As a child, I was warned to keep out of the kitchen and allow mom to work in peace. The kitchen is mom’s sacred workspace and I had better respect that. Else, a spanking awaits.
From the mere task of toasting bread, I sneakily “graduated” to preparing instant noodles and slowly, pushed boundaries by frying an egg.
No one said anything and so, I continued my kitchen adventures, exploring my culinary interest one dish at a time. It was all fun and games until one day, I left the stove on and according to my dramatic Amma “nearly blew the house up, Va-sel-yaaaaaaaaa Subhash!”
What followed was an endless tirade of nagging and a mother hovering around me like a hawk every time I entered the kitchen.
Surely, I can’t be the only one facing the same (ongoing) struggle of using the kitchen while pleasing mom o’ mighty, right?
Here are 5Rs for using mom’s kitchen and living to tell the tale!
Don’t say limpeh never share info.
—
Respect
This is a basic rule of life. If you use something that does not belong to you, ask for permission from the rightful owner and use it with care.
Remember to return it as you found it. To establish trust, return it cleaner.
If there are oil splatters on your stove, clean it with soap.
This shows that you give regard to your mom’s preferences and respect her space.
Replenish
Used the last splash of milk for baking? Chopped up the last onion for your stir-fry?
It’s only courteous to replenish food stock you’ve used.
Also, this shows mom that you’re reliable and can share responsibility for the kitchen and pantry. WIN-WIN!
Replace
Accidents happen. But if these accidents happen to mom’s belongings, you’re doomed. LOL JOKES. But seriously, mom never forgets when you smash her favourite glass jug into smithereens.
While you may not be able to amend your carelessness with exact replacements, putting some thought into buying a new jug for your mom will be appreciated. Tug at her womanly heartstrings, padawan.
Really scrub like your life depends on it
No matter how spick and span you return the kitchen, understand that moms will find a spot which is oily/dirty. They believe they do it better and well, who are we to doubt momma?
Therefore, here’s a trick. Get down to your knees and scrub the floor with your life. Make sure your mom is around to see it and hear it. Seeing (and hearing) is believing. It gives them the assurance that you take care in keeping the kitchen clean.
Rilek one corner
Chill. Come to terms with the fact that no matter how well you behave in the kitchen, mom will always stroll into kitchen, wipe the counter tops despite your thorough polishing and mumble under her breath about how you didn’t screw the cap of the spice jar tightly.
The kitchen is every mother’s turf and she is allowed to be defend her turf fiercely. After all, it is the hub that helps her fuel the mind, body and soul of her beloved family.
Source
Got a funny story from your experience using mom’s kitchen?
Share it with us in the comments/forum section!
If you wish to contribute, do write to us at ingredient@cultlinary.sg
