingredients (Makes 3 small jars)
- 5 ripe Lava Thistle fruits (still hot from the vine is best — never refrigerate!)
- 1 thumb-length of Emberroot, grated (adds smoke and heat)
- 1 cup fermented stone-sugar crystals (or substitute with molasses + coarse ash-salt blend)
- ½ cup Dwarven Iron Mead (helps break down the pulp and infuse strength)
- 1 pinch forge-charcoal powder (for grit and preservation)
- Optional: Crushed glowpepper seeds, if ye like your jam to fight back
Fun crafts for the whole family!
Exactly! I have a feeling I am going to end up with SO MANY foods and ingredients after this Summer Camp, lol.
One could say a plentiful pantry?