Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"She started moving."

　About half an hour later, after glancing at the state of the fruit pits in the pot, Alice Nakiri suddenly took action and laid the vegetables flat on the cutting board.

　Due to limited funds, the quality of the vegetables purchased this time was not very good; most of them had blemishes or had been bumped during transportation.

　Such ingredients are also easy to process; simply remove the bruised or damaged parts, and the rest is no different from ordinary ingredients.

　The purpose of preparing so many vegetables is simple: to make vegetable jelly.

　"Is that meat over there? She actually has spare money to buy meat..."

　"But it's true, she didn't buy much, so it's normal for her to use the little money left over to buy meat. I just don't know what kind of meat it is."

　After processing all the vegetables, Alice Nakiri took a small bag out of her pocket.

　People around immediately started talking about it, and the drone hovered above her, projecting everything she was holding onto the screen.

　"Wait, this is... goosebumps?!"

　"She actually bought so much chicken skin! What's she planning to do with it? Even if she spent all ten yuan, she probably couldn't buy this much chicken skin!"

　"It's probably leftover scraps from processing chicken; it wouldn't cost much..."

　When Alice Nakiri took the contents of the bag out, the scene instantly erupted in excitement. Some were surprised that she had bought chicken skin, while a few others had knowing expressions.

　Are you planning to make vegetable jelly?

　Chicken skin provides a lot of collagen, which allows the vegetable jelly to set quickly. At the same time, the chicken skin itself contains oil and aroma, which can provide a rich flavor to the vegetable jelly.

　Most importantly, chicken skin, being a scrap material, is inexpensive and fits perfectly with the theme.

　Zhang Zhong watched as Alice Nakiri skillfully worked on the stage. At that moment, she was cleaning the chicken skin and using a sharp knife to remove excess fat and impurities from the inside, all of which are crucial to the flavor of the dish.

　Cut the chicken skin into small pieces and set aside. Put it in a pot, add water, bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat until the chicken skin softens and releases collagen. Add scallions, ginger, salt, and pepper to remove any fishy smell and season.

　Alice Nakiri stood in front of the small pot, sniffed, and nodded, gently inhaling the aroma. The flavor was just right, you could say it was perfect.

　On the other side, the prepared vegetables are sliced ​​thinly and blanched. After blanching, they are taken out and placed in a mold.

　At this point, the chicken skin in the pot has released enough collagen, turning a pale yellow color. Alice Nakiri pours it into the vegetables, lets it cool naturally, and then puts it into a molecular gastronomy machine to cool it quickly with liquid nitrogen.

　"Begin your magnificent transformation, essence of the fruit kernels."

　After finishing the vegetable jelly, Alice Nakiri looked at the fruit kernel essence stewed in countless small pots in front of her, her eyes gleaming with a strange light, and then began to work with great skill.

　"finished!"

　On the other side, Zhu Yan placed the fried fish scales on a fragrant vegetable pancake, then drizzled sauce evenly around the plate, giving the dish a sophisticated look.

　"It's just vegetable pancakes and fried fish scales, nothing special from cooking to the end, so why does it look like I can't afford it just because it's presented like this?!"

　"Standard presentation for fine dining, but I don't know if the taste can reach the level of fine dining."

　Zhu Yan's exquisite plating was projected onto a large screen by a drone, earning the approval of everyone present.

　She had already arrived at the judges' table. She first nodded politely to the three judges in front of her, and then placed the dishes in front of them.

　"This dish is called 'Scales Leaping over Vegetables'."

　"The 'scale leap' represents the crispiness and seafood flavor of fried fish scales, echoing the unique role of fish scales in cooking. The 'vegetable flavor' embodies the unique texture and layers of vegetable pancakes, while contrasting with 'scale leap' to highlight the balance and harmony inherent in this dish."

　"Furthermore, this dish is made entirely from scraps, which fits the theme of the competition, allowing scraps to make a glamorous comeback as a high-end dish."

　Before the judges tasted the food, Zhu Yan introduced it in advance, explaining that this was also a requirement of the competition—to create dishes that fit the theme.

　As for what constitutes a qualifying result, it mainly depends on the participating chefs' interpretation of the dish.

　"It looks a bit like street food, but it has the flavor of fine dining. It must be a fine dining dish that has been improved from street food."

　Looking at the exquisitely presented dishes in front of him, Zhang Zhong did not rush to taste them. Instead, he stared at the dishes and asked Zhu Yan this question.

　"That's right, combining the advantages of ordinary cooking with a complex sauce and the unique crispness of the fish scales."

　The emotions ultimately coalesced into this dish.

　Zhu Yan patiently explained that she combined the cooking methods of Japanese Osaka-style okonomiyaki with fried fish scales and classic Fujian sauce to create this dish, "Fish Scales and Vegetables".

