Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

"Is the strong acidity of salt and vinegar used to corrode the surface of pig ears to remove the fishy smell?"

Hisako Shinoto was taken aback by the sudden question. She lowered her head to think for a moment, and after half a minute, she looked up and asked tentatively.

"Don't use interrogative sentences; if the answer is correct, be more assertive."

Shirai gave Hisako Shirato's head a light tap, then continued processing the ingredients, asking, "Besides removing the fishy smell, what other purpose does it serve?"

"We can make it whiter!"

Seeing the pig's ear in Bai Yuan's hand turn white quickly under his rubbing, a flash of inspiration seemed to pass through her mind, and Shinoto Hisako shouted.

"Clever! Salt and white vinegar can make it white because the surface of the pig skin is corroded, which is also the color of this dish."

Bai Yuan nodded, then washed the pig's ears with clean water. The pig's ears were now clean and white, with no fishy smell on the surface.

Place an iron basin on the countertop, add an appropriate amount of water, then add salt and deodorizing powder.

The so-called deodorizing powder was prepared by Bai Yuan a long time ago, using spices such as star anise, galangal, angelica, Sichuan pepper, cardamom, white cardamom, white pepper, and galangal.

Crush onion slices, ginger slices, and scallions to extract the juice. Add high-proof liquor and cooking wine, stir well, then add pig ears, cover and marinate for an hour to let the flavors infuse.

After washing his hands with clean water, Bai Yuan glanced at Hisako Shinto beside him, whose calligraphy was flowing and elegant. He frowned slightly and then asked:

"Don't just take notes. Tell me what role each of the ingredients I added played. These are the keys to bringing out the deliciousness of the pig's ears."

"Let me think... Onions are rich in sulfides, which have a strong odor and can effectively neutralize the fishy smell in food."

In addition, the sweetness and aroma of onions can enhance the overall flavor of the ingredients.

Ginger contains compounds such as gingerol and gingerone, which have a strong pungent flavor and aroma, and can remove the fishy and unpleasant odors of food. Ginger also has warming, detoxifying, and antibacterial effects, which can enhance the taste and safety of food...

Upon hearing Bai Yuan's question and looking at the ingredients in the iron basin, Hisako Shinomiya pondered for a moment before launching into a long and detailed explanation.

She was an expert in this field and had read many books on medicinal cuisine.

These ingredients are both spices and medicinal herbs, and the introduction was a comfort zone for her. Bai Yuan listened attentively, nodding repeatedly with admiration in his eyes.

"That's right, these ingredients release their flavors in the water, blend together, and then all of them come together in the pig's ear while it's sitting."

This process enhances its flavor and brings out its original taste; this is the purpose of pickling.

While we wait, let's make breakfast.

"I'm here to help."

As Bai Yuan spoke, he started a separate stove to prepare breakfast. Seeing this, Shirato Hisako immediately helped, picking up a clay pot and starting to cook lean meat porridge.

It's 7:30 in the morning now. If all goes well, everyone should be here by around 8:00, which means we have about half an hour to prepare the food.

Thinking this, there was a noise at the door. Bai Yuan peeked out and saw that the people who came were Yoshino Yuuki and Sakaki Ryoko, who were taking off their shoes in the entryway.

Bai Yuan looked over and saw them leaning against the wall, taking off their little leather boots to reveal the black stockings covering their feet, exuding a unique allure.

"Teacher Bai Yuan, we've arrived."

Upon seeing Bai Yuan's face peeking out, Yoshino Yuuki and Sakaki Ryoko changed into slippers and immediately went to greet him, standing in front of him with smiles.

"Hey, Hisako is here so early? I thought we were early enough."

Good morning, Hisako!

"I got up early today and came over first. Good morning, Yuuki."

Seeing Hisako Niito busy in the kitchen, Ryoko Sakaki was a little surprised, while Yuuki Yoshino greeted her energetically.

Afterwards, the two of them set up their own stove in the kitchen and started making breakfast with the available ingredients, one dish for each of them – this was their daily routine.

Whoever arrives first on weekdays prepares breakfast, and the breakfast prepared receives feedback from Bai Yuan, which is, in a sense, a benefit for the hardworking.

As time went by, people arrived at the house one after another. Some chose to help cook in the kitchen, looking forward to Bai Yuan's evaluation, while others sat in the living room with their legs up, watching TV and enjoying this moment of leisure.

For a moment, her beautiful legs were spread out, and the scene was breathtaking. Bai Yuan secretly swallowed and pretended to sit down in the middle of the crowd as if nothing had happened.

Somewhat coincidentally, this time he was sitting next to Mito Ikumi and Hojo Miyoko.

At that moment, one of the two was wearing a cheongsam and the other was wearing a sexy Western cowboy outfit. Both of them were barefoot and had their feet up. When they saw Bai Yuan coming over, they immediately put their feet down.

"Plop, plop."

They could see Bai Yuan's profile out of the corner of their eye, and even hear his breathing, which made their hearts race.

"What's wrong with you two? Are you nervous?"

Sensing the tension between the two people beside him, Bai Yuan was somewhat puzzled.

As he spoke, he reached out and poked their legs. The young girls' legs were full of elasticity, and their wheat-colored skin indicated good health.

"No...why would I be nervous?"

"I'm perfectly fine, the weather is really nice today."

A cool sensation spread across their thighs. Mito Ikumi and Hojo Miyoko sat upright, while Shirabuchi's expression became playful.

