How to capture a smell

At my young ages I spent some time with a group of druids. I learned a bit about herbs and medications. One warm spring day we came across a shrub it has nice white flowers on it and it has the sweetest smell I ever came across. Even 50 ft away one could smell the flower. The druids told me that it is called Elderflower and the showed me how to make a syrup out of. It lasts forever and one can keep the smell for years.

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Chashu Pork

When it comes to this whole ramen endeavor, Quiz is calling the shots, but nevertheless I got curious about the components involved, one of them being chashu pork. A tightly wrapped pork belly slowly braised in a mix of soy sauce, sake, ginger and scallions, cooled down, thinly sliced and fried. The flavorful sauce and mix of soft skin, fat and lean meat makes for a great dish.

Chantilly Meringuée Chocolate Ice Cream

As I said, the idea of using marshmallow fluff (essentially a melted sugar meringue) as an ice cream base didn’t let me go, so I decided to mix in some whipped cream and cocoa, and the result is… actually pretty decent, probably the best chocolate ice cream I managed to produce sou far. Decided to serve it with toasted pecans and whisky soaked brown sugar streusel, and wow, that combination turned out incredibly well. You have the dark and smooth chocolate contrasting with the crunchy and toasty streusel and nuts, and the light whisky aroma lingers somewhere on top, adding some delightful depth to the dish. A pleasant surprise, even though I can’t shape quenelles to save my life.