Showcasing Culinary Skills [Seeking Votes and Collections!]

"Young Master, it's time for lunch," Regan reminded him.

Claire finally snapped back to reality from the magic book. The magic in this world was truly wondrous and marvelous; studying it was nothing like the painful experience of reading back in school. Claire often became so engrossed in her research that she'd lose track of time, feeling as if she were in the mountains, unaware of the passing years.

Claire put down the book in her hands and nodded, following Regan to the dining room. The table was already set with five or six exquisite dishes, and maids stood by to serve. Claire also saw Melly at the end of the line, looking around the dining room's decor with a somewhat rough and tumble demeanor, her eyes filled with curiosity and envy. She had come with Yuna.

However, the dishes were still the same old Western fare. Claire really couldn't get used to the food here.

So, she called out to Melly, "Come, let's eat together."

If someone were to eat next to him, perhaps he might have some appetite.

Melly shook her head like a rattle drum. "Melly already ate. Big Brother, you eat." As she spoke, she glanced at Regan behind Claire. Regan nodded with satisfaction, acknowledging that she knew the rules.

Claire also knew that the maids didn't eat the same food as her, and even Regan didn't eat with her. They had all eaten before she did.

"Then never mind," Claire picked up her knife and fork, listlessly cutting into the steak in front of her.

She thought to herself, Sigh, steak every day. It's fine to eat it once or twice, but eating it every single day is so tiresome.

As she thought this, Claire cut the meat and slowly put it into her mouth.

After only a few chews, Claire slammed her knife and fork onto the table. "Clang!"

Yuna, standing nearby, was startled. All the food on the table was made by her! She had tasted everything before serving, and the flavor was fine. Why did Viscount suddenly slam the table in anger?

"No! I can't eat any more!" Claire stood up. Eating this for one or two days was fine, but if she had to eat this for the rest of her life, she would die!

Just as I feared! The Viscount thinks the food isn't good. I'm finished. Could I be fired?

Yuna fearfully stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Viscount, what about the meal didn't suit your taste? I'll make another one for you."

Claire was also taken aback, not understanding why she had startled the little maid. She quickly smiled. "It's nothing. What you made is delicious. I just suddenly wanted a change of flavor."

"Then tell me what you'd like, and I'll make it for you again," Yuna said quickly.

Claire chuckled softly, her tone full of confidence. "What I want to eat, you can't make."

"I'll try my best! Just tell me," Yuna was still trying hard not to get fired.

"You can learn. I'll teach you."

Yuna: "Huh?"

Regan: "Huh?"

Melly looked at Yuna, then at Regan, and followed suit. "Huh?"

"I'll make it once, and you watch and learn from the side," Claire repeated.

When it came to cooking, she considered herself quite skilled. This was thanks to her parents in her previous life not indulging her and not spoiling her at all. While her peers were still asking their mothers to make roast chicken legs at twelve, she was already carrying tens of dollars to the market to haggle with the aunties. Whenever her parents were busy, she was the one who cooked.

Later, when she lived alone, she had to cook every day, and her culinary skills grew day by day.

Perhaps this was the main reason she couldn't get used to the food here. If I had never seen the light, perhaps I could have endured the darkness...

"Young Master..." Regan was the first to try and stop her.

Claire raised her hand, cutting off his long speech. "Don't try to persuade me. I've made up my mind."

Outside the kitchen, all the maids of the Viscount's mansion had gathered, peeking through the glass windows to watch Claire inside, chattering and discussing animatedly.

Meanwhile, Regan, Yuna, Melly, and others entered the kitchen. Regan, as the butler, naturally had to follow. Yuna was there to learn cooking, and Melly... well, no one was stopping her, so she just followed Yuna's heels into the kitchen.

Claire first opened the spice bottles and tasted them one by one, confirming the properties of the seasonings in this world and finding their corresponding matches.

Fortunately, although some seasonings were different, most of them were recognizable. While there weren't modern flavor enhancers like MSG or chicken essence, basic ingredients like salt, sugar, vinegar, and chili were all present. However, they didn't seem to be used often, as most were full, with only sugar and salt being used the most.

After quickly familiarizing herself with the kitchen utensils, Claire began her preparations for cooking.

