Chapter 212: Such A Fine Knife!
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
He put the drumstick aside and took out a box of dried s.h.i.+takes, which had flower-like white cracking patterns on them. The moment he opened the box, he smelled a strong characteristic fragrance, which made him feel relaxed and calm.
They were of the same size. Mag picked one up. The cap was about four centimeters in diameter. They were dried but not brittle. “These are some s.h.i.+takes!”
“s.h.i.+takes are fragrant and delicious, and can help work up your appet.i.te and strengthen your body,” said the system. “They are essential ingredients of this dish.
“I grow them on aquilaria trees in the moist part of the Wind Forest. I regulate the water content in the wood to create the perfect environment for the s.h.i.+takes to grow in.
“Each tree can produce over a thousand of s.h.i.+takes, and I select only around a hundred, which are the best in quality, appearance, and size.
“They can serve as incense; their fragrance is very refres.h.i.+ng. Additionally, they are much more delicious than normal s.h.i.+takes when used for cooking food. I have cleaned all of them before they were dried. They’re being stored in a germ-free environment with no additives whatsoever.”
Mag nodded. “You’re quite impressive when it comes to food.”
Only the system is capable of cultivating s.h.i.+takes in the Wind Forest. It would be very interesting if some elf saw the aquilaria trees covered in mushrooms.
That being said, I must compliment it on its effort. The ingredients produced by the system are just unbelievable.
Then the system told him about the other ingredients and spices. They might not be as astonis.h.i.+ng as the fire chickens and s.h.i.+takes, but they were still of higher quality than the normal ones.
“Thank you for your kind introduction. Now, leave me alone.” Mag had become very excited. It’s another nutritious dish. I can’t wait to find out how it will taste.
He had everything he needed: one chicken drumstick, 20 s.h.i.+takes, three potatoes, three celtuces, four green peppers, some star anises, bay leaves, Sichuan peppers, chilis, ginger, salt, sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, cooking wine, etc.
Now, he only needed to follow the steps in his head.
He had to cut the chicken drumstick first. When he looked to the knife block, he found another knife besides the Chinese chef’s knife. It resembled the Chinese chef’s knife in appearance, and was only a little longer and narrower. It looked very sharp, and the back of the knife was golden. “A new knife?”
“You can use the old one first,” said the system.
Mag put the chicken drumstick on the chopping board and hacked it with the old knife.
The knife went through the meat easily, but when it met the bone, they gave out a sound of metal hitting metal. The knife almost bounced off, making his hand a little numb.
Its edge had got nicked. “What the h.e.l.l?!”
“The fire chicken is no ordinary chicken; their bones are much harder,” said the system. “That’s why those knights all carry sharp swords. Even Mag Alex couldn’t have killed dragons without his heavy sword.
“You need a proper knife if you want to become the G.o.d of Cookery. See that golden knife over there? It’s made of tungsten steel, sharp and hard. It can cut through the skin and bones of any magical beasts that are below 3rd-tier. I have made it longer and narrower for you.
“Try it. I’m sure you will love its sharpness.”
“I think you’d make a great salesman.” Mag took the new knife in his hand.
It weighed about the same as the old one. The handle was slip-resistant and comfortable to grip, and he liked its appearance better. He held the drumstick with one hand and brought the knife down.
It went through the meat like it was nothing and cut through the bone easily, leaving no broken bits. Mag saw marrow in the bone.
“Such a fine knife!” Mag exclaimed in delight. He liked not only its sharpness, but also the perfect balance.
“Made by me,” the system said proudly.
Mag paid no heed to it. He cut the drumstick into several pieces, rinsed the blood off, and put them in a big bowl with marinade.
He soaked the dried s.h.i.+takes in some warm water.
Then, he cut the ingredients into pieces properly.