Stepmother

Welcoming

Today he had bought some pork so he planned to make a scrumptious dinner tonight. The dinner meal for tonight was steamed pork*, braised bok choy and mushrooms, braised potatoes, spicy bamboo shoots, pork and chive dumplings, and of course rice.

He first cooked the rice before moving on to the steamed pork. He first took the pork and cut it into fine pieces, cleaned it, and blanched it. He then started preparing the marinade. It was a fragrant blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and salt. The marinade was then poured over the pork, letting it absorb the rich flavors, ready to release them when the time was right. He then prepared the steamer, placed the pork in it, and watched its steam rise, like a curtain unveiling a delicious secret.

As the pork steamed he moved on to the dumplings. He began to knead and work the dough until it was soft. He then rolled out the soft pliable dough with care.  He then went to work on the filling. A fresh cut of pork was finely minced, the knife swiftly slicing through the tender meat. With care, Sun Baohai combined the minced pork with a blend of seasonings, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, ensuring each spice harmonized with the next. He then added chives, cabbage, and some chili. The marinade's savory notes envelop the pork, infusing it with a rich, umami-laden aroma.

He then started wrapping the dumplings. His hands were like practiced dancers, folding the dumplings with speed and precision, sealing the flavorful dumplings with a promise of savory delight. After wrapping the dumplings, he then placed them in the fragrant broth, and let it simmer.  As the dumplings simmered in a fragrant broth, a symphony of flavors wafted through the air, tantalizing the senses, and drawing all who passed by his house, and of course, his family who was just in the living room.

As the dumplings, and pork cooked, he went on to make the rest of the side dishes. The whole dinner took about two hours to make, but the end result was very satisfying. The steamed pork looked very delicious. The colors were a perfect balance of rich, savory brown and caramelized golden, ensuring a mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It made anyone who looked at it entranced. The dumplings were fragrant and appetizing. As he set up the dinner table, the kids couldn't help but gulp, causing him to chuckle.

After he set up the dinner table, everyone sat and started eating. Their taste buds were greeted by an explosion of flavors as soon as they took their first bite of the steamed pork. The tender, succulent meat practically melted in their mouths, releasing a symphony of savory notes. Each bite was a delightful combination of soy sauce and ginger, with a subtle hint of sweetness that left them craving more. The texture was pure perfection, a balance between tenderness and juiciness that was incredibly satisfying.

With a hint of anticipation, they gently lift a plump, steaming dumpling with their chopsticks, eager for the flavor burst to ensue. The thin, slightly translucent wrapper gave way to expose a hot, flavorful filling inside, and the first bite was pure ecstasy. Rich, aromatic juices flowed across their tongues, contrasting beautifully with the dumplings' soft, smooth texture. They felt like they were in a food haven. Even the side dished weren't to be undermined.

Each bite of the braised bok choy and mushrooms was a revelation of earthy, umami goodness. The bok choy, tender and slightly crisp, absorbed the savory essence of the mushrooms and the thick braising sauce, creating a delectable medley of flavors. With each mouthful, the dish provided a delightful contrast in textures and a harmonious balance of tastes, leaving a satisfying warmth in every mouthful.

The spicy bamboo shoots were a delightful surprise. Each bite delivered a fiery kick, perfectly complemented by the tender, crunchy texture of the bamboo. The taste lingered in their mouths, leaving a satisfying warmth and a lingering craving for another bite.

The braised potatoes were a comforting delight, compared to the bamboo shoots. Their tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture was infused with the rich flavors of the braising sauce. Each bite was savory, and as they savored them, a feeling of contentment washed over them.