Chapter 87 (Shrimp Cake + Dry Pot Shrimp...)
After returning from the food street, Yan Qiushu took Zhao Shuhong to visit Manager Yao.
Pick up Zhao Shuhong's luggage.
Grab some more shrimp.
Because he opened a food court at home, Manager Yao paid special attention to the ingredients. If he raised more shrimps at home, they would spend less money on purchases, save more money, and let the soldiers eat better. Therefore, there were quite a lot of shrimps in Zhuangzi.
In addition to the common river shrimp, there is also a kind of small shrimp.
Only then did Yan Qiushu realize that this was exactly the kind of small fry Zhao Shuhong wanted.
The largest is no more than three centimeters, and generally speaking, one or two centimeters can be caught. This kind of shrimp has a strong reproductive capacity and is easy to raise, so you can catch a lot of them just by catching some in a pond.
Manager Yao was afraid that it was not enough for her and wanted to get a few more buckets, but was rejected by Yan Qiushu.
Although her farm had a pond, it was filled with various kinds of fish. This kind of shrimp could only be used as food in the pond.
Manager Yao had no choice but to give up and exchanged them for a large pile of fresh and dried mushrooms. "These are from the mushroom farmer the girl introduced me to. There are so many. If you can't finish them, just dry them and save them for later."
"The eldest young master invited that person over?" Yan Qiushu was surprised.
Manager Yao smiled and said, "Yes, he was invited over. We sent someone to help him."
Yan Qiushu also laughed. Xiao Huaiqi was really amazing. He seemed to have done everything quietly.
After picking up a bunch of ingredients and leaving with Manager Yao's enthusiasm, Zhao Shuhong said with a smile, "It seems that Ah Shu still has a very high status in the Xiao family!"
Even though it was just a joke, he was also happy for her from the bottom of his heart. The position of the manager of such a large manor as the Xiao family must be quite high, and it was rare to see someone so respectful and enthusiastic towards her.
Yan Qiushu said seriously: "The Xiao family are all good people!"
Zhao Shuhong nodded vigorously.
The two then talked about how to make shrimp cakes.
Zhao Shuhong said, "These small shrimps would taste even better if they had clams in them. All they need is a little salt and a dash of ginger water to remove the fishy smell. I guarantee you won't want to let go."
"You make me want to eat it even more, but it's so uncomfortable if I can't have it. No, I'll show you my skills and make some dry pot shrimp to make you crave it!" Yan Qiushu said with a smile: "Dry pot shrimp is simple to make, but the taste is extremely good. It's definitely worth it to eat it."
The two of them talked about their favorite dishes, and Shui Yu was drooling as he listened.
In comparison, her cooking skills were actually the worst, as she learned most of them from Yan Qiushu and Aunt Xu. Therefore, she had never heard of dry pot shrimp and shrimp cakes and had never eaten them. But after hearing what they said, she was particularly looking forward to it.
However, no matter how much you look forward to it, it will have to wait until the afternoon to start.
Otherwise it would be too early and they wouldn’t be able to eat.
Back at the farmhouse, it was still early, and Yan Qiushu had nothing to do, so she said, "Let's make some wine. I grow a lot of fruit on my farm, and I can't use it all at the food court. I'm too lazy to sell it, so I'd rather use it to make some wine for myself."
Zhao Shuhong was surprised: "You can also make wine?"
"Fruit wine, very simple." Yan Qiushu smiled and asked someone to pick some strawberries.
During this period, the strawberry harvest is nearing its end.
She had originally planned to invite guests over a few days ago, and it was a good opportunity to pick strawberries.
But now the guests probably can't catch up. Fruit wine, which has a low alcohol content, can help with sleep. However, she was embarrassed to make wine at the Xiao family before because there were children around. It would be a sin if they accidentally drank it.
The soaking method for making strawberry wine is very simple. After washing the strawberries, put them in a sterilized jar, then add boiled water, rock sugar and white wine. Soak for about seven days and then you can drink it.
Seeing her giving instructions like this, Zhao Shuhong finally suppressed her surprise. This method was indeed simple.
The fruit wine was ready, and the two of them rested for a while.
Seeing that it was almost dark, Zhao Shuhong couldn't wait to make shrimp cakes. Yan Qiushu also followed her to the kitchen because she was hungry again!
One for the seasoning, one for processing the shrimp.
