"When the time for them to add the salted plums
to the itek tim soup, Jin tried to follow Mamah
exactly. He didn't want to get anything wrong,
especially not in front of his watchful aunties!
He was so nervous, he almost dropped a spoon
into the soup when Tua Ee peeked over his
shoulder."
The front endpaper provides incentive for readers to hurry inside to see what is happening there. Before turning to the title page, they will want to stop and take a close look at the illustrated foods that will be used in this culinary lead-up to celebrating the Lunar New Year: chili, makrut lime, salted plums, garlic, galangal, lime leaves, onion, belacan (shrimp paste), ginger, lemongrass, tamarind, candlenut, salt, dried shrimp, and bunga kantan (torch ginger). A quick peek lets me know the back endpaper is identical.
Jin is on his way home when he smells the spicy aromas of his Mamah's cooking. He finds her in the kitchen. The wok is steaming, the family has gathered, and all are excited for the reunion that Lunar New Year precipitates. Jin's sisters are asked if they would like to help. They would not. Jim would love to help; he is not even considered. Until he offers. The Aunties laugh, but Mamah agrees that Jin should learn if he would like to do so.
He is a good student under Mamah's encouragement and guidance. Though nervous and always aware of the watchful eyes of his aunties, he follows Mamah's instructions to the letter and has great success. The following year, Jin is right back at his grandmother's side, proving himself worthy of someday taking the lead in the kitchen. Bravo!
Following the text of the story, an author's note explains her Peranakan Chinese heritage and the glorious foods she has grown up eating. She then adds a recipe for Peranakan Pongteh Chicken, Illustrations are brightly colored and offer a warm and vibrant setting for the family's preparation of the new year feast.
No comments:
Post a Comment