Chapter 1498 - 580: The Iconic Steamed Dessert—Zeng Cake! Chen Yan: The Damage Actually Bounces Back? [Subscription Request]

Chapter 1498: Chapter 580: The Iconic Steamed Dessert—Zeng Cake! Chen Yan: The Damage Actually Bounces Back? [Subscription Request]

Zheng cake is the epitome of thoroughly steamed delicacies. It involves steaming the cooked glutinous rice again, allowing the moisture within the grains to separate once more. This process renders the rice tender and delicious, a characteristic rarely found in ordinary Eight Treasure Rice.

Half an hour later, the glutinous rice was fully steamed, the red beans were cooked, and the fragrance of red dates and candied dates was completely released.

Place these ingredients separately on trays to cool.

Once they’re cool to the touch, take out the large bowl purchased yesterday, and wash it clean.

Scatter the red beans at the bottom to cover the vents, then carefully tear the candied dates open and lay them on the red beans. Finally, add a layer of pitted red dates.

After completing these tasks, spread the cooked glutinous rice on top. When layering the rice, make sure each layer is about ten centimeters thick. You can include candied dates, red beans, or raisins.

However, you shouldn’t use red dates, as they won’t easily steam and soften inside. To enhance the dish’s appearance, all the red dates are usually placed on the very top.

This makes it look even more enticing.

Once everything is spread evenly, add another layer of red beans on top, followed by a layer of candied dates.

Finally, arrange all the red dates on top, cover them with lotus leaves scalded in boiling water, and place them in the steaming cabinet, steaming over high heat.

"How long does it need to steam, boss?"

"Steam it for two hours initially, let it sit with the heat off for a while, then steam for another two hours. Afterward, take it out and leave it to cool in the kitchen. Heat it up tomorrow morning and it’ll be ready to eat.

If you use a cast iron steamer as large as a water tank, there’s no need to reheat it, because even in the middle of winter, it stays warm until the next day.

But this stainless steel one won’t do; it loses heat too quickly, so it will surely be cold by morning.

Though you can eat it cold, it’s better to heat it slightly to avoid stomach discomfort.

While Lin Xu was busy steaming the Zheng cake in the large kitchen, Shen Jiayue was carefully cutting duck breast into small cubes in the small kitchen nearby, as Chen Yan watched with admiration:

"Wow, you know how to use a knife?"

"Oh, it’s no big deal. Actually, Xu Bao doesn’t want me to use knives, afraid I’d cut my hand. But without a knife, how could I make Fragrant Rice Duck?"

Since Chen Yan wasn’t busy this afternoon and recently had caramelized cashews outside, she thought of Shen Jiayue’s Fragrant Rice Duck and wanted to see and taste it.

If it was easy to learn, she’d surprise Ren Jie with it later.

As Shen Jiayue diced the meat, she said:

"If you don’t want to chop it yourself, you can ask a helpful stall owner. Southern produce stall owners not only help with fish and meat prep but also fillet fish and clean spring onions. Northern owners might not be as meticulous, but for a small fee, they’ll cut it neatly for you."

After cutting the meat, Shen Jiayue marinated it briefly.

Meanwhile, the Fragrant Rice was nearly done steaming, so she scooped it out and spread it onto a tray.

"The rice needs to cool before frying for the right texture. Later, you’ll get to taste my skills. Also, I can make Cola Chicken Wings and Honey-Baked Wings; I’ll cook them for you next time."

Shen Jiayue was excited, finally surpassing her cousin in culinary skills.

Chen Yan wasn’t upset about being outshone but was attentively watching her cousin’s process, suggesting:

"Yueyue, how about filming a cooking video later? Let your brother-in-law film a video with Dundun titled ’Exchanging Lives for a Day,’ which would likely be popular online."

Huh?

Exchanging lives?

Let Xu Bao live my life for a day, while I live his, sounds quite interesting.

So my position as Executive Chef would be revealed?

What would I say then?

That’s right, I’d quote Shen Teng’s classic lines:

Intended to interact with you as an ordinary person, yet received only doubts and mockery, not holding back anymore, I reveal that I’m Lin Ji’s Food Executive Chef!

With this thought, she wiped her hands and messaged Shu Yun:

"Get a customized set of Executive Chef clothing with Lin Ji’s logo for me, I need it for a video soon..."

Downstairs, Shu Yun was preparing to inform members who had loaded over a ten thousand balance to pick up their exclusive snack gift boxes when she saw the mistress’s new instructions and was intrigued.

Is the mistress stirring things up again?

But since she was instructed, she quickly prepared, understanding that the mistress’s efforts online are financially rewarding.

Curiously, she asked:

"Should the size be the same as before?"

This question took away Shen Jiayue’s joy in being an Executive Chef:

"Well... it can be slightly looser since winter clothes are thick, and chef suits aren’t good if too tight-fitting..."

I won’t admit I’ve gained three pounds.

She must exercise more to lose weight, inspiring healthy eating habits and self-discipline!

Wenqing, my cousin, her 150-pound advice still echoes in my ears, and tomorrow I’ll face high-calorie Zheng cake; just imagining it is unsettling.

"Yan Bao, what should I do if I reach 150 pounds?"

"Forget about it, never have body image anxiety, just live as you do, others’ perceptions are secondary, you should live happily your own way."

Chen Yan, like a caring elder sister, consoled her cousin.

As she racked her brains to continue comforting, she was hit with a blunt question:

"So... how much weight did you gain this Chinese New Year, Yan Bao?"

Chen Yan: "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"