Alchemy

[mamagotcha]

Alchemy
Originally uploaded by mamagotcha.

I love the little surprises you get while cooking, how things become
more than the sum of their parts sometimes. A recipe says "stir gently
until smooth," which doesn't even begin to hint at the spectacular and
sudden transformation of a bowl of sodden, messy sludge into a glossy,
luminous mass of truffle filling. I was despairing of this recipe
working, because of course I had to fiddle with it. To my astonishment,
this glorious substance just bubbled up from the depths of the chaos...
I can see how people could be tempted to call this magic.

Of course, I've also visited Hell via seizing a whole bowl of expensive
couverture (years ago... I've learned how to temper since then, you
betcha). It goes both ways, doesn't it? But tonight, so far, the Kitchen
Deities have chosen to smile upon me, and I am so grateful.

Comments

[jedusor.livejournal.com]

I cannot read the word "alchemy" without remembering that deep voice booming it out when I clicked on that game in The Time Warp of Dr. Brain.

[stegenrae.livejournal.com]

i'm grateful, too. or at least i will be once i taste the luscious concoction.

(oh, and the comparably breezy--though tough for this non-chocolatier--peanut butter balls are ready to go. your standards are much too high. i merely strain to reach "edible" at times!)