Sarah J. Maas’s second book in the Crescent City series, House of Sky and Breath, blew me away, not only because of the ending (which I don’t think I’ll ever get over), but the entire world-building and character development are completely elevated. I couldn’t get enough from each character.
My absolute favorite little group though is the Frat Pack, consisting of Ruhn, Flynn, Declan, and later Ithan. Very quickly the group turns into rebels joining Bryce, Hunt, and Tharion. These interactions with everyone are some of the best. The banter among all the characters with their varying personalities is so entertaining to read.
Maas is able to slip in little details and quirks with each character's relationships which makes these characters feel so real. For instance, when they all order pizza at Bryce’s, and now Hunt’s, apartment.
“‘What’d you get?’ her brother [Ruhn Danaan] asked. An attempt at normalcy after Tharion’s visit. Hunt and Ithan said at the same time, ‘Sausage and onion with extra cheese.’ Bryce laughed. ‘I don’t know whether to be impressed or disturbed’” (Maas 142).
The scenes that reveal a little more of each character are what really make this 800-plus page book fly by. It’s hard not to fall in love with these characters as their personalities become more and more layered.
So, inspired by this pizza scene, where everyone either knows or learns each other’s orders, I decided to create a recipe for Bryce’s pizza order.
I’d imagine having this at the Frat house with the “Frat House Rebels” as we find a way to take down the Asteri. Flynn would be distracted by his fire sprites and Ruhn would be thinking of agent Daybright. There would be a ton of jokes and insults, the line blurring between the two.
Now for the recipe: (This recipe is for three personal-sized pizzas)
Ingredients:
For the dough:
3 ¾ cup double zero flour
8 grams yeast
1 tsp salt
1 ¼ cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
For the sauce:
1 can of peeled tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic
2 ½ tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp sugar
Toppings:
1 package of crumbled sausage
1/2 pepper
½ onion
1 ball of mozzarella
or 1 package of shredded mozzarella
Step One:
Add the yeast and salt to the warm water (about 90 degrees) and let sit until bubbling. Mix together and then fold in the flour. Add the olive oil as the dough is kneaded together. Slap and fold together until the dough is a smooth consistency. If sticky, add more flour. If too dry, add more warm water.
Step Two:
Split the dough into three even pieces and then slightly roll it into round balls. Leave dough balls on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and olive oil. Then, place a damp oiled towel over the dough balls. The dough must rest overnight.
Step Three:
For the sauce, squeeze and strain the peeled tomatoes. Place in blender with garlic, salt, olive oil, and sugar and blend thoroughly. Optional: strain sauce once more after blending. While blending the sauce, I recommend frying the sausage for the topping.
Step Four:
Once the dough has rested overnight, begin spreading one of the dough balls into a circle, kneading from the inside out. Add a scoop of sauce to the dough and spread, leaving space for the crust. Then, add desired toppings. To match Bryce’s order, I did sausage and onions, but added peppers on mine!
Step Five:
Spread cornmeal on the pizza peel to prevent sticking. Place in the pizza oven for 60-90 seconds at about 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Rotate pizza every 20 seconds. If using a conventional oven, place dough in for 10 minutes before adding toppings, and then place the pizza in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then enjoy! I would have these delicious pizzas with your favorite cider or beer! Or, if you're feeling a cocktail try with a grapefruit Moscow mule. Finally, play your favorite playlist and imagine you are at the very famous Ruhn Danaan frat house in Crescent City.
Works Cited
Maas, Sarah J. House of Sky and Breath. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2022.
Madschofield. “Frat Pack Rebels.” Tumblr, May 2022, https://madschofield.tumblr.com/post/684072665260130304/frat-house-rebels-how-long-did-this-drawing. Accessed Sept. 2022.
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