[Location: Siberia, Frozen Lake, Abandoned Facility, Cafeteria, Kitchen]
[4:25 PM, July 9, 2849, CE]
Inside the cafeteria in the kitchen, you could see a woman wearing a maid outfit starting to create a parfait at the table with the ingredients on her sides.
In a crystal-clear, wide-brimmed glass, layers of culinary artistry intertwine like a symphony of flavors and textures, creating a visual masterpiece that promises a delightful indulgence.
At the base, a velvety cascade of velvety vanilla custard cradles a bed of golden, buttery shortbread crumbs, each morsel a delicate dance of sweet and crumbly perfection. This forms the solid foundation upon which this culinary marvel is built.
Above, a luscious river of silky raspberry coulis weaves its way through the custard, adding a burst of vibrant, tangy notes that harmonize beautifully with the creaminess below. The scarlet hues of the coulis create a captivating contrast against the pale custard, a visual testament to the tantalizing taste that awaits.
Layer by layer, plump, juicy strawberries, kissed by the sun, recline upon the raspberry-infused custard, offering a burst of freshness and a gentle hint of summer's embrace. They are arranged with the precision of an artist, their deep red hues a striking contrast to the pale canvas beneath.
Next, a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers graces the stage, adding a satisfying crunch and a nutty warmth that elevates the parfait to new heights. They are like golden jewels, glistening in the soft light, each piece carefully toasted to perfection.
A cloud-like swirl of billowy whipped cream crowns this culinary masterpiece, its peaks and valleys reminiscent of a summer's day sky. It is the ethereal element that ties this ensemble together, providing a lightness that balances the richness beneath.
And finally, a plump, ruby-red cherry perches atop this edible masterpiece, like a jewel in a crown. It is the pièce de résistance, a burst of sweet and tart, a final flourish that beckons the fortunate soul who beholds it to partake in this symphony of flavors.
Aria finished her perfectly done parfait as she readied some more ingredients for a side snack to be paired with the parfaits on the table. The ingredients consist of 1 cup whole almonds, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt, as she started creating another delicacy.
With focused determination, Aria gathered her ingredients like a conductor assembling an orchestra, each element carefully selected for its harmonious contribution. The almonds, whole and unblemished, were cradled in her palms, their earthy aroma hinting at the promise of toasty perfection.
As the oven preheated, she set about her task with a measured cadence, like a dancer navigating the steps of a familiar ballet. The baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, awaited its role, a blank canvas for the alchemy about to unfold.
Into the oven went the almonds, their raw potential awakened by the gentle kiss of heat. As they turned golden and fragrant, their transformation whispered secrets of newfound depth and flavor.
In the small saucepan, honey and cinnamon mingled, creating a fragrant elixir that danced on her senses. The aroma wafted through the kitchen, a siren's call to the senses, promising sweetness and warmth.
With utmost care, she poured this golden nectar over the toasted almonds, each one cradled in its embrace. The glossy glaze clung to the almonds, promising a harmonious union of flavors.
Like a sculptor molding clay, she delicately arranged the almonds on the parchment, coaxing them into clusters that would soon become culinary gems. Each group of almonds nestled against its companions, forming bonds that would only strengthen with time.
Back into the oven they went, the fragrance intensifying as the honey glaze caramelized, creating a luscious coating that promised a satisfying crunch.
As the clusters cooled, she watched with anticipation, her kitchen now an altar to the artistry of creation. The parchment paper cradled the clusters, their forms solidifying into golden nuggets of delight.
Once they had cooled completely, she gently liberated them from their parchment sanctuary, each cluster a testament to the alchemy of her hands. They glistened in the morning light, their amber hue a reflection of the passion woven into their creation.
In the presence of the towering parfait, they stood as humble companions, offering a contrast of textures and flavors, a testament to the thoughtful hands that crafted them. Together, they formed a symphony on the plate, a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
"That smelled delicious, Miss Aria. What are you baking?" The emotionless artificial human said as he smelled the aroma that was still floating around of what Aria was baking.
"Oh, you are?" Aria asked as she looked at the emotionless artificial human in front of her.
"I don't have a name, but I have a designation called D-1-1, or either second-in-command of artificial humans" the emotionless human said as he looked at what Aria just made.
"Oh? you want some? Please only take one of the honey-glazed almond clusters. After all, Ms. Alaya seemed to be wanting some parfaits when she saw it when arriving at the cafeteria" Aria said as she took one of the honey-glazed almond clusters to the emotionless artificial human hands as she took the parfaits and the honey-glazed almond clusters as she went out of the cafeteria, delivering the snacks that Alaya ordered while leaving the emotionless artificial human behind the cafeteria.
After Aria left the cafeteria, the emotionless human looked at the honey-glazed almond clusters in his hands. As he took a bite at them, from that single bite, a tear ran down his cheeks, yet his face didn't change at all. It was all still emotionless.
"It's impeccable, similar to-" the emotionless artificial human said, as he did not remember where he had tasted the same type of flavor in the past.
"What was that again?" The emotionless artificial human said as he tried to remember but could not, but that did not matter anymore as he took another bite, as he also got out of the cafeteria while eating the honey-glazed almond clusters in his hands.