Small shrimps of this size do not need to be processed at all, but Yan Qiushu's large shrimps require manpower. Fortunately, there are many people in the village now. After she teaches the processing method, we can just wait.
With so many people around, the process was quick and the shrimps were processed quickly. Yan Qiushu also prepared the marinade and put the shrimps in and stirred it, trying to get every shrimp coated with the marinade. Then she set it aside to wait for marinating.
During this time, you can use it to fry other things, such as lotus root slices and cucumber strips.
It would be even better if there were potatoes, but they weren't grown yet, so she couldn't get any.
Feeling a little sorry for it, Yan Qiushu calculated the time skillfully, fried the vegetables and put them aside to drain the oil.
It was almost time, so she took the shrimps over. The shrimps had a lot of water stains from being pickled, so she poured them out, leaving only the shrimps. She then added some starch, stirred it again, and put it in the oil pan for frying.
This time, the food is fried twice so that it can be eaten directly.
After it is slightly browned for the first time, it is almost done. Fry it again for the second time until the skin is crispy, then take it out.
Then it’s time to finish. Leave a little oil in the pan, add the onion, ginger and garlic and fry until fragrant. Then add the Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, fresh chili rings, and a similar salty and spicy sauce that the chef of the Xiao Mansion had made before and stir-fry until the oil turns red.
Finally, add shrimp, cucumber, lotus root slices, etc. and stir-fry. After the orange shrimp, slightly browned lotus root slices, and tender green cucumber strips are dyed red with chili oil, they can be poured into the plate.
Since there was no heating pot that could be used to cook while eating, Yan Qiushu made the finished product directly without putting onion rings at the bottom of the pot.
But just this, this rich and bright color, this spicy aroma, are enough to make Zhao Shuhong, who has never eaten such heavy-flavored dishes, take a look.
"A-choo!" She choked and sneezed, but her eyes were still fixed on it: "It looks so fragrant?"
"It tastes delicious too!" Yan Qiushu confirmed her guess and said proudly, "It's really delicious!"
Look at this domineering smell.
When Yan Qiushu brought the food out of the kitchen, she saw her maid passing by the gate of the courtyard secretly looking at it. When she saw it, the maid ran away in panic.
Shui Yu chuckled and said angrily, "What the young lady cooked is so delicious that I can't help myself."
"I can't bear it. Let me let you try it first. You've worked so hard to remove the shrimp thread." Yan Qiushu put it on the table and picked up a shrimp with chopsticks and handed it to Shui Yu.
Shui Yu smiled happily and opened her mouth to take it.
The hot shrimps have been fried until crispy. When you take a bite, the shrimp shells are crispy and not at all painful to the teeth. After chewing them a few times, the shrimp shells break directly in your mouth and mix with the shrimp meat. It doesn’t feel bothersome at all, but rather delicious.
Moreover, the spicy, salty and fragrant taste has already permeated into the shrimp. When you take a bite, the shrimp meat, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, lacks the original deliciousness, but has a spicy taste that makes people love it.
"Wow, I swallowed the whole shrimp shell!" Shui Xuan was pleasantly surprised after eating one.
The same ingredient can be prepared in many ways, and its taste is even more varied.
Yan Qiushu smiled and said, "You can eat it right away. I fried it so crispy and asked you to wash it so clean!" She looked at Zhao Shuhong and said, "Sister Zhao, would you like to try it too?"
Zhao Shuhong couldn't wait any longer, but she was still reserved. After hearing what was said, she ate a shrimp directly without hesitation.
The shrimp heads were removed, the shrimp tails were cut off, the shrimp backs were opened, curled into a beautiful shape, and dyed with chili oil. She put the orange-red shrimp into her mouth and chewed it a few times. Her face looked a little weird.
After eating a few more bites, his brows furrowed.
After a few more times, cold sweat appeared on her forehead!
By the time a shrimp was swallowed, Zhao Shuhong's face had turned red, and she opened her mouth in panic: "My tongue hurts! Give me water!"
Milk tea is always available here, and Yan Qiushu quickly brought a cup of milk tea.
Zhao Shuhong took a few gulps. The sweet milk flavor overcame the spicy taste on her tongue. She said with tears in her eyes, "This is too spicy!"
Yan Qiushu held her forehead and said, "Sorry, I may have used too much chili pepper."
The peppers had been brought here not long ago, and she didn't know how much was appropriate. When she gave them, she reduced the amount according to her habits in her previous life and her appetite in this life. Unexpectedly, it was still too spicy.
