Chapter 102: So Delicious, I Can't Stop!
Chapter 102: So Delicious, I Can't Stop!
In this era, most families in the countryside lived in modest conditions, so when it came to wedding feasts, they would typically invite only six to seven tables of guests, or as few as three to four.
Deng Shirong, being a respected elder in the village with a wide network of connections, naturally had more than just a few tables. His wedding feast consisted of a grand total of fifteen tables. While it couldn't compare to the extravagant weddings of the future with dozens or even hundreds of tables, it was a standout event in the current times!
Though today's menu was extensive, many of the dishes had been prepared in advance, leaving only the final touches to be added. With Deng Shirong and his daughter working together, and several others with cooking skills helping out, the dishes were served promptly.
At 11:58 AM, the feast began on schedule.
Once the guests were seated, the helpers from the village started bringing out the dishes.
At a wedding feast in Bobai County, the most honored guests were the bridal party, so the best dishes were served to them first.
As one dish after another was brought to the table, each more colorful and fragrant than the last, both the groom's relatives and the bridal party were drooling with anticipation!
Since the wedding feast was a continuous affair, with dishes being served and eaten simultaneously, no one waited until all the dishes were on the table to start eating. Guests who were eager to taste the food would greet their tablemates and then dive in, savoring each bite.
During this time, Deng Shirong emerged from the kitchen to address the guests, "Dear relatives and friends, today's feast is plentiful. Please eat slowly, and save some room for the best dishes yet to come. It would be a shame to fill up your stomachs too quickly and miss out on the finest offerings!"
The guests all nodded in agreement, slowing down their eating pace.
As the guests began to enjoy their meal, Deng Yuntao and Zhang Xiuping started making their rounds, serving tea to each table. After the guests drank the tea served by the newlyweds, they would give a small amount of money as a token of appreciation, typically a few cents to a dollar.
In a typical wedding feast, by the time the newlyweds had finished serving tea, most guests would have finished eating, with only a few still lingering over their drinks.
However, Deng Shirong had specifically mentioned that the best dishes were yet to come, and the guests were eagerly anticipating them. Even though the current dishes were already a rare treat, they all ate more slowly, waiting for the promised delicacies.
The guests didn't have to wait long. Deng Shirong had reserved the seafood dishes for last, and they were now being brought to the tables one by one.
The first dish to arrive was spicy crab. Considering that many guests couldn't handle too much spice, Deng Shirong had prepared it with a mild kick.
Among the guests, few had ever tasted crab, and none had ever tried flower crab. When the spicy crab was served, everyone's eyes widened in amazement as they savored the flavor.
"Good heavens, this crab is so delicious!"
"The taste is indescribably good. Whether you're drinking or eating, this is a perfect accompaniment!"
"Can the small crabs from the river even compare to this?"
"Probably not. Those small crabs don't have much meat at all."
"..."
At the table of the bridal party, Aunt Zhang Si was equally impressed. "Father-in-law's cooking skills are truly exceptional. I knew he was good from the last time he visited, but I never imagined that such an ugly-looking crab could be so delicious."
Aunt Zhang Qi nodded as she savored the crab. "The taste is indeed extraordinary. No wonder Father-in-law said the best dishes were yet to come and told everyone to eat slowly and save some room."
Auntie San’s mouth was dripping with oil as she savored the spicy crab. Though she couldn’t handle the spiciness and had to stick out her tongue to catch her breath every now and then, she refused to put down the crab. It was clear just how delicious it was.
The other guests were also eating and praising the dish. The moment the spicy crab was served, it instantly won over everyone present.
Right after the spicy crab, the pan-fried shrimp were brought out. Unsurprisingly, they too received unanimous praise from the guests.
Following the shrimp, the steamed mudworms were served.
While the guests were familiar with crabs and shrimp, as they could be found in the river, the mudworms were a different story. Raw mudworms looked truly repulsive, resembling earthworms. The guests who saw them last night were understandably hesitant. If Deng Shirong hadn’t confidently assured them that the mudworms were a culinary delight, many would have hesitated to even try them.
Now, the steamed mudworms were finally on the table. The transformation was astounding. The appearance was far from the disgusting sight of last night, and it immediately whetted everyone’s appetite. Those who had faith in Deng Shirong’s culinary skills didn’t hesitate, quickly picking up a worm with their chopsticks and savoring it.
The moment they tasted the fresh, succulent mudworms, they were thoroughly conquered. The steamed mudworms were not only fragrant and savory but also had a unique sweetness typical of seafood. The combination of the flavors and the juices was simply irresistible, making it impossible to stop eating.
Seeing this, the other guests at the table couldn’t help but join in, even those who had been initially repulsed by the mudworms. They all picked up a worm and gave it a try.
After tasting the authentic steamed mudworms, every single guest was convinced. At Deng YunGui’s table, the guests were all effusively praising the dish.
Deng YunJun, the production team leader, marveled, “It’s truly incredible! The mudworms look so ugly, yet they taste so delicious!”
Deng YunGui nodded in agreement. “Indeed, as the saying goes, one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. It seems the same applies to mudworms!”
Deng YunFeng, the head of construction, added, “Uncle Nine mentioned that mudworms are quite affordable, only thirty cents per pound. Unfortunately, they’re not available in ShuangWang. You have to go to ShanKou Commune to find them. It would be great if we could buy them occasionally to improve our meals!”
Deng YunGui also expressed his regret. “I couldn’t agree more. The taste is exceptional, and the price is reasonable. It’s a shame they’re not available in ShuangWang. People living by the sea are truly fortunate!”
...
In the county of BoBai, no banquet was complete without a final dish of braised pork belly. The moment the braised pork belly was served, it signaled that all the dishes had been brought out.
After serving three consecutive seafood dishes, the braised pork belly was soon brought to the table. Deng Shirong and his eldest daughter also emerged from the kitchen.
Deng Shirong went around to each table, greeting the guests. “Everyone, relatives and friends, enjoy your meal!”
The guests, besides offering their congratulations, were all praising Deng Shirong’s culinary skills, especially the three seafood dishes, which were lauded to the skies.
After making the rounds, Deng Shirong returned to his own table and prepared to eat.
Finally, we’ve reached one hundred chapters. Thank you to everyone who has supported us with your monthly votes!
(End of Chapter)
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