I used to cook “Happy Meal” (known as ‘kai xin can’ in Mandarin) for my mei-mei.
A typical “Happy Meal” would usually consist of potatoes, carrots, green vegetables and meat (usually chicken or pork). It was a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. I had planned it that way.
I would wash and peel the potatoes and then dice them carefully to ensure they are of equal sizes. I would do the same to the carrots. The vegetables and the meat would also be washed and cut accordingly. I would then arrange all the uncooked ingredients on a plate. Thereafter, I would boil them – potatoes and carrots first, followed by the meat and green vegetables.
I would always watch with pride as she polishes up her bowl.
As the years go by, I grew lazier. In the last year, I don’t recall cooking even 1 single “Happy Meal” for her. I found it a hassle to wash and cut the ingredients and to cook (or rather, boil) them. I just wanted an easy way out, a way that would be the least time-consuming and allow me more time in front of the TV.
For her dinner, we would usually just microwave the chicken or pork and mix them with rice. Gone are the carrots and the green veggies of yesteryears. Gone are the ideals of a balanced diet.
For that, I am sorry, my little mei-mei.
Besides mei-mei, I honestly don’t think there will be someone else who relishes my cooking as much. There is also no one else that I feel like cooking for.
A typical “Happy Meal” would usually consist of potatoes, carrots, green vegetables and meat (usually chicken or pork). It was a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. I had planned it that way.
I would wash and peel the potatoes and then dice them carefully to ensure they are of equal sizes. I would do the same to the carrots. The vegetables and the meat would also be washed and cut accordingly. I would then arrange all the uncooked ingredients on a plate. Thereafter, I would boil them – potatoes and carrots first, followed by the meat and green vegetables.
I would always watch with pride as she polishes up her bowl.
As the years go by, I grew lazier. In the last year, I don’t recall cooking even 1 single “Happy Meal” for her. I found it a hassle to wash and cut the ingredients and to cook (or rather, boil) them. I just wanted an easy way out, a way that would be the least time-consuming and allow me more time in front of the TV.
For her dinner, we would usually just microwave the chicken or pork and mix them with rice. Gone are the carrots and the green veggies of yesteryears. Gone are the ideals of a balanced diet.
For that, I am sorry, my little mei-mei.
Besides mei-mei, I honestly don’t think there will be someone else who relishes my cooking as much. There is also no one else that I feel like cooking for.
Jie-jie
No comments:
Post a Comment