Free Web NovelChapter 540: Chapter 486: Even If the Kids Mess Up, Chef Qingqing’s Dad Has Their Backs!
"Let’s pour it into the pot!"
The children finally relaxed and eagerly sprinkled the salt into the pot.
Yang Yuxi and the other teachers assisted nearby, helping them turn on the induction stove and adjust it to the right temperature.
The children patiently waited next to it, their little eyes fixed on the steam gradually rising from the pot.
Huang Jun moved among them, constantly monitoring the changes in the pot.
When the water in the pot began to boil and bubbles appeared, he promptly reminded, "Children, look, the water is boiling; it’s time to blanch the spinach. Remember to gently push it with the spatula so the spinach sinks completely into the water. This way, the spinach heats evenly and becomes more delicious."
Following his guidance, the children carefully placed the fresh spinach into the boiling pot, gently moving it with the spatula to ensure each spinach leaf made full contact with the hot water.
Believe it or not.
The girls managed it quite well.
It seems they have played house quite a bit at home and in the yard...
As for the boys!
They seemed busy, but weren’t very effective.
Huang Jun noticed the spinach rolling in the hot water, turning a brighter green and emitting a fresh aroma, so he reminded, "Children, the spinach has been blanched; it’s time to scoop them out with a colander. After scooping, remember to shake the colander to drain the water before putting them on the plate. This way, you won’t get burned, but don’t be careless; safety first..."
"Got it, we know!"
The children holding the colander immediately took it from their teammates and, with the careful assistance of Yang Yuxi and the other teachers, scooped the spinach out of the pot one by one and placed them neatly on the prepared plates.
Once all the spinach was properly placed, Huang Jun patiently instructed, "Next, we need to transfer the blanched spinach into the blender cup, add an appropriate amount of water, then start the blender to make it into delicious spinach juice. Remember, when filtering, be meticulous and keep only the spinach juice."
The children worked as a team, carefully lifting the plate and gently pouring the spinach into the blender cup. Huang Jun helped alongside, adding just the right amount of water to the blender cup and personally pressing the start button.
With the buzzing of the blender, a richer spinach aroma spread, indicating that the spinach juice was about to be done.
The children gathered around, watching the blender with anticipation.
After the blender stopped working...
Huang Jun picked up a filter and said, "Watch carefully, children, we need to filter the spinach juice from the blender; this way, it will taste smoother."
Saying this, he gently placed the filter over a large bowl and slowly poured the spinach juice from the blender cup into the filter.
The green spinach juice trickled through the filter like a stream, leaving behind a pure, clean, jade-green liquid.
"Did everyone learn?"
"Learned!"
"Great, now do as I demonstrated just now!"
"Mm-hmm~"
The children holding the colander clumsily mimicked Huang Jun’s actions, carefully picking up the blender.
The other children weren’t idle either; several small hands helped stabilize the base of the blender, while others held the filter on the plate to avoid movement that would spill the spinach juice outside.
Despite occasional minor hiccups during the process, such as the blender slightly shaking due to lack of coordination and spilling a few crystal-clear drops of spinach juice, it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm at all.
They still immersed themselves in the fun of hands-on work with great joy, and their cooperation turned this seemingly simple task into something especially warm and interesting.
After some effort, all the spinach juice was perfectly filtered out, with plates of clear, bright liquid arranged neatly on the table, resembling emeralds.
Huang Jun continued, "Alright, children, now please take out that big stainless steel basin, pour the flour on the table into it, then sprinkle in sugar and yeast. Most importantly, pour the spinach juice we just filtered into it, use the mixer to blend, stirring in one direction until all the ingredients meld seamlessly, forming smooth dough..."
The children’s eyes lit up after hearing this, and they eagerly started to take out the stainless steel basin, following Huang Jun’s instructions to carefully pour the flour into the basin.
Huang Jun assisted them, ensuring the sugar and yeast didn’t impact the taste and final product by adding too much or too little.
With the addition of spinach juice, the children holding the mixer collectively started "mixing."
Though some took short breaks due to arm fatigue, this little challenge further sparked their team spirit; the children took turns, continuing the task as a relay.
After several relays, the dough gradually approached the perfect state Huang Jun envisioned.
"You all did an excellent job, children!"
Huang Jun said while stepping forward, applying his skilled technique to give the dough a few more rounds of fine mixing, making it even closer to perfection.
"Alright, children, now we need to give the dough a ’blanket’ made of plastic wrap, let it take a warm nap, so it ferments and becomes softer!"
Upon hearing this, the children quickly grabbed the plastic wrap, although moving a bit slowly, they carefully covered the dough in the basin with the "blanket."
With a slight smile, Huang Jun thoughtfully moved the bowls carrying hopeful doughs to the windowsill, letting the warm sunlight become their natural fermentation master, helping the dough rise slowly in warmth and yield a softer, tastier result.
During this time...
Yang Yuxi didn’t stay idle either, leading the children in games to dispel some of the dullness of waiting.
As time passed...
The dough was finally fermented.
Huang Jun retrieved the bowls and placed them in front of the children, announcing, "Now it’s our turn to make the final preparations for the fermented dough! Come, let’s work together to knead and release air from the dough, making it finer. Then, evenly brush a layer of oil on the bottom and sides of the mold; this ensures our pastries are easier to unmold after steaming."
Upon hearing this, the children holding the colanders eagerly picked up chopsticks, and under his careful guidance, carefully kneaded the dough to release the air.
The other children picked up brushes and diligently followed his instructions, applying a thin layer of oil on the mold.
Once everything was ready...
Huang Jun and the children worked together to slowly pour the air-released dough into the mold, also adding dates and sesame seeds on top.
"Next is the moment to witness the magic!"
He said with a smile, "We’ll put the mold in the pot, add enough cold water, turn up the heat to boil the water, then lower the heat and steam for 25 minutes. Remember, don’t rush to open the lid when the time is up; let them simmer for another 5 minutes so our pastries become softer and tastier!"
The children eagerly placed the mold containing the dough into the steamer one by one and added water to the steaming pot.
Huang Jun helped adjust the heat.
This side was going smoothly, while upstairs in Class 2A, there was a slight situation...
