In retrospect, it was foolhardy of me to think that either of the boys would like something that has chilli in it. If you’re at all interested, see their past aversions in several previous posts. But the adults loved it, and frankly, sometimes that’s all that matters.
Andrew (11): I think this is nice. [Pause for consideration] Actually, I think it’s too spicy, even for me.
Maureen: I think this is more sweet than spicy, to be honest.
Nicholas (8): No way. It’s too spicy!
Tim: I wish it had more sauce.
Maureen: There is some more sauce, though not a lot, still in the pan. You could go get some.
Andrew: I thought it was nice, but too spicy. (Editor’s note: The boys now leave the table to take up their mother’s offer to have some cereal instead of stir fry for dinner. It’s their fall-back meal when they really can’t stand what I’ve made. The only rule is they always have to try things first.)
Maureen: I actually cut down on the chillies you were supposed to use. You were supposed to put three in there, but when it came time to adding them, I realised I only had one in the refrigerator. So one chilli had to be. I think it’s delicious.
Tim: Yes, this is really nice.
Maureen: It takes just like takeaway to me!
Tim: Is that a good thing?
Maureen: Maybe we wouldn’t want to model our culinary lives on takeaway foods, but every once in awhile, it’s a real treat. If nothing else, it was extremely fast, which is always handy on a weekday night when the four of us have returned from four different places.
A cookbook a month 