I ate breakfast in a hurry, and after breakfast I started to start the fire. I'm a novice, so I just followed the steps.
After some trial and error, the oil was finally ready by morning when it was completely crooked.
The pot was full of lard, but now only the bottom is left. Simply use a strainer to press down the dried-out grease and scoop out the oil from the top, which was scooped out spoonful by spoonful.
At this point, the large spoon is no good; large chunks of oil splatter, some crumbs, and a little bit of oil remain. It's quite a hassle to separate the oil cleanly; you have to use a fine-mesh strainer to filter it little by little to separate the fried oil.
Of course, the little glutton didn't have that patience. From the moment she was put on the strainer, there was no need to add more firewood. She would circle around Jian Dan, and the "slurping" sound of her drooling would echo in Jian Dan's ears like a demon.
Simple didn't bother her. She picked up a piece, tasted it, and felt it was cooked through. She quickly asked her to get a bowl, filled it halfway, and sent her aside.
This stuff is really oily, so I wouldn't dare let my child eat too much of it.
Take the oil to the kitchen, let it cool, and then put it into jars.
She collected a portion of the lard and stored it at the base, just in case she craved it someday. She didn't even know how to eat this lard, so the chances of her craving it again were slim.
This big iron pot was finished this morning, and it's still shiny and bright. If the villagers saw it, they would keep it to cook for several days.
She certainly couldn't waste it. She had some of this stuff, and while she was willing to part with it, wasting it was absolutely unacceptable.
It's already past noon, and the child just ate something so greasy, so we definitely can't make any more meat dishes.
Looking into the kitchen, I decided to stew a pot of cabbage and potatoes right there in the pot, and then heated up a few steamed buns on top.
It has to be said that the oil content makes the dish taste different.
The little girl finally got to eat the fried dough sticks she'd been longing for, and she even enjoyed eating cabbage. She swayed her head left and right, looking very happy.
I was originally thinking of making some fried dough sticks with pickled cabbage, and then filling some steamed buns and dumplings with it. But as we were finishing our meal, I suddenly remembered...
"Tomorrow is Chinese New Year, right?"
This question is so perplexing that Xiao Jianxin is definitely stumped. However, she has heard her friends mention the word "Chinese New Year" many times recently. They all look forward to the New Year and say that there will be delicious food during it.
Not only can it be used to make rice, but it can also be a filling meal. The dishes are oily and may even contain meat.
Things that we usually hide away and can't bear to eat, like candy or cookies, we'll take out and give them to them to enjoy.
The children get very excited when the topic of Chinese New Year comes up.
Jian Xin still vividly remembers the days when she couldn't eat consecutive meals and was often hungry, and she knows how unpleasant that feeling was.
Hearing this, she looked up and blinked her big eyes at Jian Dan.
"Do you want to eat meat during the Chinese New Year?"
"Chinese New Year is a traditional festival for family reunion. After a busy year, everyone looks forward to reuniting with their families during the New Year, and also to catch up with old friends and strengthen relationships."
Generally speaking, the Lunar New Year is the most festive and joyous time. People will bring out the things they usually can't bear to eat and share them with their families. After a year of hard work, the Lunar New Year is the most relaxing time.
Not only do they eat meat, but they also bring out the best foods they wouldn't normally eat during the Lunar New Year.
Little Jianxin listened, only half understanding, tilting her little head.
It's simple, but that doesn't mean she understands.
"What do you want to eat tomorrow? Let's make some delicious food."
She understood this, it was something she liked, and she signed up with great interest.
"Xin Xin, please help!"
"Okay, let's prepare after we finish eating. What do you want to eat?"
A little kid was cracking jokes, and time really flew by.
When it comes to food, the little girl is full of energy, following Jian Dan around happily, handing her a scallion, peeling garlic, and fetching a bowl. She's busy as a bee, and it would be even better if she could taste some of the dishes every now and then.
After a busy afternoon, the frozen meat was brought in to thaw, the vegetables were cut, and all the necessary chicken, duck, fish, and meat were prepared, some were braised, and some were roasted. Even the dumpling filling for the New Year's Eve dinner was mixed. The cellar was inspected several times, and everything Jian Xin had her eye on was added to tomorrow's menu.
In the middle, Mingzhu, the nearest neighbor, also brought two portions of homemade snacks.
Because they live close by, Mingzhu also has a cheerful and generous personality. Perhaps due to their different living environments, Mingzhu's lifestyle and quality of life are obviously closer to simplicity, at least in terms of food. She is not as frugal and calculating as Li Yanlin and Zhaodi.
It's not that their methods are bad; they're just forced by circumstances, a simple explanation.
However, for someone like Jian Dan, who was a pampered young lady in her past life and is not short of money in this life, there is still some restraint in front of them.
For example, in matters like eating and drinking, the difference in attitudes towards the details of life is quite obvious.
The economic base determines the superstructure and values; this is a true reflection of reality.
Jian Dan also liked Mingzhu quite a bit, and they gradually started seeing each other more often. Lin Dongfang would also come over from time to time, and he would readily lend a hand whenever there was any work to be done in the yard.
You send me vegetables, I send you fruit in return; as this happens more often, our relationship grows closer.
I accepted it without hesitation and sent back a plate of freshly fried dough sticks from lunchtime.
"Try it, this is my first time trying oil too."
That day I saw that Sister Yan and the others made it really well. The oily bits were crispy and fragrant, and the kids liked them too. I thought I'd make some and try them all.
They said it could also be used to make steamed buns and dumplings, and I was even thinking of making some to freeze, but…
A simple, helpless shrug.
"I'm so confused about the days. I only remembered this afternoon that tomorrow is Chinese New Year. I can only get things sorted out after the New Year."
I made it at noon, and it was still steaming hot when Mingzhu arrived. It was still very crispy and delicious. Mingzhu even squinted her eyes while eating it.
"You know what, it's actually quite delicious. There's no oil left, so it's not greasy at all, and it's quite salty."
This stuff is perfect as a snack.
"Xin Xin said so too, it's crunchy and the more you chew, the more fragrant it becomes."
The fat in the pork was juicy and not tough at all; it was quite crisp.
Seeing that she liked it, they packed some more for her, and Mingzhu didn't stand on ceremony.
"Alright, I won't stand on ceremony."
"Xin Xin, come to my house to play tomorrow. Auntie bought you some yummy treats."
Although the Ming family had encountered trouble, they still had their wealth, and their lives were not as simple and frugal as they had hoped.
Then there's Lin Dongfang, whose family also provided a lot of support for his marriage, and he's living a very prosperous life.
After Mingzhu left, the visitors ate and played, and by evening the two of them were still full and couldn't even eat dinner.
She happily washed up, applied lotion, and then watched as Jianxin neatly folded and arranged her new clothes, underwear, and socks for tomorrow next day next to her pillow. The little girl hugged Jianxin tightly and didn't want to let go, insisting on sharing a blanket.
In the stillness of the night, Jian Dan became clear-headed.
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