 Item number, SCP-241 Object Class, Safe Special Containment Procedures SCP-241 is to be kept at Site-19, using standard operating procedures for containing safe-class book and manuscript type SCPs, with the following additional conditions. SCP-241 must be kept open on a flat surface, with restraints across opposing pages of the open book, to keep it from closing accidentally. Containment devices must be checked at least once a week for structural integrity. Any anomalies must be reported immediately to Site Command. Access to SCP-241 is restricted. Any and all usage of SCP-241 must be logged. SCP-241 must be transported in an authorized book stand, such that it cannot accidentally be closed in transit. In the event that SCP-241 is opened outside of a testing environment, the last person to have touched it must report to the nearest infirmary, and a D-class personnel must close and reopen SCP-241. Description SCP-241 appears as a normal book, 33 cm x 23 cm x 3.5 cm, entitled Good Home Cooking. The cover of SCP-241 is a red and white checkerboard pattern, with the title and simple black letters on the front and spine. When open, SCP-241 contains 99 recipes, sorted into typical sections of a cookbook. Many of these recipes include a picture of the dish that is invariably appetizing, and a small percentage will call for rare or exotic ingredients. Whenever SCP-241 is opened by a subject, known as the target, different from the one who last opened it, i.e., the previous target, the recipes contained in the book change. Preliminary investigations concluded that if the target eats a dish prepared from one of the recipes in SCP-241, that person soon dies from apparent anaphylactic shock. Others who eat the same dish are not similarly affected. Testing has been authorized to determine the exact nature of SCP-241's effects. SCP-241 appears to be impervious to getting dirty, and to at least minor damage. For example, sauces splashed onto its pages disappear almost immediately, and torn pages and nicks on the cover are repaired within seconds. Research on SCP-241 continues, including potential interaction with other SCP items. Experiment log, 241-L02, supplemental testing on SCP-241. Just as in initial testing, all tests on SCP-241 were carried out in test kitchens at Site-19, using D-Class personnel for test subjects, unless otherwise indicated. Test 241-21 Subject Subject 241-J was chosen from general population. Health screenings indicate subject is allergic to peanuts. Procedure Subject was instructed to close and open SCP-241 several times at prescribed intervals. Each time SCP-241 was opened, the complete contents of SCP-241 were recorded and transcribed while subject underwent testing. Results Test results indicated the subject's allergy to peanuts worsened each time subject opened SCP-241. Subject's allergy was most affected the first time he opened SCP-241, and subsequently opening SCP-241 appears to have diminishing effects. However, subject's allergy worsened from mild to severe. Most of the recipes in SCP-241 reappeared when subject closed and reopened SCP-241. Between 11 and 17 inclusive new recipes appeared each time SCP-241 was reopened. Recipes that had been replaced did not reappear. The one exotic recipe was replaced after subject had opened SCP-241 for the fourth time. Analysis The effects of SCP-241 appear to follow the law of diminishing returns. SCP-241 also appears to tailor its choice of recipes to the specific condition of the target, though much more testing would be necessary to prove that theory. Suggest analysis of recipes offered during normal testing of SCP-241. Subject-241-22 Subject-241-K is a rhesus monkey. Health screenings indicated no apparent food allergies or other health problems. Procedure Subject was introduced to SCP-241 and encouraged to open it by handlers. Handlers were instructed to keep subject from closing SCP-241 again. Results Subject eventually opened SCP-241 and handlers kept it open for analysis. The contents of SCP-241 were consistent with previous results for a target with a shellfish allergy, though again unique for the target. Testing confirmed subject had developed an allergy to shellfish. A dish was prepared from SCP-241 by subject-241-F and presented to subject-241-K. Subject-241-K ate the meal without hesitation, and nine minutes later was dead from anaphylactic shock, consistent with previous testing. Analysis SCP-241 is just as effective on certain non-humans as it is on humans. The working theory now is that SCP-241 works on anything potentially susceptible to food allergies that can and does open SCP-241. Subject-241-23 Subject-241-L is a robot designed for remote manipulation of hazardous materials. Procedure Subject was remote controlled