More Reluctant to Part Than Sticky Candied Melons After Laba Festival, people began making nian tang (New Year's sugar) and nian bing (New Year's cake). The fermented malt and millet were boiled in a wide pot with water. The key to making sugar was the control of the fire and the experience of the sugar… Continue reading NWAFAM 079: Fu Ling’s Fortune Cake

After a silent winter, snow finally fell in Xinan County. Yu Jinnian hurriedly opened the shop door to welcome in Young Master Jiang, quickly grabbed the items from his and Ji Hong's hands, and tossed them haphazardly into the backyard. He then grabbed a small teapot of freshly brewed osmanthus honey tea and a plate… Continue reading NWAFAM 078: Jiang’s Sarcasm

Wishing to Be a Carefree Slacker When it gets to the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, it's nearing the New Year. Festivities start to liven up in every corner, but no matter how lively it gets, not a single thing can be done in disorder. The days for ancestor worship or offering to gods… Continue reading NWAFAM 077: Seven-Treasure, Five-Flavor Laba Porridge

I like you too, I like Young Master Ji. After finishing a private meal with Ji Hong, Yu Jinnian began processing the purple-skinned garlic he had bought earlier. The purple-skinned garlic was large, full of plump cloves, tightly packed, and had a strong aroma, making it the best kind of garlic for making Laba Garlic.… Continue reading NWAFAM 076: Jiu Ha Ointment

I’m not going out. You’ve ruined me! Because of Jiang Bingren and the man in black, Yu Jinnian's dream was thoroughly disrupted. The man had vomited and smelled rancid, and Yu Jinnian couldn’t tolerate him stinking up his hall. He went to the kitchen to fetch warm water and brought out two sets of clean… Continue reading NWAFAM 075: Fish Braised in Milk

Six inches vs. twelve inches Winter Solstice came in the blink of an eye. On this day, the yin energy reaches its peak, and the yang energy begins to rise. The rain from a few days ago seemed to have swept away all the warmth from the ground, making the weather even colder. Winter winds… Continue reading NWAFAM 074: Cold-Banishing Delicate Ear Soup

The hairpin is mine, what do you like? It had been some time since Yan Yuyao hung herself. Today, a faint and salty stench slowly spread through the kitchen, as if something had rotted. Qing Huan, frightened, immediately thought there was a dead rat caught by Xiao Dingdang somewhere in the kitchen. She turned the… Continue reading NWAFAM 073: Pickled Fresh Mandarin Fish

Standing still, she reached out her hand, signaling for him to come hold her. Yan Rong wanted to treat the Fifth Miss's illness and left word behind, saying that no matter the consequences, he just wanted to cure her thoroughly. Yu Jinnian would be lying if he said he wasn't surprised. Back then, while Yan… Continue reading NWAFAM 072: Sesame Honey Pills

One day, when your kitchen knife becomes dull, you can still use it to cut fruits and vegetables. Ji Hong became flustered upon hearing that the person who had come was Duan Ming. In his rush to get up, he strained his chest and lungs, causing him to lose his breath and cough a few… Continue reading NWAFAM 071: Lilyturf and Ophiopogon Soup

Very Comfortable Yu Jinnian finally realized that something was wrong. He hurriedly placed the hangover soup on the table and climbed onto the bed to observe Ji Hong closely. He saw that Ji Hong’s eyes were closed, his breathing was shallow, and his brows were slightly furrowed unconsciously. His lips, though red, were completely dry,… Continue reading NWAFAM 070: Xiaochaihu Decoction