"Braised chicken, next...?"
The dish in front of him emitted a faint aroma. Dylan took a deep breath and uttered these words.
"That's right. Based on its flavor characteristics, I also made some improvements to it, ensuring the taste won't disappoint you."
Hearing Dylan's voice, Huang Mei became somewhat excited, her small face flushed as she spoke, clearly looking forward to Dylan tasting her dish.
"Improvements, you say? If my Super Sense of Smell isn't mistaken, the improvement should be in the stock, right?"
Using a blend of chicken bones, pork bones, and Wagyu beef bones, slowly simmered over a low flame to extract the flavor, thereby increasing the richness and layering of the soup base and adding to its richness and layering sensation.
Strands of aroma wafted into his nostrils. Dylan stated the biggest difference in the improved dish: the use of mixed stock.
Moreover, the proportions were precisely controlled. The chicken stock's aroma was especially rich, forming the main note, while the flavors of pork bones and Wagyu beef bones were relatively lighter but clearly discernible, serving as complementary notes.
When combined, it's not a matter of one being better or worse, but what's certain is that the resulting dish has a richer flavor, making the braised chicken's taste significantly more layered.
"As expected, nothing escapes your nose!"
Pork bones and Wagyu beef bones are both rich in collagen and bone marrow. These components release abundant gelatin and fat under high temperatures, making the stock even thicker.
"Precisely. Using this kind of stock for sauced braised chicken will make its texture even fuller, creating a naturally perfect sensation."
Hearing Huang Mei's words, Dylan nodded, his eyes holding a faint appreciation.
Knowing to add other ingredients to the stock to enhance flavor, and having such precise judgment over their proportions—is this truly the power of Super Sense of Touch?
"After long simmering, the chicken meat becomes exceptionally tender. The benefits of this are not only ease of deboning but also allowing the chicken to fully absorb the essence of the soup, making its own flavor rich and mellow."
Picking up a piece of chicken and looking at its moist sheen, the old man in pinkish-brown clothes spoke, a flush appearing on his face from the aroma.
"The mixture of sweet bean paste, sugar, and stock provides the chicken with a unique base flavor, its taste sweet with a hint of saltiness, fresh and delicious. And the subsequent addition of star anise, ginger, scallions, and sesame oil further enriched the dish's flavor, adding to its aroma and layering. Furthermore, if I'm not mistaken, you must have used chicken tenderloin, located on the inner side of the chicken breast, its meat more delicate and tender than chicken breast."
Closing his eyes, Senzaemon Nakiri spoke to Huang Mei while chewing.
The advantage of chicken tenderloin is its soft texture and fine fibers, making it very suitable for preparing dishes that require long stewing.
"Ah! This leisurely feeling is wonderful!"
Beside him, the bald old man let out a low groan. At this moment, his mind had wandered far away, as if he wasn't in the competition arena but had arrived at a tranquil countryside.
A peaceful pastoral landscape filled his vision: golden sunlight spilling over green meadows, a few leisurely chickens foraging on the grass.
These chickens had glossy feathers, robust bodies, and looked full of vigor.
And he stood in the center of the countryside, feeling the gentle breeze around him, a surge of poetic inspiration, a sign of extreme mental relaxation.
"Rich sauce, fragrant braised chicken, tenderloin fresh, its taste lingers long."
Savoring the taste on his tongue, at the peak of his excitement, Dylan couldn't help but strike the table and recite a verse, expressing his feelings at that moment.
"The braised chicken with a modified sauce, and the improved Tuscan Cream Chicken. The Tuscan Cream Chicken had a unique flavor, rich creaminess, and because of the added nuts, its texture was uniquely rich and intensely aromatic. As for this sauced braised chicken, it used chicken tenderloin, braised with stock slowly simmered from chicken, pork, and beef bones, plus a specially formulated sauce. This allowed the chicken tenderloin to fully absorb the essence of the stock while also being infused with a rich aroma, resulting in a delicate, tender, and incredibly palatable texture."
After saying this, Senzaemon Nakiri's clothes were half-burst, his expression deeply conflicted.
"The dishes from both individuals in front of me are very good, but neither has any particularly dazzling points. They fall into the category of relatively ordinary yet top-tier dishes. It was difficult to determine a victor for a while.
Hearing Senzaemon Nakiri's assessment, the several judges present fell silent. They too couldn't decide who had won or lost; both contestants performed exceptionally well in their respective areas, but neither had a clear point of superiority over the other, leaving everyone conflicted.
