Evangeline Gearheart's Journal Entry #18

Appliances and Alchemy 

Date: January 2025

The baker’s kindness extended beyond lending me a corner of her shop; she graciously allowed me the use of her kitchen. However, her modern appliances were as perplexing as a labyrinth of gears gone awry. Each device seemed to possess a mind of its own, challenging my alchemical know-how in ways I had never anticipated.

The first of these contraptions was a box called a "microwave." Intrigued by its promise to heat items in mere seconds, I attempted to melt cocoa butter within its mysterious confines. To my dismay, the microwave delivered a scorching blast that transformed my delicate cocoa butter into an unusable sludge, its rich aroma replaced by the acrid scent of burnt chocolate.

Undeterred, I turned my attention to the baker's oven. This apparatus, with its glowing dials and precise timers, seemed a marvel of modern engineering. Yet, mastering its intricacies proved more challenging than I had anticipated. My first batch of truffles emerged hard as stone, their once-smooth texture now a solid, unyielding mass. Frustration threatened to consume me, but determination spurred me onward.

That was when I discovered a contraption called the "internet." This glowing interface, accessed through a device known as a "computer," promised endless wisdom in exchange for typing questions into it. Skeptical but intrigued, I approached the machine with a sense of trepidation. Its glowing screen presented a vast array of information, each answer seemingly plucked from the collective knowledge of countless individuals.

With cautious fingers, I typed my first query: "How to melt cocoa butter in a microwave." Almost instantly, the screen filled with responses, each offering tips and techniques from experienced bakers. The wisdom I found here was staggering, a treasure trove of alchemical knowledge from far and wide.

Resuming my experiments, I applied the newfound wisdom gained from the internet. This time, I approached the microwave with increased caution, adjusting the settings and intervals to gently melt the cocoa butter to perfection. My elation knew no bounds as I watched the process unfold smoothly, the silky liquid forming without a hint of scorch.

The oven, too, soon yielded to my persistence. By understanding its precise mechanisms and leveraging the advice gleaned from the internet, I began to produce chocolates with the desired soft, velvety texture. Each successful batch was a triumph, a testament to the harmonious blend of traditional alchemy and modern technology.

One particular milestone in my journey was the creation of Frosted Nebula Orbs. These luminescent chocolates, inspired by my adventures with the Lumin Berries, glowed softly as if lit by the ethereal light of distant stars. The combination of precise heating and meticulous tempering allowed the Nebula Orbs to capture the magic of the Northern Plains, each bite a fusion of cosmic wonders and earthly delights.

As I grew more adept with these modern appliances, my confidence soared. The baker's kitchen transformed into a vibrant laboratory where new inventions took shape. Mixing bowls and whisks clattered alongside steam kettles and brass contraptions, creating a symphony of innovation. The scent of caramelizing sugar mingled with the heady aroma of freshly tempered chocolate, filling the air with an intoxicating blend of old-world charm and modern ingenuity.

Reflecting on my initial struggles with the microwave and oven, I marveled at the resilience and adaptability required to bridge the gap between eras. My journey into the world of modern technology had revealed an unexpected ally in the form of the internet—an ever-expanding repository of knowledge that allowed me to refine my alchemical skills with unprecedented precision.

With each confection crafted, I felt a deeper connection to this new era. The baker's generous spirit and the modern appliances had become integral to my journey, providing the tools and support needed to continue my quest. Timekeeper’s Treats, reimagined in this peculiar future, became a beacon of innovation and tradition—each creation a testament to the endless possibilities that arose when alchemy and technology intertwined.

As I stood in the kitchen, surveying the fruits of my labor, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. The journey had been fraught with challenges and learning curves, but each obstacle overcome was a step closer to mastering the art of modern confectionery. The magic of my past adventures and the wonders of this new era had converged, creating a legacy of flavor, innovation, and enchantment that would leave an indelible mark on the hearts and palates of those who experienced my creations.