In her bustling kitchen, Hu Yufeng eagerly prepared the meat she had recently acquired from an online meat shop, a cost-effective alternative to the expensive ingredients available in the local markets of the Capital Star.
The shop claimed that the meat was tough and lacked flavor, but Hu Yufeng saw it as an exciting challenge to transform it into something extraordinary. She had obtained the meat of an evolved pig, a creature rivaling a cow's size, with bluish-silver skin and four magnificent horns.
She was surprised at the unusual meat, yet she couldn't help but admire the diversity of ingredients the galaxy had to offer. Turning her attention to the shrimp-like creatures she had procured from an icy planet, she marveled at their vibrant green color, resembling fruits more than creatures of the sea. With nimble fingers, she skillfully chopped the other mutated ingredients she had gathered, including shallots, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Each ingredient had its own distinct aroma and flavor, adding depth and complexity to her dish.
To add a fiery kick to her creation, Hu Yufeng ground chili and black pepper infusing the dish with a delightful spiciness. Lamenting the absence of oyster sauce and soy sauce, she made do with the limited ingredients at her disposal, relying on eggs, salt, and oil to enhance the flavors. Mixing everything together in a bowl, she ensured that the ingredients were thoroughly combined, their aromas mingling in a tantalizing symphony.
In a sizzling pan, Hu Yufeng carefully cooked the mixture, patiently stirring until the tough meat softened and the flavors harmonized harmoniously. As the enticing aroma filled the air, she retrieved a strainer, allowing the excess oil to drip away, ensuring that the dish remained light and healthy.
Hu Yufeng's resourcefulness extended beyond the ingredients themselves. In the absence of spring roll wrappers, she ingeniously sought out soft wrapping leaves as a suitable alternative. With a delicate touch, she wrapped the flavorful mixture within the leafy embrace, ready to impart its unique taste to each bite. She skipped the process of frying them again because it will damage the leaves.
Surveying her culinary creation, Hu Yufeng couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt. Cooking without complete ingredients was indeed a challenge, and she hoped her improvisation wouldn't compromise the dish's taste.
"This should be called Mutated Lumpiang Shanghai rolls. I wish I could make soy sauce and oyster sauce next time to make this dish more flavorful. The meat is very good, though."
When Feng Tian arrived, she was already cooking the second dish.
Having returned home from the dormitory, Feng Tian entered the kitchen to find his stepmother, Hu Yufeng engrossed in her culinary creations. The tantalizing aromas of the mutated ingredients filled the air, piquing his curiosity. He observed her with a mixture of intrigue and skepticism as she embarked on her next culinary venture: preparing Mutated Grilled Spatchcock Chicken using the limited ingredients at her disposal.
Hu Yufeng had obtained a pair of mutated chickens, whose imposing presence caught Feng Tian off guard. These creatures stood as tall as four feet, adorned with vibrant and colorful wings. Unlike those of ordinary chickens, their beaks possessed sharp, menacing teeth, a characteristic of the unique mutations they had undergone in the galaxy.
Undeterred by the intimidating appearance of the chickens, Hu Yufeng proceeded with her cooking. She carefully cleaned the chickens, removed any unwanted parts, and marinated them with a blend of spices she had managed to gather. Although she lacked certain key ingredients, her resourcefulness and creativity fueled her determination to transform the dish into something extraordinary.
Hu Yufeng prepared the grilling apparatus as the marinated chickens rested, adjusting the temperature and ensuring a proper cooking environment. The mutated chickens, with their colorful wings, lay ready to undergo the heat of the grill. With a steady hand, Hu Yufeng placed the chickens on the grates, expertly searing them to perfection.
Intrigued by the process, Feng Tian approached the kitchen counter where Hu Yufeng was working. He couldn't help but voice his curiosity, "Mrs. Feng, those beasts... they look different from anything I've seen before. Are they safe to eat?"
Hu Yufeng turned to face Feng Tian, her expression a mix of confidence and pride. "These mutated chickens may look formidable, but rest assured, I've tested their quality and confirmed their suitability for consumption. The mutations they underwent in the galaxy have given them unique characteristics, and when prepared properly, they can offer a delightful culinary experience."
Feng Tian's skepticism gradually transformed into curiosity as he observed the skilled hands of his stepmother maneuvering through the cooking process. His appetite whetted. He couldn't resist the temptation and decided to give it a try.
The savory aroma intensified as the chickens sizzled on the grill, filling the kitchen with an enticing fragrance. Hu Yufeng occasionally basted the chickens with a homemade glaze, carefully infusing them with additional layers of flavor. The vibrant colors of the mutated chickens began to darken, the skin developing a tantalizing crispness.
Finally, the moment arrived when Hu Yufeng declared the chickens ready. She carefully removed them from the grill, the aroma captivating Feng Tian's senses. Placing the grilled spatchcock chickens on a serving platter, she presented her creation to Feng Tian, a smile of accomplishment gracing her face.
Feng Tian, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, tasted a piece of the grilled chicken. The flavors exploded in his mouth, a delightful combination of smoky notes, tender meat, and the unique essence of the mutated chickens. Surprised by the deliciousness of the dish, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Mrs. Feng, this is incredible! The flavors are unlike anything I've tasted before. You truly have a gift for cooking."
Hu Yufeng beamed with satisfaction, her culinary efforts validated by Feng Tian's appreciation. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Tiantian. Cooking with incomplete ingredients presents its challenges, but it also allows for creativity and the exploration of new flavors. As long as we approach it passionately and open-mindedly, we can create extraordinary dishes even with limited resources."
At that moment, a bond between Feng Tian and his stepmother began to form—a shared appreciation for the art of cooking and the joy that comes from creating something delicious out of the extraordinary. And as they savored their meal together, they embarked on a culinary journey that would not only satiate their hunger but also strengthen their relationship in the most unexpected way.