　"To create such a dish using only scraps is truly remarkable and demonstrates incredible skill!"

　Using her chopsticks, Su Yan tore off a small piece of the dish, looked at the perfectly cut surface, and smelled the unique aroma of the vegetables. She couldn't help but sigh with admiration.

　"The fish scales are coated with egg liquid and then fried in a flour mixture until they are golden and crispy on the outside."

　The moment you bite into it, it makes a crisp crunching sound, bringing a pleasant feeling similar to that of a snack.

　The vegetable pancake below has a very crisp texture when you first bite into it, followed by the creamy texture of the vegetables.

　Zhang Zhong closed his eyes and began to carefully sense it.

　Because a variety of vegetable scraps are used, the natural sweetness and freshness of the vegetables are preserved after simple seasoning and frying, which contrasts sharply with the unique salty and savory flavor of the fish scales.

　The batter that wraps the vegetables, after being pan-fried, has a slightly crispy outer layer and a soft interior, with a subtle wheat aroma that complements the refreshing taste of the vegetables perfectly.

　"It has a sweet and sour flavor; this is sweet and sour sauce..."

　Opening his eyes, Zhang Zhong looked intently at Zhu Yan and said eagerly. The sweet and sour sauce tasted similar to the seasoning of lychee pork, but it lacked the meaty aroma; instead, it had the fragrance of seafood.

　"Did you add the broth from boiling fish scales to the sweet and sour sauce? If so, the flavors inside and outside will blend together and eventually become harmonious and indistinguishable."

　Although only a spoonful of broth was added to the sauce, it made the flavor exceptionally rich; this is the power of culinary harmony.

　A dish will only be delicious if it has sufficient compatibility.

　For example, adding a small amount of salt to desserts will make them taste sweeter, and adding a little sugar to stir-fries can enhance their flavor.

　However, any changes are based on proportions. If the proportions are not adjusted properly, such as adding too much sugar or too much salt, the compatibility will deteriorate and the taste will not be good.

　"The combination of savory and sweet, crispy and tender, and then the wonderfully elevated experience brought by the sauce at the end—it's simply amazing!"

　Savoring the flavors on his tongue, Tan Guai exclaimed with heartfelt admiration as he put the last bite of the dish into his mouth, unable to resist slapping the table.

　Even though they were just scraps, they brought him such a rich experience; it felt like watching a magnificent dance!

　"It's absolutely stunning."

　The crispiness of fried fish scales and the flavor of seafood are perfectly combined with the fresh sweetness of vegetable pancakes.

　With its exquisite plating and garnish of sauce, it showcases the unique layers and balance of fine dining—undoubtedly excellent!

　Tan Guai looked at Zhu Yan with eyes full of admiration for the younger generation. There was nothing fancy about it; it was all about the analysis and interpretation of the essence of cooking.

　This requires a very deep foundation; otherwise, it would be difficult to perfect a dish to this extent.

　"My dish is now ready. Please, the three judges, taste it."

　I call this dish Molecular Garden, and I guarantee that every bite will bring you an unparalleled surprise.

　At the same time, it's made using leftover scraps of various ingredients, which can be considered putting their remaining value to good use.

　With a lighthearted tone in her voice, Alice Nakiri strode forward, breaking the harmonious atmosphere between them.

　She placed the dishes in front of the three judges, raised her hand in a gesture of invitation, and Su Yan and the others, guided by her, focused their attention on the dishes.

　"It really is vegetable jelly, but what are those caviar-like things on top? And there's an extra-dense layer of foam underneath."

　Looking at the dish in front of her, Su Yan's eyes were filled with curiosity. The neatly shaped vegetable jelly was topped with a layer of colorful spheres.

　Beneath the vegetable jelly, there was a layer of dense, green foam.

　"Regarding these caviar-like things on top, you should get the answer you're looking for after you taste them."

　When asked, Alice Nakiri simply smiled and didn't give them the answer directly, but instead told them to find it through cooking.

　"Hmm, so you're keeping me in suspense. Alright, then let me explore the secrets of caviar myself!"

　Looking at the still-roaring machines on the stage, the public's reaction to molecular gastronomy was rather muted, as this was the second time it had appeared.

　However, quite a few people are still paying attention, since molecular gastronomy is very rare here, and any competition related to molecular gastronomy is worth watching.

　"This is..."

　Pierce the vegetable jelly with a fork and put it in your mouth along with the caviar. Immediately afterward, the aromas of apples, pears, oranges, and other fruits burst forth at the same time!

　"Did you ask the fruit vendor for fruit pits?! Boil them in water to extract their flavor, add a little honey to sweeten them, and then use molecular gastronomy techniques to process them into these gel-like spheres?"

