The story begins in Food Wars, when Alice took him home.

Holding his phone high, comparing the images on the phone with the food processor in front of him, the middle-aged man began explaining things to them, immediately attracting a lot of attention.

"Molecular gastronomy? Isn't that something developed in the West? I never expected it to appear in this competition. This trip was definitely worthwhile!"

Some people exclaimed with excitement, clearly enjoying these novel gadgets.

"What Western research has produced? Molecular gastronomy originated in the East. For example, tofu is the earliest form of molecular gastronomy."

Nearby, a girl, hearing the enthusiastic praise from the audience next door, couldn't help but frown and retort.

She knew that the world's earliest molecular gastronomy was Chinese tofu.

"Whether in the East or the West, this is the first time I've seen molecular gastronomy appear in a competition as a dish.

"This has happened before in Shanghai, but this is the first time it has happened in Fujian."

"This has actually happened in Jiangsu as well..."

When the topic of molecular gastronomy came up, those in the know immediately started talking non-stop.

Others who didn't understand gradually learned about molecular gastronomy from their brief explanations, and their faces showed interest.

This match is destined to attract a lot of attention!

"That's about it. The idea is sound. Let's get started."

As the culinary model in her mind gradually became clearer, Erina Nakiri opened her eyes, categorized the ingredients in front of her, and then looked at the molecular gastronomy machine, operating it somewhat clumsily.

She can hardly be considered an expert in molecular gastronomy; she's only familiar with some basic operations, and she'll probably have to try many of the functions on-site to master them.

"Heh heh!"

The corn is boiled into a thick soup, the sweet potatoes and potatoes are steamed and mashed, the pumpkin is made into foam using a molecular gastronomy machine, and the edamame is made into a mousse.

Although Erina Nakiri's technique was somewhat clumsy, it was very rhythmic, and she did each step very steadily, like she was dancing a beautiful waltz.

The audience was captivated by Erina Nakiri's pragmatic approach, watching her movements intently with expressions of enjoyment on their faces.

"Let's process the remaining ingredients into something else."

After processing all the ingredients, looking at the remaining scraps, Erina Nakiri mashed them, added tapioca starch, stirred clockwise until evenly mixed, rolled them into thin sheets, and put them into the oven to bake them into dry, flat, crispy pieces under controlled temperature. Then she deep-fried them until they puffed up.

On the other hand, the pork belly is cooked at a low temperature until tender and flavorful, then sliced ​​into thin slices. A thin layer of starch is coated on the surface of the slices, which are then placed in a strainer and made into crispy chips by drizzling oil over them.

The aroma of meat is released from it.

After completing this step, Erina Nakiri left it to rest before starting to work on the others.

"Didi"

The molecular gastronomy machine started making noise; it was Erina Nakiri operating it.

This made the audience crane their necks, their faces full of curiosity, all wondering how this behemoth worked and what functions it had.

Even Soma Yukihira, who was standing next to the kitchen counter, couldn't help but glance at it. His kitchen counter was also filled with dough of various colors and all kinds of dessert fillings, making it hard to tell what he was going to do.

"Using red yeast rice powder, spinach juice, pumpkin puree and coconut milk as color bases, I've created a uniquely colored dough. I'm getting more and more curious about what Yukihira-kun is going to make. Maybe it'll be a very impressive dish."

In the audience, Alice Nakiri leaned against Bai Yuan's chest, her fair face filled with curiosity.

"Rose petal jam, matcha white chocolate ganache, mango mousse, coconut milk jelly, coconut custard, and lotus seed and lily bulb fillings... these are all dessert fillings."

Is he planning to make pastries? But he hasn't made any puff pastry yet. What is this guy planning to do? What kind of dish is he planning to cook?

Miyoko Hojo stroked her chin thoughtfully. She knew a bit about pastries, and Soma Yukihira was preparing these fillings, which were ideal for making shortbread.

"He's planning to make fancy pastries."

Bai Yuan's voice rang out. After Yukihira Soma started using food coloring to knead the dough, he already knew his idea: fancy pastries.

Creating dishes that embody the theme of "national prosperity and peace" can be achieved through concrete expression rather than abstract interpretations.

This is also the unique charm of fancy pastries.

"It sounds somewhat similar to fondant craftsmanship."

Beside her, Alice Nakiri nodded, the beauty of fondant cuisine swirling in her mind.

As Bai Yuan's beloved disciple, she naturally knew what fancy pastries were, and could well express the author's ideas, which was a way to concretize thoughts.

Of course, the most important thing is that it tastes good.

"Such a clean and efficient technique!"

"Isn't that steamer a bit too big?!"

"Are they preparing to make steamed buns? But they're filled inside, so maybe it's a kind of pastry like red bean buns?"

Just then, Soma Yukihira on the stage began to move. The various colored dough balls, like fluttering butterflies, danced in his hands and became lifelike. Soon, a landscape of pastries appeared in the steamer.

"Mountains and rivers?!"

Those in the front row looked at the landscape displayed in the huge steamer with astonished expressions. The exquisite craftsmanship of these pastries was comparable to that of a master chef!

"rise!"

With a soft sigh, Soma Yukihira took a deep breath.

He bent over, gathered all his strength, and lifted the huge steamer on the countertop, placing it on the specially made stove.

On the other hand, Erina Nakiri used liquid nitrogen technology from molecular gastronomy to shape corn chowder, sweet potato puree, mashed potatoes, pumpkin foam, and edamame mousse into spheres to enhance texture and layers.

Treating various ingredients with liquid nitrogen takes at least half an hour. During this process, Erina Nakiri glanced at the pork belly broth next to her.

"It would be such a waste to just throw away the broth that's been simmered with spices..."

