Yu Yao looked at everyone and said, "Now that I'm about to speak, who can help me take notes?"
The military wives looked at each other, and finally Su Meihua and Sun Yu raised their hands, "We'll help with the recording."
Zhu Dan nodded: "Let's go with them."
She was also curious about just how many dishes Yu Yao could cook.
The others looked at Yu Yao expectantly.
"Sister-in-law Sun, Sister-in-law Meihua, here's paper and pen." As soon as Yu Yao proposed the bet, Lu Ze knew what she was thinking and went into the house to get lined paper and a pen.
Then footsteps came from behind.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting. Where were you chatting? Why is it so lively?"
The speaker was Chief Quartermaster Chen, and behind him were more than a dozen people who usually worked in the army canteen.
Zhu Dan said, "Quartermaster, you've come at the right time. We're planning to have a buffet for New Year's Eve dinner this year, but the younger comrades aren't happy about it. They're currently making a bet to see if Yu Yao can come up with a hundred different New Year's Eve dinner recipes..."
Zhu Dan briefly explained the ins and outs of the matter.
The quartermaster paid no attention to the women's little schemes, but was more interested in whether Yu Yao could name a hundred different dishes.
He only knows how to cook a limited number of dishes, all of which he learned from his master. The soldiers are tired of the same old dishes and have asked him to try something different many times.
Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from Commander Lu's wife.
"I'd heard that Commander Lu's wife was an amazing cook, but I didn't expect her to have such a rich culinary repertoire. We're really getting a good deal this time."
Unlike later generations with advanced information technology, recipes are readily available online, and many food bloggers provide step-by-step cooking instructions.
At that time, it was all about masters passing on knowledge to apprentices, and mothers teaching their daughters. A secret recipe could be passed down as a family heirloom. Otherwise, there wouldn't be sayings like "teaching an apprentice can starve the master," or "masters always like to keep some secrets."
Yu Yao's willingness to talk about the menu is definitely a bargain for everyone.
Upon hearing the quartermaster's words, Zhu Dan realized the implication and quickly said, "Yu Yao, I didn't think it through just now. You know it yourself, there's no need to say it."
Zheng Mei saw that Zhu Dan had spoken up, and her plan to use this opportunity to get rid of Yu Yao had failed. Just as she was feeling regretful, she heard Yu Yao say:
"Sister Dan, it's okay. I'm just talking about traditional ways of making dishes, and I can share them with everyone."
She certainly wouldn't reveal anything involving secret recipes.
When it comes to cooking, recipes alone are not enough; secret techniques and experience are even more important.
Zhu Dan was relieved to hear her say that.
Seeing Yu Yao's confident demeanor, Zheng Mei couldn't help but feel apprehensive.
Could she really come up with a hundred different recipes?
I've never heard of anyone in her family being a cook. Even a village cook might not be able to master so many recipes. How could a country girl who only graduated from junior high school make all of them?
This isn't something that can be accomplished simply through talent; it depends on whether your family has the necessary background or resources.
She was certain that Yu Yao was putting on a brave face and would soon reveal her true colors.
"Comrade Yu, you may begin."
Yu Yao picked up the enamel mug, about to pour some more tea, but unexpectedly, it was already filled with water. She took a sip.
It tastes sweet and soothes the throat; it's actually honey water.
Without a doubt, it must have been Lu Ze who poured it for her.
After finishing her water, Yu Yao started talking about the traditional New Year's Eve dinner menu. Her idea was to follow the eight generations of cuisines, starting with meat dishes, then vegetarian dishes, soups, and then seafood.
This way, it's less likely to be forgotten, and it also ensures that it caters to tastes from all over the country.
Once we've discussed it, we can use it as the menu for this year's New Year's Eve dinner. After adjusting it based on everyone's strengths and the availability of ingredients, we can finalize the menu.
She created a mind map, connecting all the suitable recipes she knew by keywords.
"Roast goose, Wenchang chicken, honey-glazed char siu, Sichuan peppercorn stewed chicken, steamed grouper, stir-fried crab with ginger and scallions, claypot rice with preserved meat, coconut chicken, ginger duck with fried crab..."
When Yu Yao first started talking, Zheng Mei didn't take it to heart at all.
The more you work on a hundred different recipes, the more difficult it becomes. Yu Yao already knows the ones she mentioned earlier, so it's nothing special.
Everyone listened with great interest.
Yu Yao initially mentioned common Cantonese dishes, many of which were local island specialties. The military wives were all used to cooking and had prepared these dishes before.
But for some reason, it sounded delicious coming from Yu Yao's mouth.
Even though Yu Yao only mentioned the names of the dishes, they listened very attentively.
Lu Ze sat to the side, keeping a close eye on Yu Yao's condition.
He knew exactly when to add water to the enamel mug, and when to add mint leaves or lychee honey.
Being a good supporter is his silent way of supporting his loved one.
The quartermaster, Chen Xu, who was standing nearby, was extremely surprised.
He had known Lu Ze for six or seven years, and he had never seen him treat any other woman so well.
Although Lu Ze and Yu Yao are already married, their thoughtful attitude still puts them far ahead of the other married men in the compound.
No wonder Commander Lei often complained that with a good man like Commander Lu around, he dared not slack off for even a second.
The other women were extremely envious.
The dignified regimental commander was busy serving tea and water, always attentive to his duties, and without any airs. It's rare to see a man who dotes on his wife like this.
No wonder Yu Yao's complexion has been getting better and better since she came to the island, and she's been smiling more and more.
It's said that loving someone is like growing a flower; you can tell if a man is good or not just by looking at the woman he loves.
If we're talking about who's most uncomfortable, it's probably Zheng Mei.
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