The weather outside was unseasonably cold, with a biting wind that made one feel as if they were in an ice cellar. Final exams had just concluded, and Liu Yanran had become completely lazy, wanting nothing more than to stay home and enjoy the rare peace and warmth, with no desire to go out. However, deep down, she felt a deep longing for milk tea.
Whenever she thought of the delicious taste, her mouth would water. How wonderful it would be if she could hold a cup of steaming hot milk tea in her hands right now!
Unfortunately, there was no such drink as milk tea available for purchase in this era. However, this did not stop Liu Yanran from pursuing delicious food. Since she couldn't buy it, she decided to make it herself! So, she resolutely walked into the kitchen, ready to show off her skills.
Liu Yanran carefully prepared all the necessary ingredients: high-quality tea leaves, fresh milk, an appropriate amount of sugar, and pure water. Once everything was ready, she gently turned on the stove and brought the water to a boil. As she watched the water in the kettle gradually boil, her excitement grew.
When the water boiled, she carefully placed an appropriate amount of tea leaves into the pot, letting them steep for a moment, releasing their rich aroma. Then, she slowly poured in fresh milk, stirring gently with a spoon to allow the milk and tea to blend thoroughly. As the temperature rose, the aroma of milk tea began to fill the kitchen, making everyone salivate.
Liu Yanran took a deep breath, intoxicated by the wonderful aroma. She added some sugar according to her taste and continued stirring to ensure that the sugar was completely dissolved.
Drinking milk tea alone would definitely be a bit greasy, so Liu Yanran decided to make some pastries to go with it. As for the tools, she could just say she bought them herself; no one would know the truth anyway. Furthermore, it wasn't just egg cakes and cookies anymore; experienced craftsmen were already selling a variety of delicious pastries, including mung bean cakes and red bean pastries.
Coincidentally, Liu Yanran can make these pastries herself! If she didn't have an oven, she could even make high-end items like pizza and cakes.
Liu Yanran first soaked the mung beans in water for a while to allow them to fully absorb the water. Then, she gently rubbed the mung beans with her hands until the skins were removed.
Next, she put the processed mung beans into the pot, added appropriate amount of water, and simmered them slowly until the mung beans became soft.
Finally, she poured the cooked mung beans into a bowl. Since she didn't have a blender, she had to beat the mung beans into a fine paste with her hands.
Next, Liu Yanran began making osmanthus cake. She mixed glutinous rice flour and sticky rice flour together, added an appropriate amount of water, and stirred into a dough.
Then, she divides the dough into small pieces and rolls them into balls. Next, she flattens the balls, adds an appropriate amount of osmanthus sugar, wraps them, and rolls them into balls. Finally, she places the balls into a mold and presses them into the shape of osmanthus cakes.
Liu Yanran puts the prepared mung bean cake and osmanthus cake into the steamer and steams them for about 20 minutes.
During this process, the milk tea was already ready. Liu Yanran poured out a little and tasted it. The rich tea aroma and mellow milk flavor intertwined in her mouth, making her feel extremely satisfied. At this moment, she forgot the cold and immersed herself in the delicious taste of homemade milk tea.
Seeing the unfinished mung bean and osmanthus cakes, and glancing at the leftover rice from lunch, Liu Yanran suddenly had an idea—she wanted to try making a delicious salt and pepper rice crust! She quickly poured the rice into a bowl, added a suitable amount of salt and chili powder, and stirred carefully. Then, she spread the rice evenly on a plate and flattened it with a spoon to make it firm.
Then, Liu Yanran carefully cut the rice on the plate into small pieces and placed them in the preheated oil pan, slowly frying them until golden brown. She stared intently at the rice crust in the pan, ensuring that each piece was fried to a golden and crispy golden color.
Finally, the fried rice crusts were done! Liu Yanran carefully fished them out and placed them on a plate to cool. Just then, she heard the footsteps of her nephews and nieces approaching. Attracted by the enticing aroma, the children couldn't help but run to the kitchen, their eyes fixed on the plate of crispy, delicious rice crusts.
"Auntie, what is this? It smells so good!" The little nephew came over curiously and sniffed the fragrance in the air.
"This is salt and pepper rice crust. It can be made with leftover rice. Would you like to try it?" Liu Yanran said to the children with a smile.
"Yes! Yes!" the nephews and nieces answered excitedly in unison, their eyes full of anticipation.
Liu Yanran picked up a piece of rice crust and gently handed it to her nephew and niece. Their eyes lit up and they couldn't wait to take a small bite. In an instant, satisfied smiles filled their faces.
"Wow, it's delicious! Aunt, you are so amazing!" The niece couldn't help but praise.
Seeing her nephews and nieces enjoying their meal so happily, Liu Yanran was also filled with joy. She knew that this little delicacy brought the children not only a taste enjoyment, but also a reflection of family warmth.
At this moment, a burst of fragrance came from the kitchen. It turned out that the mung bean cake and osmanthus cake had been steamed. Liu Yanran hurried into the kitchen, carefully took out the mung bean cake and osmanthus cake, and placed them on a plate to cool.
She then divided the brewed milk tea evenly among everyone's cups. The cups were all enamel, painted with a bright red flag and the word "patriotism" inscribed on them. Each cup had its name written in red paint, and the children eagerly grabbed their own.
Then Liu Yanran carried the remaining cups to the living room. In the living room, her mother, Cao Cuilan, was knitting a sweater, her eldest and second sisters-in-law were holding the child and coaxing him, and her nephews and nieces were sitting together, drinking milk tea and eating rice crust, laughing and talking happily.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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