Looking at the broth, Erina Nakiri had a thoughtful expression on her face. How to make use of this precious ingredient was what she needed to explore most right now.

After much thought, she decided to use emulsification technology to make it into a sauce, which would be richer and smoother.

By the time everything was done, an hour had passed.

Because it was a newly emerging technology that no one had ever seen before, Erina Nakiri attracted a lot of attention when she used it.

"Look, look! What an amazing landscape painting!"

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, who would have guessed that these were actually made from pastries!

While most people were focused on Erina Nakiri, many others looked at Soma Yukihira, keeping a close eye on the steamer, and then they saw him step forward and open the steamer.

In an instant, white steam rose from the steamer, creating a spectacular scene that immediately attracted a lot of attention.

"Holy crap, the pastries are actually made to depict the scenery along the Yellow River."

"This is appalling! Can this really be made from dough?!"

"Incredible! This section should be the upper reaches of the Yellow River, in Qinghai and Gansu, where the banks are mostly plateaus and mountains, with magnificent and pristine scenery. Here, the Yellow River flows clear, meandering between grasslands and canyons."

A geography expert covered his mouth in disbelief, saying that without careful research, it was absolutely impossible to recreate the upper reaches of the Yellow River with such a high degree of accuracy!

In the Guide section of Qinghai, the Yellow River appears emerald green, with rolling green mountains and vast grasslands on both banks, where herds of cattle and sheep graze, creating a tranquil pastoral scene. Around the Liujiaxia Reservoir in Gansu, the Yellow River meanders through canyons, with steep cliffs on both sides, offering a magnificent view.

Who would have thought that this little pastry would even depict this part!?

A bald man spoke up. As an indigenous person born and raised by the Yellow River, he naturally recognized the scene before him at a glance, which was what surprised him—how could such a small pastry be presented so perfectly?

"The Yellow River and the Yangtze River, as the origin of the Chinese nation, have nurtured countless great and outstanding figures, and deserve the phrase 'national prosperity and peace.'"

"It feels a bit forced... Of course, the dishes are indeed spectacular."

As the steam dissipated, a magnificent landscape was revealed, depicting the unique scenery of the Yellow River region.

The moment this dish appeared, it instantly sparked cheers from the entire audience.

Everyone was praising the exquisite cooking of Soma Yukihira. Every detail was meticulously crafted, making the steamed pastries look lifelike, like finely sculpted models.

Of course, with praise comes criticism, since the dish depicts mountains and rivers, which is quite different from the idea of ​​peace and prosperity in the country, making people wonder if it has strayed from the topic.

"It's just a simple pastry, yet it's made to look like a luminous dish. As expected of Yukihira!"

In the audience, Yoshino Yuuki couldn't help but sigh.

Even though it's just a very ordinary pastry, if you make it big and exquisite, it can still earn praise and make people marvel at the chef's superb skills.

"It seems I'll have to go on stage first."

Watching Erina Nakiri still putting the finishing touches on plating, Soma Yukihira smiled smugly, revealing a triumphant expression. He then lifted the huge steamer with both hands and strode quickly toward the judges' table.

Soon, the steaming basket, still emitting heat, appeared on the judges' panel.

"It was amazing to see from a distance, but now that it's right in front of us, it's even more spectacular. Is this your interpretation of the phrase 'national prosperity and peace'? Could you explain it to us?"

Looking at the giant steamer that occupied most of the round table in front of him, Zhang Zhong looked at Yukihira Soma.

Even if the food is spectacular, it won't get points if it doesn't fit the theme, no matter how delicious it is.

"I have incorporated the entire country into this dish."

Upon hearing Zhang Zhong's question, Yukihira Soma smiled; this guy had finally gotten to the point.

"First, there are four colored doughs: red, green, yellow, and white doughs, which represent the different landscapes of our motherland and symbolize the vast territory and abundant resources of our country."

Pointing to the magnificent landscape before him, Soma Yukihira began to describe it in rapid succession.

"Red yeast rice powder and edible gold leaf symbolize joy, good fortune, prosperity, and flourishing. Spinach juice and matcha powder symbolize vitality, peaceful development, pumpkin puree and edible gold powder symbolize abundant harvests and a strong and prosperous nation. Flour and coconut milk symbolize purity, beauty, and national unity."

"In addition, I selected representative ingredients for the fillings from different regions, symbolizing that the customs and traditions of different parts of the country are different, but they coexist harmoniously and develop together."

In the red area, I used rose petal jam and edible gold leaf to symbolize the richness and beauty of the southern region.

The green area features matcha white chocolate ganache and pistachio crumbs, symbolizing the prosperity and vitality of the eastern region.

The yellow area features mango mousse and coconut milk jelly, symbolizing the passion and exuberance of the western region.

The white area contains coconut custard filling, lotus seeds, and lily bulbs, symbolizing the purity and simplicity of the northern region.

As he spoke, Soma Yukihira observed the judges' reactions. Seeing them nodding frequently, he breathed a sigh of relief and then explained to them the meanings of the different colors, which he had already thought of while cooking.

The so-called peace and prosperity of the country is a test of a chef's eloquence.

"No matter where you start tasting the food from in these four places, you'll experience a sense of fusion when you move on to other places. This is what we call ethnic fusion and culinary fusion!"

"Come on, give it a try!"

Yukihira Soma greeted them warmly. Zhang Zhong and the others exchanged glances, suppressed their excitement, and immediately tore off pieces of pastry to taste.

"The dough is carefully kneaded, resulting in a soft, delicate texture with a slight elasticity that melts in your mouth."

"Different colored doughs taste different, but they are harmonious and unified as a whole."