By way of reminder, the object of this game is to solve (and briefly explain) the clue presented by the previous poster and then set your own clue.

Anything from the (worldwide) crossword arena is acceptable by way of clue style, but if you stray too far from the pure path beware the scourge of... Pandora's WET NOODLE!

The puzzle could be an old favourite or something of your own making. Don't be shy: this is for everyone, not just the old hands!

For those unfamiliar with crossword clues who want to give it a try, there is plenty of guidance online and a quite entertaining and instructive book (not just for beginners) available from amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Times-Crack-Cryptic-Crosswords/dp/0007546521/ref=dp_ob_image_bk and no doubt elsewhere, and for those who like British Crosswords you may like to try these (which are free): http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords.

There is nothing to prevent (say) a couple of related clues if offering a single clue cramps your style.

If there are multiple answers involved, there is no restriction against one person solving all and the solver of the final clue/part is the one who goes next.

Obviously you need to await confirmation of a correct answer before posting your own puzzle, but please then do so reasonably promptly: if having answered correctly you are not going to be able to set a follow-up clue within about the next 18 hours, please pass your turn to someone else so that the game does not stall.

To save the poor demented solvers from excessive brain damage , you should consider revealing one letter of the answer when the question is set, unless the answer is very short/easy so that provision of a letter hint at the outset would spoil the sport!

If no-one is biting within about 24 hours you should start dropping additional hints.

To try to give everyone a fair crack of the whip, the immediately previous setter is asked not to post a solution to the current clue within the first 24 hours.

The weighty trophy to be passed to whoever solves your clue is the jewel-encrusted World Clue Federation Championship Belt
===[**WCF**]===

Constructive criticism and cheerful badinage are to be expected, not to mention a certain amount of national rivalry, but above all, have a bit of fun! :santadance:

One working in the kitchen cooked sports cuisine (13) - 5 vowels of which one is e

percussionist

anag. of sports cuisine
I worked in the kitchen of my college symphony orchestra.

Well done - it wasn't a meaning of percussionist with which I was familiar until I checked it to solve this clue!
===[**WCF**]===

Thank you!

Speaks lovingly about southern male system that's harmonious and orderly (6) no e's

COs(outhern)m(ale)OS : coos=speaks softly

Here's your belt, Denis! ===[**WCF**]===

Merci Cheryl.
Trophy initially carried high (3) no e

cup

Your trophy: ===[**WCF**]===

Ta

Miscreant on the subject of verification of will (9)

Reprobate = miscreant - re (on the subject of) + probate (verification of will)

Good one Lex ===[**WCF**]===

Thank you!

This is one that taxed our vocabulary somewhat:

Cherubs with first bit of steak stuck in teeth (7) - two vowels neither of which is e

cu(s)pids

You certainly chewed that one up!

Here is your stocking filler (or perhaps supporter...):
===[**WCF**]===

Thanks, Lex

Mermaid sings, receives television broadcast (6) one "e"

Morning, Cue.

Are you looking for Aerial?

Yep! Arial (mermaid) aerial (antenna)

Here you go! Wear this on your next karaoke outing ===[**WCF**]===

Thanks, Cue.
Here's one to get us in the mood of the season. (But hopefully doesn't put Sue in the mood to go noodlin'.)

Holiday's Three Kings only half a decoration. (5)

Ho, ho, ho!

holly

hol = holiday's first three
kings = comes first
ly = only half

Love it!

I actually had thought Three Kings would indicate the first three letters. I didn't know just "three" would be clear enough, but good to know going forward.

Either way, holly, jolly good answer.

Wear this like a wreath, Pandora. ===[**WCF**]===

Perhaps Three Kings could indicate the first three letters. Thanks, Jimbo.

Christmas decoration can turn a profit endlessly (6)

tin sel(l)

Hang some from your belt, Cheryl. ===[**WCF**]===

Ooooo, it looks great. Thanks, Sue!

Guest lawyer ripped Christmas party dress (4, 7)