Dylan certainly had some ideas, but seeing this atmosphere, he didn't speak, merely directing his gaze towards Huang Mei and Takumi Aldini.
"I already said it. My dish is full of surprises. This is merely its initial form. Next, you'll see its true face!"
Seeing Dylan look over, a flush of excitement crossed Huang Mei's face. She then stepped forward, addressing the judges.
"What?!"
Hearing Huang Mei's words, the judges present showed slight surprise, and simultaneously noticed the sizzling hot iron pan she held.
"Come on, now let me show you its true appearance!"
After saying this, Huang Mei poured the contents of the pan over the sauced braised chicken in front of her.
In an instant, a rich aroma spread outwards from the pouring point as its center, diffusing in all directions, becoming faint wisps that reached everyone's nostrils.
"What a rich aroma!"
"What did she pour? Why did the aroma suddenly become so rich?!"
In the sky, a large screen broadcast the live situation. Feeling the pervading aroma in the air, the audience couldn't help but show expressions of surprise.
"Hot chicken oil?"
His nose twitched. Smelling the aroma in the air, Senzaemon Nakiri stated his guess.
Pouring sizzling chicken oil over the chicken meat was enough to instantly awaken the dish's flavor. The consequence of this was that the dish's flavor would significantly decrease once it cooled, becoming too greasy to be palatable. However, when hot, it was an exquisite delicacy.
And since this was a competition, the judges naturally wouldn't wait for the dish to cool before eating!
Immediately, everyone picked up a piece of braised chicken with their chopsticks.
This type of chick meat was already very tender, and with the use of chicken tenderloin, the texture was naturally even more tender, a single bite bringing immense satisfaction.
"This… this is it! The rich aroma of the chicken oil further highlighted the flavor of the chicken tenderloin, while the strong sensation of fat made the chicken even more tender and smooth. Its inherent savory umami intertwined with the chicken's freshness, forming a unique layering! Excellent, a top-tier dish!"
His half-burst clothes completely ripped apart, revealing his muscular upper body. Senzaemon Nakiri's face was filled with enjoyment, This feeling was truly wonderful!
At the same time, the other judges also picked up a piece of chicken tenderloin, brought it to their mouths, and took a bite. Feeling the rich flavors spread in their mouths, their bodies trembled slightly, and their faces flushed.
"If before it was the leisure of the countryside, now it's the intensity of the battlefield! Like fighting cocks watched by a crowd, battling furiously! Using sizzling chicken oil to further stimulate the flavor of the sauced braised chicken—that's truly an excellent idea!"
The old man in pinkish-brown clothes let out a long sigh, looking at the glistening dish in front of him, unable to help but exclaim.
"Many dishes are drizzled with hot oil when they come out of the pot. This serves to enhance aroma, increase color, maintain warmth and moisture, boost flavor, and improve texture."
Feeling the distinct taste in his mouth, Dylan slowly spoke. Drizzling hot oil over a finished dish was indeed an excellent way to enhance its flavor.
"It seems the victor has been decided!"
Seeing Dylan express his stance, Senzaemon Nakiri and those around him exchanged glances, then without further hesitation, stood up and made the announcement to the surroundings.
Senzaemon Nakiri called out to his attendants.
If before it was impossible to determine the outcome of this match, Huang Mei's later addition of chicken oil solidified their decision.
If Takumi Aldini had no other innovations, then his Summer Selection journey would end here.
However, seeing his unwilling yet motionless demeanor, Senzaemon Nakiri had his answer, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
As a student Totsuki had nurtured, to be easily defeated by a transfer student, he truly couldn't save face. Now, it was up to the other students.
Turning his gaze to Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri in the audience, Senzaemon Nakiri's heart calmed down again.
No matter what, Totsuki's brightest jewels were still these two! No matter how much others stirred things up, they could only compete for third place.
"The winner is, Huang Mei!"
As Senzaemon Nakiri's voice fell, the venue immediately erupted in cheers. They had watched the match between the two, both exceptionally strong contestants. Regardless of who achieved final victory, they were worthy of admiration.
"Yay!"
Hearing the final result, Huang Mei jumped up even more excitedly, her smile undisguised, perfectly showing the state of a young girl who couldn't hide her feelings.
"Huang Mei has grown stronger again."
Watching Huang Mei, who was gazing at Dylan with starry eyes and continuously giggling, Liu Yu in the audience spoke softly, her eyes holding a hint of alarm.
The reason was simple: this young girl's growth speed was too rapid. In just over a year, she could already create dishes at the First-Grade Head Chef level.
If this continued, in less than two years, Huang Mei would become a Special Grade Chef, going from being behind them to stepping over them. them.
