Survival rules for restaurants: cooking and eating melons at the same time

Chapter 72: Inspecting Zhuangzi, Braised Chicken

I was busy until the afternoon before bringing the seeds to the farm.

The radishes, cabbages and carrots I planted last time have begun to take shape. This time I also brought some spinach and lettuce. Unexpectedly, I also bought cherry radishes and celery.

These are plants that are easy to can and make into pickles. It's too late this year, so An Qiao plans to plant some ginger in late spring next year.

Most people in this era were reluctant to grow ginger, as it was a rare commodity. Because it was difficult to grow, even after it was grown, ordinary people were not willing to buy it, and even the rich and powerful could not afford so much.

It is hard to buy and hard to find.

But this one is needed whether it is for making kimchi, various sauces, or stir-frying.

"My dear, we have already taken care of this side, and the factory is basically built. We are just waiting for you to start recruiting workers." Tong Shan stood on the ridge of the field and pointed to the bottom of the mountain opposite.

"I'll buy more people some other day. Now the fruits on the mountain haven't been planted yet, and haven't been grafted yet, so they can't be used yet. Let's cut down the trees first to make some paper or soap." An Qiao muttered to herself, and at the same time seemed to be talking to Tong Shan.

"Grafting? Soap? The young lady also knows how to make paper?" Tong Shan was a little confused.

Only then did An Qiao realize that she had spoken out her inner thoughts.

"Ah, yes, that's the method to make the fruit more delicious. I saw it in an ancient book. Soap is made from soapberries, it's very easy to make, and I also saw it in that ancient book." An Qiao supplemented.

Tong Shan nodded as if he understood, since he couldn't read anyway, he just accepted whatever the young lady said.

After much thought, An Qiao decided to make soap first. There were many dignitaries in Kyoto Prefecture, and if she could make soap that was both fragrant and easy to use, it would be a good business.

An Qiao thought carefully as she walked.

When Shanbeizi was in school, he took a social practice course, which included a course on how to make soap.

It seems to be made by grinding shells into powder, burning some wood ash, and filtering out the alkaline water with gauze.

Then pour the shell powder into the alkaline water, stir evenly, filter twice, and set aside to settle.

But in order to grind shell powder, An Qiao specially bought a small grinder.

Use pig fat to refine some lard, and after the lard has cooled down, add the upper layer of alkaline water, add salt, and stir clockwise.

When the soapy water becomes sticky, you can pour it into a bamboo tube to set it in shape. After drying it in the sun for three to five days to set it in shape, you can take it out and sell it.

When the time comes, Anqiao will add some rose, chrysanthemum, gardenia, camellia and other scents. I don’t believe that no one will like it.

If possible, you can also make some facial masks, skin care products, or even cosmetics.

Go the female sales route.

At that time, I can buy another shop in Kyoto and run a Kyoto soap shop. In the future, if anyone wants to buy or purchase goods, they have to buy from me.

After slowly opening up sales, we can start making women's products. There are many wealthy people in Kyoto Prefecture, so there will definitely be no problem with sales.

When I get back to the city, I will find a carpenter to customize some molds, seals, and the hollow hot pot tables needed for the restaurant.

"Young lady, look. These flowers here were planted by my wife when she had nothing to do." Tong Shan spoke, breaking the silence.

An Qiao took a look and exclaimed in surprise, "This is Platycodon grandiflorum!"

Aunt Tong looked embarrassed and said, "I planted them blindly. If you like them, just cut them and take them back." Then she stood up and walked to the yard, "There are some water lilies here."

Anqiao was pleasantly surprised. Most of these flowers could be used to make spices. Moreover, if the quality was good, they could even be sold in the city.

"It's these chrysanthemums. Maybe the weather isn't cool enough, so they haven't bloomed yet." Aunt Tong said regretfully, pointing to a few inconspicuous pots of plants that looked like both flowers and grasses nearby.

Unexpectedly, Aunt Tong also has a talent for growing flowers. An Qiao became more confident in her plan.

"If you like planting, please plant more. They will be useful later. I will buy you some flower seeds next time I come." An Qiao said with a smile.

As they talked, they walked into the kitchen.

There were several gatherings in the store, and Tongshan and his wife and little Tongyao were unable to make it back. Today, Anqiao brought some ingredients and wanted to cook a delicious meal for the people in the village.

Two chickens were killed in the morning, and An Qiao brought them over, preparing to make a braised chicken meal, which was delicious and went well with rice.

"Young lady, let me help you." Aunt Tong rolled up her sleeves and started to work.

"No, today's dishes are not a big deal, I can do it by myself. Aunt Tong, go and have a rest. Everyone in the store is very busy and no one has time to help me. It's easy to be responsible for everyone's meals. It won't be a problem for me." An Qiao thought for a moment and said, "Aunt, why don't you help me pick some edible fruits from the field."

Aunt Tong nodded and walked out of the kitchen.

Braised chicken is easy to make, but it is also difficult to make.

First, wash the chicken, add ginger and garlic, and blanch them in cold water. After blanching, remove the chicken and drain.

At this moment, the chicken had only been blanched in blood, and the air was still filled with the fishy smell of chicken.

After frying the potatoes until golden brown, An Qiao also sprinkled some salt on the potatoes, so that the potatoes just out of the pan are delicious even as snacks.

Heat oil in a pan, add star anise, peppercorns, dried chili peppers, ginger slices and garlic slices and sauté until fragrant.

Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry evenly, add a spoonful of white wine, then add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, soybean paste, white pepper powder, and sprinkle some sugar.

After mixing well, add mushrooms.

Stir-fry for a while and add hot water, cover the lid and simmer for a while, add green peppers and freshly fried potatoes, turn to high heat to reduce the sauce, and the fragrant braised chicken is ready.

It was time for dinner, and most of the workers had returned. Except for the three people from Tongshan's family, no one else had eaten the food Anqiao had prepared.

Can't wait any longer at this point.

"What's that smell? It smells so good. And do we really not need to go in to help?" the aunt asked while wiping her freshly washed hands.

"The young lady told us to wait outside. Besides, if there is any secret book, you might see it if you go in to help." Another servant responded.

"That's what you said." The aunt nodded seriously, seeming to agree with what the man said.

Aunt Tong couldn't help laughing when she heard this, but she didn't say anything. "Everyone, take your own bowls and scoop up the rice. You can eat when the young lady's dishes are served."

Everyone started chatting and laughing, and went to get their meals with their bowls.

Normally, Aunt Tong is the only one responsible for everyone's meals. Since she doesn't know how much is appropriate for everyone to eat, she customizes identical bowls and has them all put their names on them.

How much each person eats at each meal is recorded.

I kept records like this for a month before I decided how much to cook for each meal and how much each person would eat.