Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Roast Jade Duck

Suddenly, a drum canister was brought in by the servants.

That was indeed the main dish for this occasion.

And this time, Tina came along with the drum canister.

We needed her assistance to finish the dish.

“Completing the cooking right in front of us. There must be a reason for that.”

Duke Hertling observed the drum canister with interest.

“Of course.”

I replied.

I believe in not doing things without purpose.

Let’s ensure everyone enjoys the meal to the fullest.

In cooking, taste is crucial, but other elements are equally important: presentation, aroma, and the performance aspect.

Each of these enhances the enjoyment of the dish beyond its original taste. And, of course, the opposite is also true.

That’s why the main meat dish, roast duck in this case, should shine in all these aspects to the fullest.

I took out the roast duck pierced on an iron skewer from the drum canister.

The whole duck, roasted to a fox-like color, was appetizing.

Using the drum canister ensured even cooking throughout.

“Is the main dish just a simple roast? Somewhat disappointing.”

Duke Eichhorn, the hefty middle-aged nobleman from the aristocratic faction, heckled.

“Eichhorn, please refrain from such remarks. If you recall the previous dishes, you’d understand that this chef wouldn’t serve something as ordinary as a mere roast.”

Reprimanded Duke Ortlepp, the elderly gentleman from the north.

Exactly.

This is no ordinary roast.

The insides are removed, and in their place, something is tightly stuffed into the duck’s belly, then sewn and sealed.

I hoist the duck pierced on the iron skewer above a deep dish.

Then, I use a knife to slice through the seams.

And… a brilliant emerald-green liquid bursts out from the duck and fills the deep dish in one swift motion.

Steam erupts fiercely.

“Oh, what an enticing fragrance.”

“A savory meat juice. And this comforting aroma, what is it?”

The second bombshell of aroma. The scent, embodying the essence of duck juices and the gentleness of the forest, mingles and spreads. I deliberately finished it here to ensure everyone experiences this fragrance.

I carve the meat and plate it, then pour the overflowing emerald liquid from the duck’s belly into a frying pan, with Tina’s assistance, and reduce it here on the spot.

I add alcohol and seasonings, create a sauce, and generously pour it over the meat.

And it’s done.

“Today’s main dish: Roast Jade Duck. Please, enjoy.”

As soon as the dish is served, they begin to dig in as if they can’t wait any longer.

No wonder. After being tantalized by the previous dishes and then teased by this fragrance, it must be their breaking point.

“This… what a rich flavor. The duck meat, which tends to be dry, is moistened by the sauce. But what’s the secret behind this jade-colored sauce?”

“It’s too delicious. A flavor that combines gentleness and strength, unlike anything I’ve experienced before.”

“Hmm, the meat dish is superb too. I’ve found myself eating less lately due to age, but… when was the last time I finished all the dishes? If every meal were like this course, I’d want to eat it every day.”

“Yes, I’m satisfied too… But, I don’t think I can have seconds.”

The last dish served was the Roast Jade Duck.

The cooking method is simple, primarily just slowly cooking it in a drum can.

However, it’s seasoned with a special seasoning. It’s made from pistachios that grew in the mountains of my hometown, Arnoldt. Those pistachios are crushed with walnuts and mixed with cheese for lacto-fermentation.

Adding cheese to the premium flavor of pistachios among nuts not only enhances the richness but also tightens the taste, making it mellow and deep through lacto-fermentation.

This seasoning is generously stuffed into the duck, with its innards removed, and roasted in the drum can.

As a result, the pistachio seasoning inside the duck’s belly melds with the meat, while the duck’s fat and juices seep into it, creating a sauce rich in flavor.

That sauce is what came out when cutting the duck’s seams. Using it as a sauce creates the finest dish.

This is the only dish in the course that adds fat. That’s why it tastes even better.

And according to my calculations, this is about 80% full.

It’s at the point where you feel slightly unsatisfied, perfect for dessert.

“Ahh, thoroughly enjoyed it. Dessert to finish, huh? It was a great course.”

“After all this, it’s hard to find fault… You’re blessed with a great chef, Lenarill. Finishing the course and feeling this comfortable, it’s a first for me. I always thought feeling heavy and uncomfortable after the main course was normal. It’s a revelation. This is what it truly means to enjoy a course.”

The course is completely finished.

Dessert feels like just a bonus.

That’s the atmosphere flowing around.

Honestly, what are they misunderstanding?

The real show starts now.

“Ladies and gentlemen, from now on, I will present the true main dish.”

At my words, the four of them express surprise… and anticipation.

“We thought dessert was the only thing left.”

“Yes, I’ve calculated the course to ensure everyone’s stomachs are perfectly primed for dessert. Because, you see, dessert is where I can confidently showcase my best menu.”

I assert firmly.

It’s my identity. Cooking is just a tool to express it. To fully enjoy a rich chocolate cake, it required the kind of ingenuity in cooking we’ve had today.

We’ve avoided excessive oil, instead using my knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine to prepare the stomach, and ensuring ample intake of vitamins often lacking in extravagant dishes. Today’s course was a form of edible medicine.

Looking at me confidently, Duke Lenaril chuckles and speaks up.

“The mastermind behind this course, Kurt Arnoldt, the next Viscount, is not a chef. The cooking was requested as a favor.”

At his words, the other dukes look at me with even greater surprise than before.

“Duke Lenaril, if the person behind such an elaborate course isn’t a chef… then who is he? What’s his true identity?”

“His true identity is a pastry chef. And the next dessert is where he truly shines.”

A gulp, the sound of someone swallowing hard, is heard.

Everything is set. Now, I just need to give it my all.

“So, for the final and best menu, I present to you today, the supreme Chocolate Cake, the Imperial Torte. It’s my own variation, the Imperial Torte.”

The unfamiliar word “chocolate” sparks anticipation in all four dukes’ eyes.

Imperial refers to the empire. In other words, it’s a dessert dedicated to the emperor.

If my cake doesn’t live up to that reputation, it won’t just disappoint; it could be deemed disrespectful.

But my cake is worthy of that reputation.

It’s a cake crafted using the knowledge from my past life and the exceptional ingredients I’ve encountered until today. It’s a cake only I can create.

Now, let’s savor it to the fullest.