[attr="class","ashley1body"]
It's definitely no standout performance, but that last round, Ash and Bongo truly did get into sync. And while they didn't win, they didn't reach the summit they wanted, they had fun. But moving up to fourth place had Ashley grab Bongo's hand, the gorilla and the monke of a man looking into each other's eyes. Homies. Bros.[break][break]
"This is all because of you buddy. Even if we burnout here, you are the star. You got us this far. Okay?" He assures Bongo. The big gorilla beginning to tear up, pulling Ashley into a heavy bear hug, as the last challenge is given, they hug like brothers. As the Rillaboom lets Ashley fall back to his feet...[break][break]
They both have fire in their eyes, and wordlessly, they hit the pantry again. But instead of revealing their hand, they return minutes later with Ashley holding the basket, Bongo holding his brother like a bride-to-be.
"Get ready to be dazzled! This one is dedicated to my love back home. I wouldn't be half who I am without you." he announces to the crowd, and as he is set to the ground, he looks to Bongo.
"Or you, ya big lug." the Kronk-and-Yzma dynamic high-five is made.[break][break]
They hit the ground running, chopping dark chocolate with the mezzaluna together, one hand each for the duo. Once chopped up, Bongo throws it in a bowl, and Ash in another microwaves some heavy cream for a minute. The duo high-five, and with the most energetic hold-out from Bongo, Ashley takes the heavy cream out, and pours over the chopped chocolate together.[break][break]
Next? Ashley gently mixes it, until the chocolate is melted, combined and smooth. And, a nice little dose of vanilla extract for an added kick. This mixture goes in the fridge. Needs to get thicken. This endeavor would take about an hour. They would be one of the last ones in, but that was okay. Ashley was a gambling man. Bongo was a gambling gorilla. The duo together would be the worst gacha players of all time. Or extremely competent Wailords.[break][break]
Now. The fun part. Time to sift almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in a bowl. Then, using Ashley's favorite implement, the stand mixer, he fits a whisk attachment on to whisk egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Then, Bongo comes in, adds cream of tartar. Mixer comes to life on medium-high, and now the granulated sugar is getting added in gradually. Not all at once.[break][break]
Once Bongo finishes pouring in the sugar, Ashley nods to Bongo, and Bongo nods, turning it to the highest setting. One big gorilla hand to make sure the stand mixer stays in place, as he watches Ash get a baking sheet.[break][break]
Lining it with a silicone mat, Ash prepares the oven for 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and as the mixture is properly stand-mixed, he uses a spatula to fold the saved flour, sugar, and cocoa ingredient in, and makes sure to do it half-and-half. First half, second half. Once he makes a figure 8, he pulls the spatula away. Now, comes the piping bag.[break][break]
With Bongo wiping away his sweat, Ashley attachs a large round tip, and slowly, very slowly, makes small 1 inch rounds, with Bongo helping to squeeze. It's not perfect, but once they get enough on a pan, Bongo and Ashley take toothpicks and push out air bubbles from the future of their chocolate goods. And now, time to let them sit.[break][break]
The duo waits, watching contestant after contestant put in their work. All they can do, is give it 30 minutes.
"They got no idea what's coming." With an 'mhmm' sound coming from Bongo, the duo laugh.[break][break]
And so then, as the oven is ready, and the little rounds are thrown in, they wait another 15. Ashley goes to check on the melted chocolate in the fridge. He tests it with a spoon. Thickened. He smirks.
"Damn right." It was ready to be the whipped filling. And with that, their treat was almost ready. Now comes the best part.[break][break]
As their little cookies are done, and the piping bag is filled with the thick chocolate, Bongo pulls out the cooked cookies baking sheet, and sets it on the table. They wait another few minutes to cool off. Finally, as they cool down, Ashley puts a little chocolate on the first and third row. And then on the second and fourth, does much smaller lines of chocolate, with Bongo having the most important part; sprinkling the ingredient of choice. Sea salt, baby. Like an Oreo, mash em together, with that chocolate filling. Guess what you got?[break][break]
Now it may not seem like sea salt was important, but it adds the burst of flavor that these cookies desperately need.[break][break]
Putting them on a plate, Ashley sets the plate with the dish on the judge's table himself.
"Dark chocolate sea salt macarons." This, was a gamble. But if it works?[break][break]
"Worth every bite." Damn right. If these were good? He'd serve some to Kepler in an apron. So help him.[break][break]
CP5O_cUm
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@tag[break][break]
NOTES
-
OUTFIT,
HAT - Total Score: 230 + This Post[break]
- Ash acknowledges he doesn't need to win, and thanks Bongo for getting them this far.[break]
- They hug. It's so cute, and go to the pantry. They get their stuff, Ashley dedicates the dish to Kepler.[break]
- Cooking time. They are racing a clock.[break]
-
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Macarons[break]
- I pray to you, RNG. Please. PLEASE. 90 or higher! You screwed me in Mantine Surfing. PLEASE.
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