　Savoring the rich flavors on her tongue, Su Yan picked up a fruit and gently crushed it with her chopsticks, releasing a subtle fruity aroma.

　"The green foam sauce at the bottom should be made from vegetable scraps, with a light and creamy texture, a fresh herbal aroma, and a slightly acidic flavor."

　Tan Guai's surprised voice rang out. Green, the color of life, a green sauce made from pure green vegetable scraps, with a slightly bitter taste.

　This bitterness perfectly balances the sweetness of the vegetables and fruity caviar, neither overpowering nor detracting from the overall flavor, while adding a bright and refreshing touch to the dish.

　"The most important part is the vegetable jelly in the middle, which has a refreshing and delicate taste, with a light sweetness of vegetables and the aroma of collagen from the chicken skin.

　Furthermore, the collagen in the chicken skin makes the vegetable jelly melt in your mouth while retaining the natural flavor of the vegetables, resulting in a smooth yet layered texture.

　Once the spoiled parts are removed, the remaining vegetables are no different from normal ones, and the quality of the resulting vegetable jelly will not fluctuate much.

　Of course, this requires the chef to have a very good eye, since the spoiled part will spread along with the wound, and how much to remove and how much to leave needs to be considered.

　"Every bite offers the smooth texture of the vegetable jelly, the bursting sensation of the fruit pits and caviar, and the refreshing taste of the foamy sauce."

　Three different textures and flavors intertwine in the mouth, creating a new experience.

　The subtle sweetness of the fruit pit complements the crispness of the vegetables, while the gelatinous texture of the chicken skin adds a warm undertone to the dish, creating a wonderfully harmonious flavor.

　The three judges closed their eyes at the same time. At that moment, they felt as if they had entered a vast wilderness, surrounded by all kinds of fruits and vegetables, with a strong sense of harvest.

　"Fruits, vegetables, and chicken skin—just these three ingredients are used to make such a delicious vegetable jelly. Each ingredient may seem unrelated, but they are actually closely connected; the absence of any one of them would render the dish ordinary."

　Tan Guai's voice was filled with sighs, and that anxious feeling was mixed in. Each element seemed independent, yet they were closely connected and inseparable.

　"That's right, only when all three are combined can it be called a top-notch dish."

　Zhang Zhong nodded slightly, gazing at the Molecular Garden in front of him, lost in thought. Seeing him like this, Tan Guai and Su Yan beside him also fell silent.

　It's a bit cruel to say, but although both of them are very good at cooking, Alice Nakiri is better in terms of creativity and everything else.

　When something good meets something even better, it's only natural that something good should give way to something even better.

　However, this was somewhat cruel for Zhu Yan, since she belonged to the 'good' part.

　Chapter 264 You're a pervert, but I love it!

　"The winner of this competition is love."

　Although the ending was cruel, one must always face reality. Looking at Zhu Yan's expectant gaze, Zhang Zhong made the fairest decision.

　Alice Nakiri won the match and is the victor of this duel.

　"I lost?"

　Upon hearing Zhang Zhong's words, Zhu Yan's expression froze instantly. Although she had some premonition, she collapsed to the ground upon hearing the confirmation, her face filled with utter despair.

　"I want to know exactly where we lost."

　Suddenly, as if she had thought of something, Zhu Yan raised her head and looked at Zhang Zhong with burning eyes, wanting to get an answer from him.

　"You didn't lose in any particular way. Your cooking was excellent, but it was lacking in several aspects. When there are too many of these shortcomings, it becomes inferior."

　Zhang Zhong raised the issue of Zhu Yan.

　If there is a deficiency in only one aspect, it can be compensated for by improving in another aspect.

　But if it falls short in every aspect, then the problem is quite serious. This kind of fundamental backwardness is something that can never be remedied.

　"Try it and see the difference between us."

　As she spoke, Alice Nakiri handed the dish to Zhu Yan, her voice tinged with a sense of triumph and satisfaction at having won the competition.

　It's been a long time since I've had such a fierce competition. The dishes I made are of an unusually high grade, almost reaching the level of a top-tier three-star dish.

　Even within her culinary history, she would rank among the top three.

　"gap..."

　Looking at the dish in front of her, Zhu Yan took a deep breath, then picked up a spoon without hesitation, scooped up a large spoonful, put it in her mouth, and closed her eyes.

　An incredibly delicate flavor.

　Compared to her 'carelessness', Alice Nakiri's cooking has a gentle flavor that gives people a feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze, making them clearly feel happy.

　That's right, I could feel it clearly!

　This feeling is somewhat mystical, since everyone's definition of happiness is different.

　But for Zhu Yan, the moment she tasted the food, the gentle flavors transformed into a warm current, rippling through her heart and nourishing it. In her world, that feeling was happiness.