One thing I am sure of, he thought.

Thanks to Step 1, I have come to a realization about Harumi Murakami's short story "Crabs." It's not about alienation and existential disembodiment at all; it's about Paragonimus westermani!

Don't click that if you've just eaten. Also, don't read the following sentence about the most ridiculous mnemonic ever to hit First Aid: "I don't have a clue why I smell fish in the vagina garden!" Ten points to whoever realizes what that's about*.

Right, dinner.

I'm on a bit of an individual-oven-baked-tureen-of-food kick, so expect to see many pot pies in the weeks to come. There's no need to use a recipe, really. Just cook up some vegetables to the almost-done stage**--I used mushrooms, leeks, celery, carrots, and a few other tidbits--in a roux with a protein, and stir in some broth. If you don't cook them in a roux, make or add a gravy or braising liquid, something to keep everything moist. Spice it with whatever you wish; I used tarragon in this one. Portion the whole mess out into individual oven-safe bowls. Cover with your favorite pastry dough or short crust, and brush with an egg wash if you're feeling fancy. Slit the top to allow steam out. Bake at 375 until the crust is done.

The best part is that you can prepare the filling while listening to immunology lectures the night before assembling the pies.

*Medical students not eligible. Come on, guys, it's a gimme. We've already done our OB-gyn rotations!
**If you're using root vegetables like potatoes, dice them and parboil them, since the short pot pie baking time won't be enough on its own to cook them.