Anthology

Summer with Nana by @Miss8Fifteen

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Summer with Nana

by Miss8Fifteen

***

I have one thing in common with my grandmother, whom I call nana. We enjoy cooking. We also enjoy food. In general, we enjoy almost everything related to food, including the technique, the ingredients, and, of course, the taste. Nana's authentic recipes are always something I want to learn. 

But the problem is that we live thousands of miles apart! When it comes to distance, it's not like travelling from Seattle to New Jersey. I live on the other side of the world. Nana lives on the other side of the globe.  

So, now that the airports and borders are open to the public, I was planning a trip to Nana. Why was that? I've been preparing for this visit since quarantine, even making a long list of recipes I'd like to try! But exams and, of course, Covid-19 put an end to my enthusiasm. I almost gave up at first. But after my father persuades me and promises to pay for the ticket... my spirit was lifted!

First and foremost, I'm going to learn how to make my own cooking spice. It's not like there aren't any spices in the United States. However, finding the most genuine one appears to be impossible! I'm talking about raw ingredients like galangal, lemon grass, dry chillies, onions, garlic, and ginger, which I can still get. But the big question is, how do you make it? How much is it? So, yes, I'd like to learn that first.

Among Nana's best dishes, I adore Laksa Johor! It is not to be found here. Even if I can, it won't taste the same as Nana's cooking. According to my mother, making such a fantastic Laksa Johor is difficult. It requires extensive preparation, including some grinding techniques and a delicate process. To make kerisik, for example, we stir fry the shredded coconut flesh until it turns brownish, then thump it with a mortar and pestle until it turns into a paste and the oil comes out from the shredded flesh. Hmm... Doesn't that sound technical? That's what I like best.

Joy suggested that I learn how to make nasi lemak as well. She wishes to accompany us, but she is already scheduled for a summer part-time job and will be unable to do so. When it comes to Nasi Lemak... Oh, Lord, it's the most delicious and common food in Nana's household. She makes the best Nasi Lemak ever! Cooking rice with coconut milk, fennel seeds, and pandan leaves... Serve with sambal, anchovies, boiled eggs, and cucumber slices... What more could you want? It's no surprise that Joy begged me to teach her how to make Nasi Lemak! It's both addictive and delicious. 

I'm getting hungry just thinking about food! It appears that it is time for me to put down the pen. I'll post the recipe after the summer is over. Who knows, maybe after this I'll be able to cook for a crowd! I can hardly wait! I really miss Nana, too!