Chapter 1357 Craving
Arielle used a clean container to rinse the pork belly with running water. After that, she started caramelizing some sugar.
The temperature was key to a perfect caramel. If the sugar was burnt, the braised pork belly would taste rather bitter.
After melting the sugar with medium heat, she lowered the temperature to caramelize the sugar.
Once she was done with the caramel, she added the pork belly. After a quick stir, she coated the pork belly with the caramel. I should turn the heat to the lowest now. Otherwise, the caramel might turn bitter.
After that, it was time to add the other ingredients. I’ll use the oil from the pork belly to stir-fry my ingredients. Then, I’ll add some alcohol and soy sauce before pouring boiling water in.
After letting it cook for a while, she skimmed off the foam on the surface before adding some green onion. Then, she transferred everything into a smaller pot and closed the lid to let it simmer for forty minutes.
Afterward, she removed the flavor-enhancing side ingredients and simmered the pork belly for another twenty minutes. Twenty minutes later, she turned up the heat to vaporize the remaining sauce. Once that was done, the braised pork belly was ready to be served.
While she was waiting for the braised pork belly to simmer, Arielle had also prepared other dishes such as stir-fried chicken, fish stew, omelet, and braised eggplant. It took her almost two hours to prepare all the dishes. Luckily I have insulated containers here. Otherwise, everything would be cold by the time I’m done.
Meanwhile, Pat had been waiting at the table the whole time. I have to prevent that bad guy from eating my favorite dish, glazed pork tenderloin.
“Dad, Mom, food is ready,” Arielle called out while setting up the table.
When the Wilhelms came out, the dining table was already filled with dishes. “Why did you cook so much? Can we even finish everything?” they asked in bafflement.
“Since I’m here, I’m sure we can. In fact, I’m famished,” Aaron immediately answered.
He had been only having pumpkin soup for the past couple of days. What’s life with only pumpkin soup? I’m going to enjoy all these dishes!
Not wanting to be left out, Pat added, “Hey, I’m here too! I’m also starving!”
“Pat, I think it’s time you go on a diet. You’re fat!” Andrea pinched Pat’s chubby cheeks and grinned mischievously.
“What? I am? I don’t think so, though.” Pat then looked at Arielle and asked, “San, do you think I’m fat?”
Seated opposite him, Arielle narrowed her eyes and rubbed her chin. “Well, I’ve never noticed it before this. Now that you asked, I do think you’re a bit plump. Maybe you should start losing weight, Pat. Don’t worry. I’ll help you!”
Pat pouted in response. Ha! They’re all so mean. They’re just saying that to stop me from eating all the delicious dishes. I’m not fat. I’m just chubby and cute!
“You’re wrong, San. I’ve seen an online article saying that kids like me are just naturally chubby. I don’t need to lose weight, okay?” Pat sneered. Lose weight and miss out on delicious food? No way!
“Okay, okay. You’re just chubby.” Arielle was amused. Smiling, she continued, “You don’t have to lose weight, all right? Eat up!”
Elated, Pat lowered his head and started eating.
Aaron, on the other hand, had to suppress his craving and wait for the Wilhelms to start eating before digging in. Although he was a prince, he waited for the Wilhelms to eat first because they were Arielle’s adoptive parents. Since she cares about them so much, I should treat them with respect as well.
