Food cooked using an earthen stove and heated with firewood was far more delicious than its counterparts cooked on conventional gas stoves. There was something magical in how the fire burned, making the food more fragrant and far tastier than usual.
Su Wen carefully monitored the wok, checking every once in a while to ensure the pheasant was cooked just right; only when it was would its flavor come through. Once the meat became tender, she told Su Qing to stop adding firewood to the stove. Meanwhile, Su Wen kneaded some dough, dipping it in water before pressing it against the sides of the heated wok until fully covered.
"Success! One earthen pot pheasant coming right up!" The dish had always been one of her favorites; it was a shame so few could prepare it, especially in the big cities. Even if they tried to replicate it, it was not the same--there was always something missing.