Zhao Shuhong waved her hands, wiped her tears, sniffed, and said, "No, I've never tasted anything this spicy. You know, our taste is very mild. I didn't expect that people in Kyoto like such strong flavors."
Yan Qiushu scratched her head: "Do you still want to try? Or should I do something else?"
"No need!" Zhao Shuhong shook her head: "Actually, I quite like it. It would be better if the taste was a little lighter."
Yan Qiushu: "Sure." She took a glass of water and placed it in front of her: "Rinse it in the water."
The two of them sat down, and Shui Yu went to the kitchen to eat her portion.
Just as she picked up the chopsticks, Steward Gu suddenly came over in a hurry: "Miss, Madam Xiao and the Sixth Young Master are here!"
Yan Qiushu quickly stood up and asked in surprise, "Who?"
"Mrs. Xiao and the Sixth Young Master are in the front yard. The Sixth Young Master is here to give the girl some peppers and gifts, and Mrs. Xiao is here with him." Steward Gu said again.
Yan Qiushu wanted to go out when she heard the beginning, but she still said something to Zhao Shuhong before leaving. She ran out and saw Madam Xiao looking around and nodding continuously.
"Aunt!" Yan Qiushu shouted.
Madam Xiao turned back with a smile: "Hey, Ah Shu, come here. Are you adapting here?"
"Very well, I'm adapting well." Yan Qiushu smiled sweetly, took her arm, and answered the question before looking at Xiao Huaiting with a smile in her eyes: "General Xiao."
Xiao Huaiting was not wearing black clothes today, but it was almost the same. It was always the same style, with the cuffs tied tightly, clean and neat, as if he was ready to fight at any time.
He was tall, and standing there, he had to lower his eyes to look at everyone in front of him. He happened to see the top of her head, which was only covered with a simple hairpin. The corners of his lips curled slightly, and he replied, "Well, Miss Shu, the chili pepper has been given to Manager Gu. I didn't come back for the previous proposal and betrothal gift, so now I'm making up for it."
After Xiao Huaiting finished speaking, Yan Xiang, who had been waiting with something in his arms, came over and handed over a large wooden box. He said in a bright voice, "Xiang Jun, this is something the general specially picked out for you. It's not much, but the quality is absolutely excellent..."
"Yan Xiang!" Xiao Huaiting covered his lips and reminded.
Yan Xiang chuckled and said no more, but he still made hints at Yan Qiushu with a wink.
He is so kind, but don't forget to share some delicious food with him. After all, he helped her in the past.
Yan Qiushu nodded with amusement, indicating that she had received his hint, and took the box.
Yan Xiang was a rough man. He took it lightly and handed it over without taking it seriously.
However, the box was too heavy. Yan Qiushu was caught off guard and the box sank and she almost fell down.
Fortunately, Xiao Huaiting reacted quickly and reached out to catch it, but this time, his big hand covered the back of Yan Qiushu's hand.
As if in a flash, the two looked at each other quickly, and then quickly let go in shock. The box fell again. This time Yan Qiushu wanted to catch it, but failed. Fortunately, Xiao Huaiting caught it.
"Huh..." The young general who was sent out to fight the enemy was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat just trying to catch the wooden box.
Yan Qiushu was also shocked by this series of developments.
Shui Yu said, "Miss, let me do it."
Xiao Huaiting quickly handed it over. She took the box and felt that it was really heavy. If she wasn't strong, she might not be able to carry it.
Seeing this, Yan Qiushu smiled and said, "Auntie, General Xiao, I just made dinner and am ready to eat. If you two are free for the time being, why don't you stay and eat with me? I'm not alone though, I have a friend, Zhao Shuhong."
Xiao Huaiting raised his eyebrows: "Miss Zhao is moving in?"
"Well, thank you General Xiao for bringing her here!" Yan Qiushu said crisply.
Madam Xiao had been watching the young couple in silence. When she heard this, she slowly said, "Okay, is there enough food? Lao Liu may have eaten it."
"It's enough. If not, let's make some more." Yan Qiushu nodded briskly. "Shall we go to the inner courtyard? It's too hot outside. There's ice inside. Auntie, you specially sent it here." Seeing that Madam Xiao agreed, she looked at Shui Yu and said, "Shui Yu, please entertain Deputy General Yan."