by R. who was instructed to have the subject open SCP-241. Results Subject opened SCP-241 via remote control. The contents of SCP-241 were identical to before it was closed previously. Analysis SCP-241 apparently does not respond to inorganic targets. Test 241-24 Subject Subject-241-M slash 859-E was chosen from general population. Health screenings indicated no allergies. Procedure Subject was exposed to SCP-859 via touch. Subject then placed within a MOP-P4 containment suit. Subject was given SCP-241 and instructed to open it and to keep it open. Results Tests on skin sample taken from subject confirm development of severe allergy to spider venom. As per usual with contact with SCP-859, SCP-241 retained its previous set of recipes. Analysis SCP-241 apparently requires physical contact with subject. Test SCP-241-25 Subject Subject-241-M slash 859-E Procedure Subject given a standard class D uniform. Subject was given SCP-241 and instructed to open it. Results Subject dropped SCP-241 to the floor and began screaming. Subject given a mild sedative. SCP-241 contained a set of arachnid-based and themed recipes. The meal, Mr. Skeleton's Halloween Spider Snacks, was selected and prepared from SCP-241 by Subject-241-F. Due to Subject-241-M slash 859-E having severe arachnophobia, data expunged. Within two minutes, the subject experienced breathing difficulties and partial paralysis. This was closely followed by the typical symptoms of anaphylaxis. Immediate administration of epinephrine did not prevent the subject from expiring. Analysis Although the images found in SCP-241 are typically considered pleasing or appetizing, it does not seem to have any particular sentience. Autopsy confirmed the presence of venom and neurotoxins produced by the Brazilian wandering spider. End experiment log Directive-241-S06 In light of recent test results with SCP-241, no further testing of SCP-241 on personnel without pre-existing food allergies is authorized. Without level 4 security clearance, testing may continue on personnel with pre-existing food allergies. 05 Directive-241-S09 Reclassification of SCP-241 to Euclid Classes Denied Honestly, the cookbook? Leave it in its room and everything's fine. It's no one else's fault if you don't know what you're allergic to and don't bother to find out beforehand. Unless you're cooking for your significant other, then you'd better know. 05 Directive-241-S11 Cross-Testing SCP-241 with other SCPs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Considered to SCP-682 has already been considered and denied. 05 Addendum 1 Acquisition Summary The Foundation became aware of SCP-241 in April 2000 while investigating reports of a black widow in... Said subject had been married four times, and all four of her husbands had died shortly after eating a meal at home. However, since authorities never found evidence of foul play, subject was never charged with any crime. Subsequent interviews with subject by Foundation personnel revealed the existence of SCP-241, at which time SCP-241 was seized by Foundation agents. Subject revealed that she had first realized there was something unusual with SCP-241 when data expunged. 02 Initial Testing Log All tests on SCP-241 were carried out in test kitchens at Site-19, using D-Class personnel for test subjects, unless otherwise noted. Test 241-1 Subject Subject 241-A was chosen from general population, no unusual traits selected for. Procedure Subject 241-A was presented SCP-241 while closed, and instructed to open it, choose a recipe, prepare it, and eat it while giving feedback during the entire process. Results Before exposure to SCP-241, subject declared that he had never cooked anything more complicated than ramen noodles. Subject opened SCP-241, reporting nothing unusual. Subject looked through recipes in SCP-241, choosing sauteed scallops in a white wine sauce. Subject prepared the sauteed scallops from the recipe in SCP-241, and when complete, remarked that he did not know he could do that. Subject declared that the prepared dish smelled fantastic, and while eating it, declared, this is the best thing I've ever eaten. Three minutes after completing the meal, subject started showing symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Subject was treated with emergency doses of epinephrine, but treatment was not effective. Subject died from anaphylactic shock six minutes afterward, later confirmed by autopsy. A subsequent examination of SCP-241 revealed that 81 of its recipes called for shellfish. SCP-241 was left open. Analysis Results are consistent with previous descriptions of the effects of SCP-241. Test 241-2 Subject. Subject 241-B was chosen from general population. Subject reports no known allergies to scallops or other