The dwarven kitchen values durability and ability to sate hunger over taste and finesse. This often results in dried or salted meat, stout bread and sturdy stews. Diced meat and root vegetables are common ingredients in stews. Dwarven meals are often generously seasoned with salt, a hallmark of the Mervin dwarves. Salt is praised for preserving food and is also used as medicine for cattle. Dwarven ale is highly valued, even among other races and is considered to be something of an art form to produce and drink. Dwarves cook their meals in spacious hanging cauldrons to serve a large number of people. Clans often have a kitchen staff and shared dining areas. They eat at long stone tables with the leadership at the far end of the table. Food is often accompanied by hearty toasts and songs. Larger banquets and clan meals require the presence of luxurious dining accessories, often crafted in gold or silver.