When she came here, she hardly had to worry about anything. The Xiao family had prepared everything, fearing that she would not have enough.
It's ice cubes. As I said, they will be delivered here every day, so she doesn't have to buy them herself.
Madam Xiao smiled and patted her hands, then followed her inside.
Xiao Huaiting followed behind the two of them, looking at the backs of the old man and the young boy. His unnatural expression relaxed and he smiled easily.
Zhao Shuhong was a little flustered when the two arrived.
However, her family runs a business and she sees a lot of people. Although she was a little nervous, she was still calm. The four of them sat at a table. Yan Qiushu asked Shui Yu to add another dish and soup, and then they started eating.
"Aunt, this is Sister Zhao's specialty. Do you like it?" Yan Qiushu first picked up a shrimp cake for Mrs. Xiao, and then picked up one for Xiao Huaiting.
"Thank you." Xiao Huaiting said softly, then picked up the shrimp cake.
This shrimp cake is made with batter, shredded white radish, and small shrimps. The seasonings are already prepared. Put it in an oiled pan and fry until both sides are golden brown.
Each one is about the size of an adult man's palm, golden in color, with some small orange shrimps visible on it, and some not-so-disobedient shredded white radish peeking out from the outer circle.
Yan Qiushu ate this round pancake in small bites, while Xiao Huaiting finished half of the pancake as soon as he opened his mouth. The crust was crispy and the inside was soft. The shredded radish was a little soft on the outside and crispy on the inside. It must have just come out of the pan and was still hot.
It tastes very bland, with just a hint of saltiness and radish, but when you get to the dried shrimps, surprises come one after another. The small shrimps are tender, sweet, and have an excellent taste.
The shrimp cakes themselves were not greasy, but light and delicious. He finished a cake in just two bites.
Mrs. Xiao had only eaten half of her meal when she saw her son eating so quickly. She stole a glance at the girl sitting opposite her. Seeing that she didn't even raise her head, she breathed a sigh of relief. She secretly kicked her son and whispered, "Eat slowly. How many lifetimes have you not eaten?"
Xiao Huaiting: “?”
He has been eating very slowly since Ah Shu reminded him last time. The cake itself is very small, so he eats it in two bites. Before, he would finish it in one bite and chew it so many times.
Seeing her son not moving, Mrs. Xiao was discouraged and said bluntly: "Be more polite!"
Xiao Huaiting: "..."
"Aunt, it's okay. We are so familiar with each other, just eat normally." Yan Qiushu saw that Xiao Huaiting was really aggrieved and didn't know whether he should extend his chopsticks, so she said softly.
Madam Xiao nodded quickly: "Yes, Miss Zhao, your shrimp cakes are really good. If you want to do business, I will ask my boss to reserve a shop for you in the food street. If you don't want to do it yourself, you can cooperate with him."
Zhao Shuhong's eyes lit up. After hearing what Yan Qiushu said, she thought it would be a good idea to stay at the manor to receive these guests. On the contrary, getting up early and working late every day to do business would be very tiring. She probably wouldn't make as much as here. After all, the shrimp cakes also have small profits but quick turnover. It would be great if we could cooperate. She nodded and said, "Thank you, Madam Xiao. I will take advantage of this opportunity."
"You're welcome." Madam Xiao said kindly, "You're a good cook and your food is delicious. How can I take advantage of you?"
Yan Qiushu listened to them talking and felt that this was pretty good. Like her, she could make money by lying down. This feeling was really wonderful!
She blinked and looked at the young man on her right, feeling fortunate that she had knocked on Xiao Huaiting's door.
This glance happened to meet a pair of dark eyes. Both of them were stunned, and then their eyelashes trembled, and they quickly avoided each other's sight. Xiao Huaiting was still much calmer and said softly: "This shrimp is delicious. The chili is really effective in your hands."
After saying that, he quickly picked up another piece of shrimp with his chopsticks, but perhaps he didn't notice that when he picked it up, there was a bright red, crispy fried chili on it.
He stuffed it directly into his mouth.
Yan Qiushu was stunned. Wasn’t his eating speed already slow?
Why did he seem so flustered during these two meals? Was he too hungry on the battlefield?
As expected, she brought him a cup of tea. As expected, as soon as the cup was placed in front of him, this man seemed to have discovered that he had chewed something, and his face changed suddenly, just like Zhao Shuhong's just now.
The dried chilies fried in the fryer are so exciting!
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