Cooking and Single Woman

I had a lunch invitation for decent home cooked meal at my friend's house (her mom's actually) on Tuesday. Of course, I am never known to turn down such makan invitation, unless there's something really urgent that I can't get out from or the company is one that I do not wish to spend time with.

Lunch was good - ulam celur with power sambal belacan (first time I had daun mengkudu celur... and man!!!! it was so bitter that I almost cry), ikan kerisi (me think only lah) goreng berlada, kari nangka, kari ikan, taugeh goreng and bak choy gorent sos tiram... The lauk certainly deserve a big hearty burp afterwards!!! Oh... also got papadom!!! *BURP*

I don't think the host/cook realised how wonderful lunch there was for me!!!

For single person like me, cooking decent food at home poses a number of problems. The following facts apply:

1. Often enough, we can't cook typical malay dishes (probably due to lack of practice). My attempts at cooking these dishes normally ended up in the rubbish bin (read - not fit for human consumption). Besides, it is simply impossible to get decent recipies for traditional dishes with proper measurements. If you have come accross one, do share!

2. It is not economical to cook decent traditional lauk. Once I had a go at Masak Lemak Ikan Masin with Nenas, it cost me over RM25 just to get it cooked... and believe me, the taste at the nasi campur stall is much nicer in any given day! I was cooking for 3 other people and spend nearly 2 hours in the kitchen. Looking back.. probably cheaper to belanja them makan at our regular nasi campur joint. At least the taste is guaranteed.

3. The washing up afterwards is just not worth it. The amount of time you cook then add the amount of time you have to clean up the kitchen and wash the pots, pans, batu lesung, blender, etc.. just not worth the effort. Plus, you also waste on washing liquid and water... and bad for your nails!

4. Most importantly, single people who can't cook contribute more to the economy and society. We provide good business to the hawkers and restaurenters. Lets each contribute to the society and economy the best way we know of.

Meanwhile, this month of Syawal also see me eating leftover kuih raya for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper!