As they spoke, the group of people who had gathered together dispersed again, returning to their respective places for preparing ingredients, and began the incredibly busy time of wrapping rice dumplings, discussing how to season them better as they wrapped.
Soon, the first batch of rice dumplings was wrapped, tied with strong knots using straw, and then sent into the pressure cooker in batches according to type. Half an hour later, the first batch of rice dumplings came out of the pot.
The rice dumplings here are divided into two main categories: sweet and savory, which are also the mainstream in the current world.
Of course, sour and spicy rice dumplings also exist, but they did not appear on site. At least in the first round of attempts, no one made these two types. After all, it was the first experiment, so making basic models was better.
Most of the sweet rice dumplings everyone made were simple white rice, red bean, candied date, etc., which tasted great dipped in white sugar. There were also fruit rice dumplings, red bean paste rice dumplings, jujube rice dumplings, taro rice dumplings, and other fruit and vegetable rice dumplings, with a rich variety.
There were also savory rice dumplings with fillings such as fresh meat, ham, clam, egg yolk, red bean paste, ribs, candied dates, and lotus seed paste. The numbers of the two types were around four to six.
Speaking of rice dumplings, northern Huaxia mainly favors sweet rice dumplings, while southern Huaxia prefers savory ones.
"Speaking of which, do you know why northerners prefer sweet rice dumplings, while southerners prefer savory rice dumplings?"
Looking at the dazzling array of fragrant rice dumplings in front of her, Shiina Shinohiru suddenly asked curiously. She couldn't understand why, in such a large country, the two regions liked different things.
"The geographical conditions and economic development of the north and south are also one of the main reasons for the difference in rice dumpling flavors.
The main crop in northern Huaxia is wheat, while the south primarily cultivates rice. Therefore, rice dumplings can be a staple food in the south, but in the north, they are more of a seasonal food eaten only during festivals.
At the same time, sugar consumption is also related to local economic development.
Before the Song Dynasty, Huaxia's economic center was in the north, and the main consumption of sugar was also concentrated in the north. So, the rice dumplings in the south became savory, and this has continued to the present."
Alice Nakiri, who had no idea where she got a pair of glasses from, spoke while pushing the rim of her glasses with her hand, exuding an intellectual aura from head to toe.
"Where did you get those glasses? Are you nearsighted?"
Unable to contain his curiosity, Hoshino Sora asked. He hadn't seen her wearing glasses yesterday.
"No, I just think it has an intellectual beauty. Don't you think it makes one more desirous of conquest?"
As she spoke, Alice Nakiri pushed her glasses again, and at the same time picked up a small leather whip from the nearby table, waving it twice in the air to create a sonic boom, striking a pose like a fiery princess.
"I find that you really enjoy role-playing."
Thinking of Alice Nakiri's enthusiastic performance in the room the other day, and then looking at her now, diligently adapting to her role, Hoshino Sora suddenly came to this conclusion.
"Because it's so interesting! Every time I change into a different outfit, I get to see Hoshino-kun's infatuated expression. I look forward to it every day. Next time, I'll try a flight attendant uniform!"
Alice Nakiri revealed a bright smile. She wasn't particularly interested in changing outfits, but she loved the pig-like expression Hoshino Sora made when he saw her in different outfits.
That feeling was like her charm being acknowledged!
"Okay, I'm really looking forward to it!"
Nodding, Hoshino Sora was indeed looking forward to it, because Alice Nakiri's costume changes weren't ordinary. She would first understand the character's setting, thus giving him an extremely realistic experience.
It was as if she was truly a person in that profession. The instant excitement and novelty he felt upon contact were truly satisfying. No wonder those rich people in his previous life enjoyed playing such games.
"Ahem, isn't today's focus on rice dumplings? Let's not stray from the topic!"
Shiina Shinohiru awkwardly coughed twice, bringing Hoshino Sora's attention back. Alice Nakiri was so scary; they were talking about rice dumplings, yet she could completely derail the conversation just by her appearance and outfit.
"It is about rice dumplings, indeed. All in all, let's taste them first."
As he spoke, Hoshino Sora casually picked up a rice dumpling from the table and was the first to taste it. He was lucky; it was a fresh meat rice dumpling. Compared to sweet rice dumplings, he still preferred savory ones.
Because in his previous life, he was from the south, and he had eaten savory rice dumplings since he was a child, he really couldn't appreciate sweet ones.
"This is so delicious! Hoshino-kun, try my seafood chicken rice dumpling. This is made with chicken as the main body, marinated with the essence of eight kinds of seafood, and then prepared!"
Because markings were made on the rice dumplings beforehand, the moment they came out of the pot, everyone immediately found the ones they had wrapped, then unwrapped and tasted them at the first opportunity.
After the first bite, feeling the taste was good, they pushed it to Hoshino Sora's mouth, inviting him to try it as well. Of course, a deeper reason was to gain his praise.
"Alright, then I won't be polite."
After that, Hoshino Sora bit into every rice dumpling offered to him without hesitation. He had to admit, even though it was their first time making rice dumplings, once they understood the production principles, they could all make very good ones.
This also meant that everyone's first attempts were excellent, and if sold in a typical small shop, they would definitely be the hottest-selling products of the season.
"From the first round of experience, the seafood chicken rice dumplings, the pork belly and black pig rice dumplings, the five-grain sweet rice dumplings, the yakitori master's Japanese-style flavored rice dumplings, and the molecularly reassembled cured meat rice dumplings all taste very good.
Of course, the main reason why not many sweet rice dumplings were chosen is that I don't particularly like sweet rice dumplings. It doesn't mean that those not chosen are bad; the specifics should still be left to the market to judge."
Hoshino Sora explained that his opinion alone didn't count for such things; the specifics still needed to be judged by the market. Thinking of this, he turned his head to look at Aka Rika, who was eager to try.
"Asaka-nee, Rika-nee, go open the shop door. Dimensional Restaurant is about to open for business."
"Alright, we'll go right away."
"Wait for us to come back!"
Hearing Hoshino Sora's call, Aka Rika nodded heavily, then jogged out of the kitchen towards the shop entrance, changing the restaurant to 'open for business' status.
"Then the rest is up to you."
"You must work hard and not neglect the guests."
Upon returning to the restaurant, Asaka smiled as she looked at the already-ready Different race waitstaff, and received an exceptionally unified reply: "Yes, mistress."
All the women said in unison.
They were all professionally trained before starting work, because working as waitstaff at the Dimensional Restaurant allowed them to receive a gourmet coupon each time, which was an unparalleled temptation for them.
Therefore, many people volunteered to work at the Dimensional Restaurant, and with many people, some naturally needed to be screened out. Every batch of incoming waitstaff had to undergo strict selection.
Only those who met the performance standards could work. This was to provide the best customer experience, at least to avoid situations where people were looked down upon.
After all, customers are Hoshino Sora's most important way to earn points; only by serving them well can he earn more points, buy more slaves, and better develop the Gourmet Manor.
Nowadays, every time he opens the Dimensional Restaurant and earns points, he allocates a portion to purchase slaves, then has the older ones train the new ones, familiarizing these slaves with the Gourmet Manor in batches.
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