When we moved here in SG, I brought along some cookbooks which I bought during my health conscious days (once upon a time, I wanted to be a vegetarian). Before we left, I attended a cooking class at my university but was only able to attend it for three meetings. I was vent on cooking for my family once we get settled in our new place, but my husband ended up cooking for us during our first week! I have always considered cooking as a rocket science, so I dared not cross the line that divides the ordinary laymen (eaters) from the scientists (the cooks). But, survival is a great motivating factor that I think I am now on my step of becoming a culinary scientist myself.
With a toddler, I no longer had the time to open these cookbooks.
The transition of moving was not that overwhelming, but I found out that I did not have the luxury of time for reading cookbooks because of my demanding little boy.
How could I refuse this cutie?
On top of that, the demanding little boy is becoming a picky eater. The pediatrician here said that he is on the small side that she gave us 1 can of S-26 for picky eaters.
...And we crossed the dark side!
I had to feed him something healthy and appetizing if I don't want to rely on the formula milk. Also, the husband has been quite critical of my cooking because mommy-in-law is one swell cook. So, armed with determination and a second hand skillet, I turned to the trusty 'ole friend of everyone these days -- the Internet.
And these are what I have created thru the help of the good souls all over the world who took the time to share their recipes and cooking videos online:
Rellenong Okra from facebook.com
Pasta Chicken Alfredo from marthastewart.com
Carrot and Potato with Minced Beef from greatbritishchefs.com
Tortang Talong with Minced Pork from panlasangpinoy.com
Balsamic Chicken from tasty.com
Stir-fried Shrimp from damndelicious.net
Ginisang Pechay from facebook.com
I'm giving myself a pat on the back for preparing such delicious dishes. Of course, I don't always get it perfect all the time, but like everything in life, cooking is a trial-and-error venture. You have to try again and again to get the dishes right. You may stumble (and get burnt along the way), but seeing your loved ones enjoying the meal you have prepared makes the time spent in the kitchen all worth it. Perhaps someday, I'll be as good as my mother-in-law, too.
I am reminded of a meme I saw the other day on FB, which said, "You complain about my cooking...but have you died?" Food for thought, pun intended.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure your dishes taste as good as they look, Van. You are right to be proud of yourself!
Haha! I like that! I'll tell my husband that every time he says, "Kulang asin!" or "Kulang pepper!"
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