"It makes a good balance--I added some honey and applesauce 'cause I couldn't get at fresh apples. Kinda like ginger candy's got sugar on it, you know? Still got a kick like ginger should have, but the sugar smooths it out."

He beams when she says she likes it though, glad to have the approval, and secretly relieved it doesn't come with questions about why a boy would cook. He's not entirely gotten over his issues with gender stereotypes.