shellfish. Procedure SCP-241 was still open from test 241-1. Subject 241-B was instructed to not close SCP-241, find the sauteed scallops recipe, just repair it, and eat it while giving feedback during the entire process. Results Before exposure to SCP-241, subject expressed doubt that he'd be able to prepare the sauteed scallops recipe. After preparing the dish, subject expressed surprise that he had done so, similarly to the reaction of subject 241-A, and said that the dish smells pretty good. While eating, subject declared that the dish was pretty good, and again expressed surprise that he had cooked it. Subject did not suffer anaphylactic shock, or any other adverse effect after completing the meal. Post-testing observation of subject revealed no long-term effects from eating the dish. SCP-241 was left open. Analysis Results are consistent with previous descriptions of the effects of SCP-241. Subjects that SCP-241 may somehow improve the cooking skill of whoever is preparing the dish. Test 241-3 Subject Subjects 241-C and 241-D were chosen from general population. Both subjects report no skill in cooking, and no allergies to shellfish. Procedure SCP-241 was still open from test 241-2. Subject 241-C was instructed to not close SCP-241, find the sauteed scallops recipe, and transcribe it to a standard sheet of paper. In a separate test kitchen, subject 241-D was given the transcribed recipe, and instructed to prepare and eat the dish prepared. Results Subject 241-C found and transcribed the recipe without incident. The transcribed recipe was visually compared to the recipe in SCP-241, and confirmed to be identical. SCP-241 was left open. Subject displayed no adverse effects from interaction with SCP-241. Subject 241-D was given the transcribed recipe, and attempted to prepare the sauteed scallops, but experienced difficulty and frustration, several times declaring, I told you guys I can't cook. The completed dish did not look or smell nearly as good as in previous tests. Subject balked at eating the dish, saying that it smells like b***h, but was persuaded to eat it. Subject ate approximately 40% of the meal before stating, I'm gonna be sick, at which time Subject vomited. Subject was instructed to finish the meal, but Subject responded, data expunged. Termination of Subject considered, but rejected, in favor of further testing. Analysis More evidence that SCP-241 can improve the cooking skill of its user. Subject 241-D retained for further testing. Test 241-4 Subject Subject 241-D Procedure SCP-241 was still open from Test 241-3. Subject 241-D was instructed to not close SCP-241, find the sauteed scallops recipe, spare it, and eat it, while giving feedback during the entire process. Results Subject vociferously protested to having to eat her own cooking, but was persuaded to cooperate, with the promise that Subject would not have to eat the resulting dish, if it turned out like in the previous test. Subject expressed skepticism, but proceeded to prepare the sauteed scallops recipe. While cooking the dish, Subject experienced none of the difficulties she experienced from the previous test, instead expressing the now familiar surprise that her cooking was turning out so well. The completed dish looked and smelled similar to the results of Test 241-2. Subject was not nearly as reluctant to eat the prepared dish, declaring it, not bad. Not bad at all. Subject did not appear to suffer from any adverse effects after eating the dish. During post-testing interviews, Subject was asked how she was able to prepare the sauteed scallops during this test, when the results of the previous test were so unappetizing. Subject stated that she did not know, only that once she started cooking the dish, it became perfectly clear to her how to do it. Subject did not appear to have any additional knowledge of cooking, and even had trouble remembering the cooking techniques she used in this test. Analysis There is now little doubt that SCP-241 can turn people who know nothing about cooking into gourmet chefs, at least for the dish that is being prepared. Test 241-11 Subject Subject's 241E and 241F were chosen from general population. Subject 241E is known to have an allergy to peanuts. Subject 241F has demonstrated considerable skill as a chef. Procedure Subject 241E was presented with SCP-241 while closed, and instructed to open it and choose a recipe. Subject 241F was then instructed to prepare the selected meal from SCP-241. The prepared dish was given to Subject 241E, who was then asked to eat it. Results Subject 241E opened SCP-241 and, while looking through the recipes offered, stated that all the recipes called for peanuts, adding, Peanuts mess me up something fierce. Subject found a few recipes that did not include