PFC Chapter 252 The first cup of milk tea in autumn
Chapter 252 The first cup of milk tea in autumn
My dear children, look how time flies! October has already arrived, and we've already stepped into the embrace of autumn. Today, Teacher Sui Sui is going to make you, my lovely children, your first cup of milk tea! As soon as I finished speaking, little hands shot up like mushrooms after a rain. My gaze landed on one of them, and I smiled and called on her, "Beili, tell me if you have any questions?" Upon hearing her name being called, Baili happily stood up, blinking her eyes and saying, "Teacher Sui Sui, what is milk tea? Is the milk you're talking about the same as the milk we drink? And what is that tea?" She looked at me with curiosity, as if full of questions about this new thing.
"That's right, dear Belle, milk is the sweet milk that you drink every day. And tea is made from something called tea leaves." Just when I mentioned the word tea, I noticed that all the children present began to look at each other, and those little faces full of confusion and curiosity seemed to be saying, "What exactly is tea?" So, I thought to myself, it seems that I still have to explain to these cute little guys what tea is!
Then, I skillfully took out the tea jar from the side and carefully poured out some of the tea. Then, I smiled and said to the children, "Come on, my dears, let's take a look at what this magical tea looks like and smell its unique scent, okay?" After that, I began to distribute the tea leaves to each child one by one, and urged them to place the tea leaves gently in their palms and observe them carefully.
"Children, look, these tea leaves are like small and exquisite leaves. Some of them are deep and rich green, while others are a little lighter." After hearing my description, the children all stretched out their chubby little hands with great interest, holding the tea leaves tightly, and stared with their bright and clear eyes, afraid of missing any details.
Next, I picked up a piece of tea leaf and gently rubbed it between my fingertips for a few times. Then I showed it to the children, saying, "Look, when we gently rub this tea leaf like this, can you feel its crisp texture? Okay, now let's get closer and smell its charming aroma." As I finished speaking, the children couldn't wait to put their little noses forward, and in an instant, a burst of exclamations came one after another: "Wow, it smells so good!"
So, how exactly is tea produced? Tea leaves are carefully plucked from tea trees, which grow in vast, lush gardens. From a distance, the expanse is filled with lush, verdant tea plants, a staggering sheer number. From afar, they resemble a boundless ocean of green, rolling in the breeze, a breathtaking spectacle.
Diligent workers carefully pluck the fresh, tender tea leaves, which then undergo a series of tedious, complex, yet crucial processes. First, the leaves are exposed to sunlight and air-dried in a well-ventilated area to remove excess moisture. Next comes the crucial roasting process, where skilled craftsmen master the heat and timing to gradually unleash their captivating aroma. Thus, after these layers of refinement, ordinary tea leaves are transformed into the delicately fragrant finished product we hold in our hands.
Not only that, but different types of tea also produce teas with varying colors and flavors. Some brews a translucent golden color, offering a sweet and mellow taste; others are as mellow as amber, with a rich, lingering sweetness; and still others offer a refreshing, elegant emerald green, leaving a delicate fragrance lingering on the tongue... Each tea has its own unique characteristics, leaving you with an endless aftertaste!
The children listened intently, their bright, clear eyes sparkling with curiosity, like the glittering stars in the night sky. At this moment, the lively and lovely Bailey, unable to contain her excitement, excitedly shouted, "Teacher Sui Sui, let's use these tea leaves to make delicious milk tea!" As soon as she finished speaking, the other children cheered and joined in, echoing her in unison. Looking at the children's innocent faces, filled with eager anticipation, my lips involuntarily curled up into a gentle smile, and I turned to prepare for the next step in making the milk tea.
After explaining tea to the children in detail, I smiled and led these curious little ones slowly towards the fenced-off area that had always been a secret. This area was the place that had always attracted the children's attention - the small kitchen.
This small yet unique kitchen was built on the vacant land next to the restaurant. To provide a pleasant surprise for these adorable children, it was shrouded in a tightly sealed enclosure from the outset, revealing nothing of what lay within. Whenever the children curiously inquired about its purpose, I played it safe by telling them it was under construction. Of course, the construction talk was a white lie. In reality, this was the intriguing place we were about to explore together—the small kitchen.
Despite its name, the kitchen is surprisingly large. A rough estimate suggests it covers over 30 square meters. The entire kitchen isn't completely enclosed; a roof provides protection from the elements. However, the walls only reach a height of about 1.5 meters. This design is due to the fact that our kitchen is equipped with a state-of-the-art energy stove, while also retaining a traditional wood-burning stove. This unique combination meets the demands of modern cooking while allowing children to experience the joy and charm of traditional culinary methods.
I led the children toward the small kitchen, constantly saying, "Don't worry, kids! Before we start making delicious milk tea, we need to prepare some important things." As I spoke, the children grew increasingly excited, eager to explore. Finally, the moment we stepped into the small kitchen, the scene before us made everyone's eyes widen. Inside, a dazzling array of tools and fresh ingredients were neatly arranged.
After the children were all sitting quietly in their seats, I took a deep breath, looked at their little faces full of curiosity and anticipation with a smile, then clapped my hands gently, signaling everyone to concentrate and prepare to start today's interesting and mouth-watering milk tea making journey.