YAPDEM: 2025

DREAMING OF MILK DOMINATION

Three cats—Mochi, Salem, and Pudding—sat in a perfect triangle beneath the silver moon, their whiskers twitching in anticipation. They had fallen asleep on the windowsill, bellies full, but their dreams had just begun.

In their shared dream, they stood upon a mountain made entirely of soft, swirling cream. Rivers of milk flowed through valleys of cheese, and clouds rained down whipped froth. A golden saucer floated in the sky, glowing like a divine treasure.

“This is it,” purred Mochi, eyes gleaming. “The Age of Cats begins with the Milk Dominion.”

Salem, always the strategist, flicked his tail. “We’ll need to control the Great Spigot of Endless Dairy. Only then can we rule.”

Pudding, the youngest and most chaotic, leapt into a milk fountain and declared, “I claim this land in the name of all cats who have ever been denied seconds!”

They marched across the creamy plains, leaving pawprints of destiny. Every bowl they touched overflowed. Every kitten they met bowed in awe. Soon, the entire realm meowed their names in reverence: the Triumvirate of Milk.

But as the golden saucer descended, the ground began to tremble. The milk rivers turned to fog, the cheese mountains crumbled, and a distant sound echoed—pssshhk!—the hiss of a waking kettle.

The three cats opened their eyes on the windowsill. Morning light spilled across their fur. Their human was pouring milk into her coffee.

They stared at the cup, then at each other.

The dream might have ended, but the thirst for domination remained.

West African Donut recipe

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African Donut (Puff-Puff) Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for aroma)
1¼ cups warm water (or milk for richer flavor)
Oil for deep frying

Instructions

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix warm water (not hot) with sugar and yeast.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Make the Batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and nutmeg.
Pour in the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth.
The dough should be thick but stretchy, like a pancake batter.

Let it Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
Place it in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Heat the Oil

In a deep pan, heat oil on medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the dough balls.

Fry the Donuts

Scoop small portions of dough (use your hands or a spoon) and drop them into the oil.
Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown — about 3–5 minutes per batch.