(MSN)Sweet Genius 4: Seconds, Please!

Everett scrutinized his opponents as they each strode into the spotlight, some forcing out and introduction whilst others casually said hello. His eyes, shielded by his darkened specs, ran their way up and down each contestant trying to peg their strengths and weaknesses. Though the lawyer had to remind himself that this was not a traditional competition; his strategy would have nothing to do with his foes, rather, his success would be entirely in his own power.

One of the contestants, a rather short girl, came up to him as he prepared to compete. She introduced herself with enthusiasm and kindness in her voice, how cute. Everett wasn’t accustomed to being approached so softly, most of the time there was tension or dispute involved. Once again however, he reminded himself that this was a different sort of battle field.
”Oh you bet I will, sweet cheeks.” he responded cockily albeit in a friendly manner.
”You go make yourself a pretty little pastry eh? May the best baker win.” he send her a wink and a quick smirk, then turned to look at the host.

Lilly began to speak, explaining the rules of the competition. She mentioned the bond between tamers and partners, and then the clock began to tick. What, a bond? Him and Graedon just about killed each other every day! Well, that was a bit much, of course. They bantered, they bickered, but it was always with comedy. There hadn’t been a genuine fight as of yet; some scrums, some pushing around, but always with laughter. They had a pretty twisted relationship, but always sweet in the end. Suddenly, the man had the perfect idea.

What better delectable dessert to represent this kind of bond than angel wings? Two strips of crispy, deep-fried egg batter, carefully twisted together just right so the doughy spirals entwined with each other, bonding together when things got heated to create the perfect snack. As if that wasn’t enough, there was another secret little ingredient, much like in their own partnership; a hint of whiskey to perfect the flavor, to perfect the relationship between the ingredients. The zing would give a subtle burst of taste and flare! With them, when things got stale, they would bring out the flask and sip on it together, introducing a little punch to their daily lives.
Topping the entire recipe off was a coat of icing sugar, an ideal garnish to represent them at the end of any day. Despite the twisting, the heated situations, the whiskey, there would always be that refreshing sweetness on top.

With that, the man set to work. If he recalled correctly, whenever his European friends prepared these around Christmas back in the day, they would only need about half an hour to make. Reaching for all his supplies, he pulled out a small bowl, medium bowl, measuring spoons, a knife, oil, a whisk, a box of eggs, icing sugar, a shaker full of salt, flour, and lastly, a 2/6 of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.
First of all, as to be smart with his given time limit, Rett set the oil to heat to 375 degrees F. He cracked open half a dozen eggs, began separating the egg whites into the small bowl and the yolks into the medium bowl. Whisking the yolks together, he then added a cup of flour and began kneading it in. The dough proved a little sticky, so the man added a fourth of a cup of dough to soften it up, and it did the trick.

Everett then floured the counter top lightly. He began kneading the dough , periodically sprinkling it with vanilla and whiskey, carefully measuring each amount as not to over-do it. He needed to get this right. Remembering that he would still need to add a secret ingredient, he made sure to leave room for the extra flavor, whatever it may be.

Busy with his culinary creativity, the tall man had to remind himself to keep his ears open. Any moment now, the clock would tick down and the mystery ingredient would be announced and provided, and that ingredient had the potential to make or break his divine dessert. Palms white with flour and dough, he looked over to Lilly, who remained seated, and then over at his opponents. Each and every one of them busy with their creations, each determined to sweep the judges off their feet and take home the prize.

Lost in thought, Everett found himself jumping back as the buzzer shouted at them thunderously. That meant that the secret element would be announced right away! Rapidly washing and drying his dusty hands, the man pulled all of his focus to the front where he eyed sable coated feline strutting to center stage with a covered tray. Their lovely pink host soon announced the contents of what BlackGatomon, now introduced as Katie, had brought over.

Almond Butter and Peach Jam.

There were not one, but two secret ingredients! Thankfully, these two played perfectly with the mix of flavors he had previously concocted. Almonds seemed to integrate with all of his ingredients in many other delicious recipes: Spongy almond cake, which used whiskey or rum along with icing powder. Irish Whiskey Cake, which so delectably combined the flavors of whiskey and almond. Not to mention, the gourmet Amaretto Almond Whiskey, which was offered only in five-star lounges for it was so enchanting with its taste, and so sought after. Almond and vanilla didn’t even need to be mentioned; that combination was just about as classic as bread and butter.

Peach jam would also prove to be a treat. He’d had whiskey and peach schnapps before, which left his taste buds craving more. Not to mention, the two flavors hinted together made for such a perfect glaze or marinate, there was no way he could go wrong. Peach and vanilla were also fool proof, why with the multitude of existing dishes, like peach and vanilla muffins, he knew that his pastry would be perfect.

As Everett grabbed the two new additions to his recipe, he decided to give the judges a little variety. He took the dough he’d finished kneading, and split it into three groups. Everett set one batch of dough aside untouched, and then separated the other two. Into one of the batches, he scooped a tablespoon of almond butter, and into the other, a tablespoon of peach jam. He began kneading the two again, separately, making sure to blend the ingredient well in each batch. He worked quickly, using either hand for either batch, and alas he decided that the additional ingredients had been absorbed well into the dough.

Taking the three mounds in front of him, he laid them out and flattened them with his hands. Reaching into a nearby drawer, he pulled out a rolling pin and made three large, thin squares of dough. Grabbing the kitchen knife, Everett cut each of them into 2-inch strips, creating four dozen strips. He knew time would be running out soon, but looking at the clock, he knew he would have enough time to work his plan. From 48 strips, he would produce 24 braids, and with the four flavors he had planned, that would be 6 angel wings per pile.

Once the strips were cut, he began braiding them together, segregating them into four separate piles. The man made one pile with clean, unflavored angel wings, one pile with pure almond butter wings, one pile with pure peach flavored wings, and of course the best ones; one pile with one strip tying in almond butter with a strip of peach jam dough. These would be perfect, he thought, and the best part was that they only took one minute to fry per six angel wings, for a total of four minutes. He would be able to powder and dress each group of the delectable pastry as the other one fried, and even in the last five minutes, he’d have a minute to spare.

Luckily, as of right now, he had a minute head start before that final five countdown. With his oil already pre-heated, the man lowered the first batch into the oil, and as he would wait, he made sure the icing sugar and plates were ready, and that the next batch would be waiting to be popped in.

For the next six minutes, this man would be like a moving like a conveyor belt in a toy factory.