After Eiji had finally put him down, they went shopping for some ingredients they needed. To Ash's surprise, it wasn't much.
"That's all? Just lemon, nutmeg and eggs?"
"Yes, we still have the rest at home. Like flour, sugar and salt," he assured him.
"The ingredients are simple."
When returning home, they placed everything on the kitchen counter. While Ash washed the apples, Eiji assembled all the ingredients they needed and took out a bowl for the dough and a lower dish for the pie at the end.
"We need flour, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, water and half of a lemon."
"How do we proceed?" Ash asked curiously.
"I'd suggest that I make the dough while you make the filling. Or we can make it together. It's really not hard. He pulled out a cooking book that looked self-made with sticky notes and handwritten additions everywhere. Ash put a hand around his waist and looked over his shoulder.
"My mom gave it to me. It contains all of my family's recipes. The pie is from my grandma. She made the best cakes and desserts in the world." Eiji looked back at him and smiled happily."
"Doing it together is probably better. I'm a complete beginner when it comes to baking," Ash admitted quietly.
"That's fine. Let's make the dough first, then. We need 2,5 cups of flour, one teaspoon of salt and 1.5 sticks of cold butter. And some ice water.
"Ice water?"
"It's enough if we take some cold water from the refrigerator. Can you measure the flour? Here's a measuring cup." Eiji handed him the flour and the cup. Please fill it slowly."
"Huh? Why?" Ash asked in confusion. He took the package of flour, opened it and tried to fill it in the cup. However, suddenly all the flour poured into the cup at once before he could stop it, resulting in a huge flour cloud dominating the room. Ash coughed and heard how Eiji did the same.
"I guess now I know why you told me to pour it slowly. Sorry," Ash apologized while still coughing.
"Yes," Eiji grinned. "But it's fine. He wiped some flour off his face and kissed him. "Now, you look even paler. Like a ghost. Here, take this towel and wipe off the flour."
"I have to admit that flour looks good on you, Eiji. The paleness really brings out your eyes." He smirked at him while wiping some flour off his nose, giving it a quick peck,then returned the towel to Eiji who tried to remove the flour from the rest of his face and hair.
"Ok, that's a beginner's mistake. Maybe I should have explained it better," he admitted honestly. "Have you measured the right amount yet?"
"Yes, here." Ash handed him the cup. Eiji checked the amount, then poured it into the bowl, more slowly this time.
"Add a teaspoon of salt," Eiji instructed him next. When Ash wanted to grab a spoon, Eiji stopped him. "No, not this one. That's a tablespoon, not a teaspoon, Ash." He handed him the right one.
"What's the difference? Does it really matter?"
"Yes, it does. A table spoon can hold the double amount that a teaspoon can. And salt is a really dominant spice. If you add too much, the pie will taste salty and be ruined," he explained patiently.
"I don't think I'm cut out for baking. Maybe you should do it on your own..."
"No. It's much more fun to do it together. And you're not that bad. Besides, with your smart mind and great memory, you'll improve in no time." He gently stroked his hair and smiled encouragingly at him. Ash returned the smile and nodded.