Regan stood by, his face full of worry. He had watched his young master grow up and had never seen him cook before.

Yuna also wasn't entirely at ease with Claire. In her impression, nobles shouldn't possess such a low-level skill as cooking. She hoped the Viscount wouldn't hurt himself later.

Melly didn't have much of a concept, but she wasn't optimistic about Claire being able to cook delicious food. That was something only adults like her mother could do! How old was Big Brother? And he was a man, how could he possibly make something delicious?

"Garlic, garlic..." Claire murmured softly, finding the garlic she wanted among the various ingredients. Without garlic, her skill would be reduced by half.

"Thwack!"

The practiced motion of smashing the garlic brought Claire back to her previous life.

She seared the meat, put it in the pot to boil, took it out to cool, and cut it into small pieces.

She poured oil into the pan. When the oil bubbled, she added the cut meat pieces. The wok let out a sizzling sound. Then, she took out the meat that was about seventy percent cooked. She put the remaining oil back into the pan to stir-fry the ingredients, added sugar to caramelize, then added the meat and water, and simmered on low heat.

Regan never imagined that his young master could be so skilled at cooking. He was completely stunned, his jaw dropping.

Yuna stood on her tiptoes, carefully observing Claire's movements, memorizing all the steps. Claire's skillful actions also made her put away her condescending attitude.

That dish of braised pork belly needed to stew for a while, so Claire immediately started preparing the next dish.

Her knife skills—cutting, chopping, slicing, dicing—were all proficient, and she hadn't forgotten how to toss the wok.

The aroma of food had already filled the kitchen. The maids outside couldn't help but swallow their saliva upon smelling it. Melly inside stared wide-eyed at the finished dishes, her mouth watering uncontrollably, and drool dripped onto her clothes without her even realizing it.

"Alright," Claire said, bringing out the final dish of braised pork belly.

There were five dishes and one soup in total. They were Braised Pork Belly, Sweet and Sour Ribs, Shredded Pork with Green Pepper, Steamed Fish, Stewed Beef Brisket, and Seaweed Egg Drop Soup.

Fortunately, the Barony was close to the sea, which was why they had seaweed. Otherwise, Claire wouldn't have known what soup to make.

"Try them," Claire said as she looked at everyone, who was shocked.

The five dishes were perfect in color, aroma, and taste. Regan could feel his mouth watering just by looking at them, but he still maintained a bit of his composure and dignity.

"Melly, Melly wants to try!" Melly jumped up, waving her hand, afraid that Claire wouldn't see her because of her small stature.

"Okay, Melly can try first." Claire handed her a spoon.

Melly stood on her chair, reaching for the table on her tiptoes. She first scooped up a spoonful of soup and slurped it into her mouth. Her eyes immediately lit up, and she quickly reached the spoon towards other dishes.

"Wow!"

After finishing each dish, her eyes seemed to glow. She'd exclaim "Wow!" and then turn to another dish.

Regan, standing nearby, furrowed his brows. Don't just keep looking amazed, say something!

In less than ten seconds, Melly had tried two dishes by herself. Regan, watching from the side, was anxious. He couldn't care about his reputation anymore and directly picked up a spoon.

"Young Master, I'll try some too."

A piece of Braised Pork Belly went into his mouth. "Wow!" Regan couldn't help but shout like Melly.

Yuna glanced at Claire and then took a spoon, joining Regan and Melly.

The maids outside pressed their faces against the glass window, their eyes filled with envy.

"You all don't have to stand outside. Come in and eat together," Claire invited.

As soon as she said that, the maids outside rushed in. Seeing this, Melly immediately stuffed a large piece of Braised Pork Belly into her mouth, afraid she wouldn't be able to grab any from the older sisters later.

"Don't rush, you have to eat these with rice... or bread would work too, right?" Claire wouldn't try such unorthodox ways of eating.

There was rice in this world, but it wasn't as common as wheat. However, as a Viscount, there was some at home.

Those dishes were quickly wiped out by the dozen or so people. Claire didn't continue cooking; instead, she stood aside and started guiding Yuna.

The maid sisters beside them were also cheering Yuna on. Come on! You have to learn this skill so we can eat it in the future.