This won't do!
Determination flashed in Liu Yu's eyes.
She didn't want to see this situation unfold. The only plan now was to quickly become stronger herself, becoming a Special Grade Chef one step ahead of the others.
Only then could she firmly secure her position as the boss!
Among this group of people who came to Totsuki Academy, her strength was the highest. Though she usually didn't like to meddle, once she spoke, everyone would listen to her.
She also greatly enjoyed this feeling.
But now, Huang Mei's incredibly rapid progress made her feel a sense of crisis.
"Congratulations, you've advanced to the next round!"
Watching the triumphant young girl who had won the match, Dylan smiled and offered his congratulations.
As a talent he had personally nurtured, her victory made him very happy. With her Super Sense of Touch, if cultivated diligently, she might even reach the level of Little Master.
The most regrettable thing about his transmigration into Chūka Ichiban! was not getting to compete against Little Master, or even getting to battle his mother, Fairy Pai.
He had worked hard for a long time with this very goal in mind.
"Keep working hard."
After saying this, Dylan closed his eyes, while Huang Mei, as if greatly encouraged, nodded continuously, indicating her resolve.
"I'll work even harder! I definitely won't let you down, Leader!"
Meeting halfway, Huang Mei clenched her fists and moved closer to Dylan, speaking with unwavering determination.
She had made up her mind: in this Summer Selection, she would do her best to at least secure a top three position, and if possible, claim the championship!
That way, she wouldn't be embarrassing Dylan!
"You are advancing for your own cooking, not for anyone else. Please remember that point."
Hearing Huang Mei's words, Dylan patiently corrected her. Cooking for others, he explained, could not lead one to the peak of culinary artistry.
Only by letting the determination to become stronger be the driving force would one not be easily defeated by setbacks on the path forward, and thus reach the summit.
"I know! For myself, and even more so, for Leader!"
"Put yourself in a more important position, huh…" Dylan muttered to himself.
By the time he came back to his senses, Huang Mei had already run off the stage and out of sight, leaving him to shake his head helplessly.
"Dylan-ge, let's go back."
Seeing the match conclude and Dylan having nothing left to do, Alice Nakiri scampered onto the stage, her expression lively as she stood behind the young man.
"Alright."
Dylan nodded, then looked at Senzaemon Nakiri, and after nodding a gesture of acknowledgment to him, left Tsukiten Hall with Alice Nakiri.
However, just as he reached the entrance, two people standing there caught his attention.
A woman with sunglasses on her face leaned against the wall, observing him with interest.
"You must be Dylan-sensei?"
"Seeing you is better than hearing a hundred times. You're truly handsome and dashing, a talented man. No wonder you can make such amazing dishes, they're simply irresistible."
The two women spoke one after another, stepping forward with long strides, examining Dylan, their eyes revealing a different kind of emotion.
"Dylan-ge, do you know these two?"
Alice Nakiri curiously observed the two. She vaguely felt they looked familiar, and when the two women saw her, they first flinched, then slightly furrowed their brows.
"Have we met somewhere before? Your face feels very familiar."
"Yes, I feel familiar too! Wait, a few years ago, there was a competition in Northern Europe where a young girl defeated Special Grade Chef Jessy with molecular gastronomy! I remember it clearly!"
"Yes, yes, yes, I remember! That Molecular Gastronomy Burger completely redefined my understanding of burgers! You were that little girl back then!"
Gan Shi Xiamei and Gan Shi Zhijiang fell into reminiscence, grabbing Alice Nakiri's hand as they spoke, their expressions tinged with excitement.
They had originally been wondering how to connect with Dylan, but now it seemed they should have known him years ago.
According to the information they had gathered, Alice Nakiri and Dylan seemed to have a master-disciple relationship, and furthermore, they were the only such pair, their bond as close as father and daughter.
"Let go…"
Hearing Gan Shi Xiamei and Gan Shi Zhijiang's words, Alice Nakiri also reacted.
Gan Shi Xiamei and Gan Shi Zhijiang fell into reminiscence, grabbing Alice Nakiri's hand as they spoke, their expressions tinged with excitement.
They had originally been wondering how to connect with Dylan, but now it seemed they should have known him years ago.
According to the information they had gathered, Alice Nakiri and Dylan seemed to have a master-disciple relationship, and furthermore, they were the only such pair, their bond as close as father and daughter.
Hearing Gan Shi Xiamei and Gan Shi Zhijiang's words, Alice Nakiri also reacted.
Were these two not the judges on stage back then?
______
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