One mouth-watering lasagna-making day.

Just to be clear, before I go any further, I’m not responsible for this mouth-watering activity. Rita is. Because whenever someone asks me if I know how to cook, I can’t really give a straight answer. Oftentimes, I’d say, I don’t know but I’m willing to learn, if needed. But enough of that.

Rita is an excellent cook, as evidenced by my thickening waistline.  No amount of running can compensate for the second helpings that I usually have of almost everything that she puts on the table. The kitchen always smells so good when she’s around, that it’s hard to stay away. I don’t want to stay away. Much more so when I get to lick a wooden spoon, smeared with something decadent or get a whiff of something that makes me heady with anticipation. 

Lasagna, let me count the ways.

The first time I had homemade lasagna ( which Rita made ) was a life-altering moment for me, in a way that, I won’t be able to eat lasagna again without having to compare it with the one she makes. It is delicious. I’m trying to remember the way it melts in my mouth and takes me to “lasagna” heaven. Writing about it now, makes my mouth waters. And makes me hungry too.

Since I came to stay with them, I think this was the third time that I get to see first-hand all the work involve in making homemade pasta, in this instance, lasagna. The first two times, Rita was with a group of friends. Last Wednesday, it was just the two of us. And had the music on. She had all the dough made the night before. I watched her rolled and cut them into pieces before she put them through the pasta maker (I’m not really sure about the name so I’m just guessing here.) The entire process is fascinating. I am fascinated.  

Back to my story, Rita work tirelessly that day. She had two huge pots going on the stove. We had two tables covered with tablecloth where the lasagna was laid out to dry. And to make myself useful, I helped her in whatever that needs to be done. I was at the sink doing the dishes. Occasionally, I asked her questions, about this and that.  But most of the time, I just watched her work.

It took us almost the entire day to get everything done. And its kind of neat that I get to actually take part in it. Thanks to Rita. :-)
 

I found 'love'

No, not that kind of love. Although, I have now an idea what to reply if someone ( especially the nosy ones ) ask me, "How's your love life?" And it would be, "AWESOME!!!" 

Especially not of that kind where you pretend you like someone and go all doe-eyed and act crazy. Okay, enough about that.

Cinnamon buns...bow.

I've always been fascinated about food in its various forms but not so much about how it is prepared. Once, I even told a friend that if she has devious plans to bring me down, all she has to do is put a plateful of something delicious in front of me and I'm finished.  ( Thankfully, I'm not an interesting person to "inspire" someone into plotting my downfall. But then, despite my best intentions to stay invisible, there are people around, who can't seem to think of anything appropriate to say. )

Love 'em fruit preserves.:-)

Whipping up meals has never been my forte and as far as I'm concerned, not one of my skills ( as if I have any ). It would be a miracle if I can come up with something that's edible and wouldn't make someone choke.

So, it was quite a surprise, when for the past few months, I realized that I can be useful in the kitchen. It did not come easy. I had to contend with burns ( Not serious ones though.) and the smell of onions ( even if I like them ).

Bread and bread.

Now, I can prepare a passable mashed potato and gravy. I develop the knack for making salad and eating them. I bake bread and cookies. And cinnamon buns too. I pickled beets and made zucchini relish. Made some raspberry jam and canned peaches. On the other hand, dealing with meat is a weak point. I can't make a beef roast turn out right. Either it is under cook or too well done. And mind you, people here don't like their meat well done. So, I'm working on it. And based from the comments I get from them, I'm doing okay ( except if they're just being polite to me, anyway )

It does not take much effort.

I think, I'm slowly improving with my new-found 'love' that,  I heard suggestions to hook with someone. Or that I'd make a 'good wife' ( whatever that means ) Ah, the irony of it all.

If it's up to me, I'd rather have something that only needs to be heated on the microwave and won't require a lot of clean up afterward.

Anyway, I found out that COOKING is not only about following recipes ( to a tee ) and hoping it'll turn out wonderful. It's more than that.

Talk about finding 'love', eh?