"Indeed, today the sky is overcast and the sun is shining brightly; it's a nice day."

Bai Yuan nodded, then leaned back on the sofa and spread his arms, positioning them so that the two of them could lie down comfortably.

Noticing this, Hojo Miyoko and Mito Ikumi sat up even straighter. The two of them had similar personalities, both being rather serious.

Faced with his sudden action, my brain was momentarily overloaded. I didn't know whether to get up or not, so I could only sit upright.

"Lean down, I feel tired just sitting like this."

Intending to make the relationship between the two more intimate, Bai Yuan raised his hand and patted the top of the sofa, letting them lean against his arm and have some physical contact.

"Ah."

"Ok."

Although they were taken aback by these sudden words, neither Mito Ikumi nor Hojo Miyoko refused.

Feeling the faint warmth behind them, it was Bai Yuan's hand. The two mustered their courage and leaned their heads against it. It was soft and warm, and it felt nice.

As for Bai Yuan, he only felt the soft strands of hair brush against his arm, bringing waves of warmth. His arm, which had been resting on the edge of the sofa, naturally fell down, only a step away from the girl's proud spot.

He didn't deliberately touch it, but instead turned his attention to the television in front of him, watching the cartoon playing on it, looking completely indifferent.

As for Mito Ikumi and Hojo Miyoko? They were a little nervous at first, but as time went on, they realized that Shirabuchi's attention was not on them, so they relaxed.

Others noticed this and reacted with varying expressions.

Especially Erina Nakiri, although she gritted her teeth at Shirobuchi in her heart, thinking that he was too philandering, she remained outwardly calm.

But later on, she couldn't bear to watch anymore and didn't want to stay in the living room, so she got up and went to the kitchen to help Hisako Shinto cook.

Ten minutes later, the girls brought breakfast to the living room. Bai Yuan got up from the sofa and went to his room, leaving the two girls watching his back with reluctance.

"Time to get up, lazy bastard."

Looking at Alice Nakiri sprawled out on the bed, completely lacking any ladylike demeanor, Bai Yuan sat down by the bedside and gently called to her to get up.

"Hmm... let me sleep a little longer, just five minutes, just five minutes!"

A deep weariness enveloped the girl's eyelids. Although her eyelids twitched when she heard Bai Yuan's call, she ultimately did not open them.

"Everyone's waiting for you to eat, sweetie."

The call was still made softly, but this time Alice Nakiri sat up immediately. After all, if she resisted repeatedly, she might be severely punished.

This kind of punishment would be fine if it were just her and Bai Yuan at home, but the key is that Erina and the others are outside, and she really can't bear the humiliation.

"Then help me get dressed. I'll take a little more nap, and get up when I'm changed..."

"Raise your hands."

Seeing Alice with her eyes still closed and arms outstretched, waiting for help, Bai Yuan skillfully helped her put on her clothes and fastened her bra buttons.

"You don't need to carry me out, I can go out by myself."

Before long, after changing her clothes, Alice Nakiri suddenly opened her eyes, stopping Shiro Awakening from carrying her out in a princess carry, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"Now you know how to be shy? Too late."

Feeling the push from his chest, Bai Yuan chuckled. Alice Nakiri blushed slightly and struggled, trying to get out of his arms, but Bai Yuan didn't give her a chance. He carried her to the living room, and everyone's eyes turned to them.

"How old are you to still need someone to carry you out of bed? Aren't you ashamed?"

Seeing this, Erina Nakiri, who was bringing out the steamed egg with crab roe from the kitchen, couldn't help but whisper, her eyes filled with envy that she herself didn't even notice.

It wasn't that she wanted Bai Yuan to hug her, but she envied Alice for having someone who unconditionally indulged her.

"Lady Erina, please sit down. Leave the rest to me."

"Okay, then come over as soon as you're done. I've saved a seat for you."

It seems she has connections here too.

As Erina Nakiri watched Hisako Shinto pull out a chair for her and wait until she was seated before leaving to serve the dishes, a gentle warmth filled her heart.

Breakfast began and ended in this atmosphere. After resting for about half an hour, everyone gathered in the kitchen again.

"Today's theme is braised food. The deadline is tonight. I will be scoring them then, and those ranked last will face severe punishment!"

Watching the girls coming and going in the kitchen, Bai Yuan suddenly felt they were being a little too complacent. So he clapped his hands to draw their attention and announced today's task.

"Yes!"

"Okay, I see."

"Is the competition about to start? I'm getting so excited!"

Upon hearing that a competition was about to be held, everyone in the house became excited. They had been looking forward to this day for a long time, to see who could compete against whom in their own kitchen!

Chapter 211 Unexplained Irritability, Erina Nakiri's Feelings

After announcing the news, everyone in the kitchen was as excited as if they had been injected with chicken blood. They all left the kitchen and went out to buy ingredients, eager to show off their skills in front of Bai Yuan.

"Wait, let me borrow Hisako for a moment."

Seeing Erina Nakiri waiting for Hisako at the door, Shirabuchi stepped forward and said, "Hisako has to stay and learn cooking; she can't be taken away."

"??!"

Looking at Shiro Awakening standing in front of her, and then at Hisako Shinto who hadn't moved yet, Erina Nakiri's face was full of question marks.

Are these two guys having an affair?

"Ahem, Lady Erina, Professor Shirabuchi and I have some questions to discuss, so we won't be going with you. I'll help you when you get back."