Chapter 65 Let’s Brew Wine Someday
Gu Yuexuan picked up a large bowl, beat in two eggs, and stirred them gently. Then she sprinkled an appropriate amount of flour with a fine bamboo sieve and mixed it evenly with the egg liquid to form a thick batter.
While the rice was simmering, the oil in another iron pot was already shining brightly.
Tu Subo carefully adjusted the size of the stove fire. He looked up and saw the smoke rising from the pot, and couldn't help but frowning slightly.
“Is this going to be fried?”
Gu Yuexuan picked up a few drops of batter with chopsticks and gently put them into the pan. Seeing that they were fried until golden brown, she nodded in affirmation: "Fried until crispy is the most delicious enjoyment, so..."
"You stand aside first, I will do it."
Tu Subo took the bowl of batter from Gu Yuexuan without saying a word and acted as if he was going to pour the batter into the pot.
Gu Yuexuan quickly stopped him and said, "That's not the way to fry it."
As she spoke, she coated the marinated fish in batter, scooped it out lightly with a strainer, and handed it to Tu Subo.
As soon as the little fish covered in batter was put into the pot, oil splashed everywhere. Tu Subo almost instinctively pushed Gu Yuexuan further away, fearing that she would get burned.
Gu Yuexuan reminded anxiously: "Stir it quickly, don't let them stick to the bottom of the pot, and wait until I say it's ready before taking them out."
"clear."
Tu Subo stared at the oil pan with a serious expression, as if he was engaged in a crucial task.
Gu Yuexuan quickly found a clean sieve, covered it with a layer of clean large leaves, and instructed: "Okay, put it here after you take it out."
Those bluish-white little fish were coated with batter and rolled in the oil pan for a long time. When they were taken out, they had become golden and crispy, making an attractive "rustling" sound when they collided with each other.
She sprinkled some chili powder carefully mixed with salt and pepper powder, then shook the sieve up and down gently, and the tempting aroma spread out like silk.
Several little ones who had been waiting there for a long time had their eyes sparkling with excitement, and they curiously poked their heads out. Gu Yuexuan took out another large bowl and said gently, "You guys try it first. If it's too spicy, eat from the bowl."
The fish in the big bowl was seasoned with just a little bit of salt, which was just right for the kids.
As she spoke, she picked up the small bowl of fish and handed it to Xi Lanfang, who was holding the one-year-old Tusu Yunxi. "Mother-in-law, please give Yunxi a taste of this. I fried it a little longer to make the bones more crispy."
Xi Lanfang smiled broadly, lovingly picking up a soft handkerchief and gently wiping Tu Su Yunxi's mouth. She replied softly, "Okay, Yunxi will definitely like it."
Tu Suminyang took two bites of the red chili fish with a look of disbelief. The spiciness made his breathing rapid and beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, but he still couldn't help but exclaim in admiration: "It's incredibly delicious! Even the bones are so crispy that it's unforgettable!"
Tu Suminxu picked up a small fish sprinkled with salt and ate it with gusto, smiling happily: "This taste is so crispy and refreshing!"
Tu Su Yanting savored the delicious food and put a piece of fish into Li's bowl: "Mom, you should try it too. It tastes really good."
Even those who hadn't had high hopes for it started trying it. The old grandfather stroked his beard and laughed happily.
“Although the fish is small, it is full of flavor when cooked like this.”
Tu Suting added with deep feeling: "Indeed, if there were two pots of fine wine to accompany us at this time, the taste would be even better."
This crispy and delicious little fish is perfect to go with wine!
Tu Suye snorted contemptuously upon hearing this: "Wine is indeed a treasure, but it is very expensive. I'm afraid a family like ours can hardly afford it."
Tu Subo did bring back a pot of wine today, but he gave it to someone else before he even stepped into the house. How would they have the chance to taste it?
There were a lot of small fish bought and they needed to be fried all at once, so Tu Subo was unable to get away for the time being.
Everyone was immersed in the enjoyment of the food. Gu Yuexuan couldn't bear to see Tu Subo's mouth idle, so she quickly handed him a crispy and crunchy little fish.
She turned to look at Tu Suye, who had a sarcastic look on his face, and changed the subject to her grandfather.
"Does Grandfather crave wine?"
The old grandfather smiled and waved his hand, saying nonchalantly, "I didn't think so at first, but after eating this delicious snack, I actually felt a little greedy."
"That's easy!"
Gu Yuexuan easily fed Tu Subo another small fish and said with a smile, "If Grandfather doesn't mind my crude cooking skills, then I will definitely take the time to brew a pot of fine wine for you one day."
These words not only aroused the old grandfather's interest, but also Tu Suting looked up in surprise, his eyes full of expectation.
"My niece is saying that you are proficient in the art of brewing wine?"
In an era when brewing technology was still immature and the art of craftsmanship was passed down through generations, winemaking techniques were considered to be a deeply hidden secret. Mastering even one of these techniques was rare, and mastering them all was even more challenging. Even those who delved into it alone rarely had the opportunity to glimpse the secrets.
However, Gu Yuexuan is different.
Life was tough, forcing her to acquire numerous skills in a previous life. Whether it was unconventional botanical techniques or a variety of other techniques, she possessed a knack for them. She even delved into the cost-effectiveness of different ingredients in traditional winemaking, storing countless unpublished experimental data in her mind.
Sensing the anticipation in her grandfather's eyes, she chuckled and said, "In my early years, I entertained myself by reading miscellaneous books in my spare time. I also tried brewing wine a few times. I wouldn't call it fine wine, but it tasted okay. I'd love to try it again someday if I have time."
Grandfather said excitedly, "Today is an auspicious day. Since you have mastered this skill, why put it off until later?"
"From tomorrow on, everyone will help you with the chores around the house. You just need to concentrate on studying the art of brewing wine."
As soon as he finished speaking, the old grandfather seemed to realize that it was not right to let others work hard just to satisfy his appetite, so he immediately added: "Winemaking is a fine craft. If you can make good wine, the profit is far greater than burning charcoal."
Yu originally wanted to point out that brewing wine required grain, which was a bit wasteful, but when she heard her grandfather mention profit, greed immediately flashed in her eyes.
"Grandfather, what you said is absolutely right. In the wine shops outside, a jar of ordinary muddy wine can be sold for half a tael of silver. The profit is quite considerable."
Recently, the grandfather has been thinking about how difficult the charcoal burning business will become as the mountains are blocked by heavy snow. He reminds everyone to seize the time and store more firewood before the cold wave arrives in case of emergency.
When that time really comes, if you can successfully run a winemaking business at home, even a violent storm will not be able to stop the wealth from flowing into your pocket.
Those who originally wanted to raise objections chose to remain silent after a little thought. After all, no one wants to be an enemy of wealth.
Tu Subo chewed the tender fish in his mouth and said slowly, "I heard that opening a winery requires a lot of materials to make wine. Do you have enough facilities at home?"
Gu Yuexuan quickly took stock in her mind and said thoughtfully, "Perhaps we are still missing a few key items, but there is no rush for the time being."
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