River had emerged from her bedroom was she was sure Simon wouldn't be in the immediate area to immediately shepherd her back inside. She'd been well aware of the additional presence in the Avalon and then in their living quarters, but she'd waited to be sure before quietly making her way into the kitchen to investigate. She had to be sure he was alright. Besides, if he was, maybe he had a coat so she could go outside and investigate the blizzard.
The smell that she noticed wasn't like the usual scent that was a result of her brother's attempts at cooking. She stood at where the kitchen opened up, just watching the stranger work with a curious and wary gaze.
"Cured pork belly. The American preparation uses the fatty meat from the belly as opposed to the leaner cuts from the side and back," she observed in a small voice finally, her eyes fixed on the pan where the bacon rested. They shifted to look at the stranger. "It's not burning. You're a better cook than Simon."