Culinary delights

"My name is Harrison Cunningham," Harrison began, but before he could finish his statement, a ripple of laughter burst out.

"Cunningham, you mean cunning?" Nancy jeered, leading to more laughter.

Whispers and snickers spread through the room.

"So funny."

"Who names their child Cunning?"

"Is he as cunning as a tortoise?"

"He does kind of look like a tortoise, don't you think?"

Professor Smart, being perceptive and attentive, couldn't help but notice the disruption.

Pausing for a brief moment, he locked eyes with the misbehaving students before addressing the class as a whole. His voice carried a mix of authority and disappointment, "We are all here to learn, and that includes learning respect for one another. Unprofessional and derogatory remarks have no place in this classroom or any professional setting."

The room fell silent as Professor Smart continued, "Harry, I apologize for the disrespectful behavior exhibited by some of your classmates. Please know that you are a valued member of this class, and your contributions matter. Let us continue with the introductions."

"I'm Honeybell Cunningham," Honeybell introduced cheerfully, hoping the class wouldn't jeer at her too. She smiled warmly, determined not to let the earlier incident dampen her spirits.

Jackson stared intensely at Honeybell, realizing she was the girl he encountered at the bar — the one who had bitten him on his dick. His eyes widened, but soon a smirk formed on his face. She had unfortunate timing, arriving at this university, because he was determined to make her life miserable. He wanted her to regret ever causing him such unbearable pain by biting him. He would make her beg for mercy. As Honeybell started walking toward her seat, Jackson deliberately placed his leg in her path, causing her to stumble. She managed to regain her balance by grabbing onto a nearby seat for support. It was then that she turned to face him, her eyes widening when she recognized him as the guy from the bar.

"It's me," he whispered, smirking.

"I'm going to make your life hell. Consider yourself unlucky to come to this university."

He expected to see fear in her eyes, but to his surprise, she smiled.

"I'll be waiting. Let's see whose life becomes hell," she mouthed defiantly before calmly walking to her seat, leaving him in utter shock.

"Who is she?" Nancy suddenly asked. She had been sitting close by and witnessed the entire drama unfold.

"I have unfinished business with her. I want you to handle her properly," he requested.

"But who is she? How do you know her all of a sudden?" Nancy inquired.

"Don't ask too many questions, babe. Just do as I say," he muttered, silencing her with a kiss.

Meanwhile, Harrison, who had been observing them all along, clenched his fist. He didn't understand why, but he couldn't bear to watch Jackson and Nancy together.

….

Excitedly, Flower decided to kickstart her culinary journey by preparing a beloved classic dish: Chicken Fried Steak. She carefully gathered the ingredients and eagerly set about creating a delicious and comforting meal.

First, she gathered the necessary ingredients for the bread mixture. In a shallow dish, Flower combined 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. She made sure to mix them well to ensure that the flavors would be evenly distributed in the breading.

In a separate bowl, Flower whisked together 2 eggs and 1/4 cup of milk until they were thoroughly combined. This mixture would serve as the binding agent for the breading.

Next, Flower dipped each cube steak into the flour mixture, ensuring that both sides were evenly coated. She then dipped the steaks into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. To ensure a crispy and well-coated steak, Flower gently returned the cube steaks back into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they were fully covered.

Meanwhile, Flower heated about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. She carefully placed the breaded cube steaks into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches, she fried them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they were golden brown and crispy.

Once the cube steaks were cooked to perfection, Flower transferred them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. She then kept them warm in a low-heated oven while she prepared the creamy gravy.

In the same skillet, Flower added 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, she sprinkled in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, constantly stirring until a golden paste formed. This was the base for her delicious gravy.

Gradually, Flower poured in 2 cups of whole milk while continuously whisking the mixture, making sure there were no lumps. She seasoned the gravy with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

As the gravy thickened, Flower reduced the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. She then removed the cube steaks from the oven and spooned the creamy gravy generously over each steak, ensuring they were covered in the rich and flavorful sauce.

Flower plated the Chicken Fried Steak with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and a medley of steamed vegetables. The enticing aroma filled the kitchen, inviting anyone nearby to indulge in the comforting and soul-satisfying meal she had prepared.

With a pleased smile, Flower knew that this well-stocked kitchen was not only a luxurious space but a canvas for her culinary dreams. The journey had begun, and she was ready to explore the endless possibilities that this kitchen had to offer.

Flower couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and accomplishment as she took in the sight of the beautifully plated Chicken Fried Steak. With a touch of garnish and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, the dish looked like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.