peanuts, and selected an Australian carrot cake. Subject 241F prepared the carrot cake from SCP-241, and remarked that the finished product was better than he expected. The cake was presented to Subject 241E, who started eating without prompting or hesitation. Subjects stated that the cake was the best thing I've ever eaten, and ate nearly half the cake before claiming satiation. Within two minutes, Subjects started showing symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Subject was administered epinephrine, which was ineffective, and died four minutes later. Autopsy confirmed anaphylactic shock as the cause of death. The recipes in SCP-241 were examined, and 85 of the 99 recipes called for peanuts or peanut products, but the Australian carrot cake was not one of them. The carrot cake, and seven other recipes included lupin flour. A quick search found that lupin flour can induce an anaphylactic reaction in those who suffer from peanut allergies. The remaining six recipes called for more...exotic ingredients. SCP-241 remained open. The remaining half of the cake was saved for further testing. Analysis. Reactions of Subjects 241e and 241f were both consistent with prior observations. The selection of recipes supports the theory that SCP-241 somehow determines the substance that the target is most allergic to, and offers recipes to specifically induce a fatal allergic reaction in the target. Test 241-12 Subject 241f Procedure. Subject 241f was instructed to prepare the six dishes that contained neither peanuts nor lupin flour. The dishes were turned over for analysis. The six recipes were transcribed. Results. Data Expunged Analysis. Data Expunged. Subject 241f showed no apparent ill effects from preparing seven different dishes from SCP-241 in quick succession. Recommended retaining subject to study long-term effects of secondary, i.e. not as the target, exposure to SCP-241. Test 241-13 Subject Subject 241g was chosen from general population and is known to have an allergy to peanuts. Procedure. Subject was instructed to eat the remaining cake from test 241-11. Subject asked if the cake contained peanuts and was assured that it did not. Subject stated that he didn't much like carrot cake. Subject started eating the cake, remarking that the cake was pretty good actually. Subject consumed approximately 75% of the remaining cake before declaring satiation. After seven minutes, subject started showing signs of anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine was administered and subject was stabilized. Subject eventually recovered, although recovery time was somewhat longer than expected. Analysis. It appears that although the recipes from SCP-241 are potentially hazardous to anyone susceptible to the allergen in question, SCP-241's recipes are most potent against the target. Test 241-14 Subject Subject 241h was chosen from general population. According to complete health screenings, subject has no food allergies. Procedure. Subject was instructed to open SCP-241 and leave it open for analysis. Results. Analysis of SCP-241 showed that 79 of the recipes on its pages called for chicken eggs or egg-based products. 15 of the remaining recipes called for eggs. The other five recipes did expunged. These five recipes were transcribed. Subject 241h stated that she had never experienced any problems eating eggs before. Subject was presented with one dozen hardboiled chicken eggs and was instructed to eat them. Subject asked for salt and pepper, granted, and proceeded to eat the eggs. While eating the third egg, subject started complaining of stomach pain. Subject was instructed to continue eating and she begrudgingly continued. On ingesting her seventh egg, subject collapsed on the floor, doubled over in pain. Within 60 seconds, subject started showing signs of anaphylactic shock. Epinephrine was administered and subject was stabilized. Subject recovered within the expected recovery time for such an episode. Analysis. We now have evidence that SCP-241 somehow induces or amplifies an allergy in the target when SCP-241 is opened. This ability would explain how SCP-241 is able to cause an allergic reaction in targets without pre-existing food allergies. Addendum 3. Notes from cross-testing. To determine the effects of SCP-241's recipes on subjects that either cannot eat or do not require sustenance, approval was given to cross-test SCP-241 on SCP-1770. On subject opening the book, the contents were identical to before it was closed previously. This confirms results of test 241-23, in which SCP-241 does not respond to inorganic subjects. Lesson complete. If you missed the previous orientation, go watch SCP-240, Breath-Powered Flying Machine, right now, or for the complete course, watch this playlist.