Chapter 254: A feast for the eyes and the palate
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Herlyee Translations
Ji Zhao could not figure it out, so she decided not to think about it.
When Shen Yao was not paying attention, she suddenly tiptoed and leaned close to his cheek, quickly kissing him.
“Shen Yao, don’t be sad, okay?”
” -Okay.” Shen Yao raised his eyebrows gently and rubbed her cheek affectionately. “l didn’t succeed in becoming a disciple, will Ah Tao still cook a feast for me?”
“Of course!” Ji Zhao smiled sweetly, her eyes curved like a bridge.
“You guys rest for a while. I’ll go talk to Second Brother You and borrow the restaurant’s small kitchen.”
“Shall I go with you?”
“No need!” Ji Zhao quickly waved her hand. “If you’re bored, play Go with Chenchen! I’ll be back soon!”
When it was almost evening, Second Manager You was counting the ingredients in the kitchen. When he heard Ji Zhao’s voice, he hurriedly put down the account book and welcomed her with a smile. “Ah Tao? Why are you in the kitchen? Are you going to cook something delicious again?’
“Second Brother You really has sharp eyes!’ Ji Zhao praised with a smile. “I’m going to fry a few chicken chops later. Don ‘t worry, Second Brother You. You’ll get your share too!’
“Hahaha!” Second Manager You immediately laughed heartily. “Then I’ll wait and see!”
Ji Zhao walked into the kitchen with a smile. After putting on an apron, she began to prepare chicken chops.
Compared to spicy chicken chops, Ji Zhao preferred sweet plum-flavored chicken chops.
The fried chicken chop was not difficult. As long as one could perfectly control the time and fire, the fried chicken chop would be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It would be crispy and delicious.
Apart from the fried chicken chops, Ji Zhao was also preparing to make a beef scone.
There were still some differences between the method of making scones and shaobing. The scones needed more attention on the ingredients and the heat. After Ji Zhao washed her hands, she began to make beef fillings.
She spread the beef filling evenly on the prepared flatbread and hung it in the hanging stove to bake for seven to eight minutes. Soon, the fragrance of the flatbread wafted out. When she took it out, she sprinkled some sesame and green onions, and the fragrance became stronger.
In addition to the chicken chops and scones, Ji Zhao made another peanut and pork ribs soup.
Unlike the past, Ji Zhao specially placed the soup ingredients in a special small earthen jar this time. This method was called earthen jar simmered soup.
Halfway through the night, Shen Yao and Ji Chen were a little hungry.
“Brother-in-law.” Ji Chen suddenly put down the stone in his hand and glanced at Shen Yao anxiously. “l want to look for my sister.’
“Don’t be anxious,” Shen Yao said softly.
“Chenchen, Ah Yao, let’s eat!’
When Ji Zhao approached the door with a tray, Shen Yao hurriedly came out to welcome her. He naturally took the tray from her and asked gently, “Ah Tao, why didn’t you call me to bring the food?”
“It’s fine. It’s not heavy.” Ji Zhao smiled nonchalantly. “Chenchen, come and try this!”
She quickly picked up a bamboo stick, poked a small piece of chicken chop, and brought it to Ji Chen’s mouth. “Try it.”
Ji Chen obediently opened his mouth and took a bite. Right on the heels of that, he ate a second and third piece…
“Good!” Ji Chen grinned happily and said obediently.
“Ah Yao, do you want to try one too?” Ji Zhao happily poked another chicken chop and fed it to Shen Yao’s lips.
Shen Yao smiled and took a bite slowly.
“Isn’t it delicious? I specially wrapped the chicken chops with a layer of sweet plum powder. This way, the fried chicken chops will have a faint plum fragrance and can relieve the greasy taste of the chicken chops. What do you think?”
In the end, under Ji Zhao’s expectant gaze, he said:
“A feast for the eyes and the palate.”
Ji Zhao naturally understood what he meant. her cheeks involuntarily turned red.
“Ahem, I’m asking you how the chicken chop tastes. What are you talking about?”
‘What do you think, Ah Tao?” Shen Yao raised her chin with interest and forced her to look at him.
“I don’t know. I don’t understand!” Ji Zhao pretended to cough twice and immediately avoided his gaze. She instructed Ji Chen, “Chenchen, remember to finish the pork rib soup in the jar later.”
“Ah Tao, are you going somewhere?”
“I have something to ask Second Brother You about.” After Ji Zhao gave her instructions, she turned around and left, rushing downstairs.
At that moment, Second Manager You was also enjoying a large chicken chop with sweet plum flavor.
“Ah Tao, your fried chicken chops are too delicious, aren’t they? Moreover, this soup is not bad!” Second Manager You said with satisfaction, “Especially this peanut and pork rib soup. The taste is sweet and not greasy at all.”
“The earthen jar simmered soup leaves the original fragrance. Unfortunately, the peanut and pork ribs soup I made today is still a little lacking in heat. If it was simmered with hard charcoal for more than six hours, the texture would be even richer and the pork ribs in the soup would be even softer.”
Ji Zhao explained with a smile, “Actually, the clay pot simmered soup and the clay pot rice have the same effect because both are made using special containers. It’s just that one uses the earthen jar and the other uses the clay pot. ‘
“Although the climate in Dingyuan County has gradually warmed up, the warmer it is, the more we have to pay attention to our diet.” Ji Zhao explained seriously, “After all, the spring breeze in February is like a pair of scissors, so in my opinion, I think we should drink more soup at this time. After all, no medicine is better than food!”
“That’s right.” Hearing her words, Second Manager You couldn’t help but nod. “Ah Tao, what you said makes sense! After I tasted your clay pot rice earlier, I had an idea. Why don’t you listen to it?’
“Alright!” Ji Zhao readily agreed and obediently sat on the bench opposite him.
“Didn’t you mention before that you wanted to open a shop in the prefectural city in the future? I go to the prefectural city every six months because only by going to the prefectural city can I understand the current cuisine. This way, I can continuously learn and launch new dishes.” Second Manager You put down his bowl and chopsticks and explained softly, “To be honest with you, when I first heard that you wanted to open a shop in the prefectural city, I felt that your thoughts were too simple. What kind of place is the prefectural city? Every inch of land there is worth a lot of money! Moreover, there are several hundred-year-old restaurants on the Vermilion Bird Avenue in the prefectural city. That’s why I subconsciously refuted your thoughts.”
“However, after I read the proposal you listed in detail, I just want to say that Ah Tao, you’re the most profitable and boldest girl I’ve ever seen!”
Second Manager You gave a thumbs up from the bottom of his heart and praised, “So I’ve decided to invest in your Spring Breeze Pavilion!”
“Second Brother You, then I’ll use tea as wine.. Thank you!’