Old friends dinner invite...

Last weekend, I had to visit the supermarket to buy some groceries to cook dinner for my sister. Since it is near to my old place, I decided to visit my old friends again. Maybe now that I have a room to myself, I am feeling a bit lonely... I really don't know Yet, I do value the privacy that I have currently. Life is tough when you have to make such decisions. I do realize that one cannot have everything too. But I do know I miss my friends and would like to know how they are doing. It's always nice to have someone to talk to when you are alone.

I had a good look at the place now that we have left. A lady took over my sister's bed and decorated it beautifully. I am glad that things are moving along just fine for my ex-landlord, as he is also a friend. In fact, I think his "business" is getting better. It seems like every time someone vacates the place, someone else takes it up almost immediately!

It was about 6pm by the time I got there and some of my old friends were cooking dinner. They invited me to join in and I gladly accepted. For once, they had quite an elaborate meal which is quite rare. They even bought fish that day. Normally, we would just have rice and maybe one or two dishes of vegetables and some small pieces of pork. But fish is a rarity and a luxury too.

We had a delicious meal that evening. I was glad I visited them again. I still miss them a lot but come to think of it, I would not trade my privacy for it. At least now I can go back to visit them anytime I want.

Cooking at home on Chinese New Year!

On the first day of Chinese New Year, we decided not to go out for dinner but instead cook something at home to eat. We both still remembered our experience on Chinese New Year's eve and we decided to play it safe this time around. This is nothing new, as we often cook noodles (instant type especially) or some meat and vegetables. However, for this occasion, we decided to make some dumplings. Afterall, it is Chinese New Year.

In the afternoon, I bought some ingredients from the Supermarket downstairs for the dumplings. Both my sister and I love dumplings, so we decided to try our dumpling making and cooking skills. I had helped my mum make dumplings at home often, but this will be the first time I am doing all this by myself! Wonder if it will turn out good? This will be the real test of our skills, not when mum is by our side!

In the late afternoon, we both prepared the ingredients and wrap the dumplings. It was finger-breaking task, especially when you had not had such practice for such a long time. We could have steamed dumplings, boiled dumplings or fried dumplings. For this time, we decided we wanted fried dumplings. When dinner time came, my sister did the cooking (or frying) while I cooked some rice to go along with the dumplings.

The truth is that the dumplings did not turn out as well as those I am used to at home... physically as well as taste wise. Firstly, they do not look as good... all crumpled and dried out instead of full, fluffy and crunchy. Then the taste... hmm... not so easy to describe but it definitely does not taste like how my mother made them. The meat was too hard and chewy, and not as juicy as I would have liked them. I still felt they were ok but my sister said I failed miserably.

Look at her face below!

Back to the drawing board!

My cooking

Recently for the first time, I had the opportunity to cook my own meal. Here is what it looks like. Nothing exciting actually. I mean, what can you really cook for one person. Just some rice plus some vegetables. More importantly for me, I think it is more healthy than eating out all the time... and eating bread all the time (since I work in a bread shop!). It also cost less too, especially if you cook for more than one person.

Well this time, I happened to be the only one at home so I only cook for myself. Otherwise, if others are home, we will normally take turns to cook. However, my current job hardly gives me any time to be home these days and as such, I do not always get the pleasure of eating home cooked food.

Nevertheless, I am going to enjoy this very simple meal! I haven't had a home cooked meal for such a long while, I am going to savor this one! Join me?