Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 112755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
He nodded in understanding. “Did you know that the sesame chicken recipe came from the Guangdong province, in Southern China?” She shook her head. “Yeah. See, just like the United States, each country around the world is divided up, and they all have their own thing going on, their own flavor. Just like the southern states in our country are known for things like soul food and barbecue, and Boston for seafood and clam bake festivals.”
“Oh yeah, that makes sense.”
Desiree sat back and watched the two, loving how excited her daughter looked as Legend spoke so enthusiastically to her.
“Kaylee, what’s funny about sesame chicken is that the dish was made in Southern China, but is more popular in Northern China now. Wild, right? I bet you don’t like the sesame flavor because of the oyster sauce, which is pretty strong if it’s made right. The main ingredients in the sauce are oyster sauce, garlic and ginger. What century do you think sweet and sour chicken originated? Seventeenth, eighteenth, or nineteenth?”
“Um.” Kaylee smiled all silly like. “I don’t know.”
“Take a guess.”
“Um… eighteenth?”
“Good guess! You’re right! Over here in America, we got the recipe in the twentieth century from Chinese gold miners who worked the railroads. Another name for the dish is Ku lo yuk. Can you say that?”
“Koo low Youk.”
“Good! What’s your favorite vegetable?”
“Um… probably broccoli. Oh, I like carrots, too. I like the way mama cooks them best though.”
“Ahhh, I see.” He leaned back in his booth seat and wrapped his hand around his water glass.
Just then, the waitress, a small Chinese woman wearing a black shirt and pants, approached with a tray of tall red glasses filled with Sprite. She set the beverages down in front of them.
“You can eat when you want,” the server encouraged as she placed an extra set of chopsticks on the table, and a wad of napkins.
“Bet. You ready?” Legend stood.
“Mmm hmmm! I’m ready.” Visibly excited, Kaylee walked to the buffet selections beside Legend, with Desiree right behind them. They grabbed their plates, and went around the various bars.
Desiree enjoyed listening in while Legend explained the origin of Kaylee’s favorite dishes in great detail. She had no idea he knew such things. They’d not discussed Chinese fare yet in class. Her heart beat with love and admiration. She tried to stop smiling so much at the sight of the two of them like this, but it was damn near impossible.
“…But how does it keep the food hot?” Kaylee questioned as she scooped some vegetable fried rice onto her plate.
“These silver containers are called chafing trays and some of them are steam tables. The chafing trays keep food warm for up to a few hours. It helps keep the sauces from coagulating, which means stickin’ together and getting too thick as they cool down. Now, the steam tables, like the ones over there by the noodles, you see they look a lil’ different.”
“Mmm hmm. They’re bigger.”
“Right. That’s one difference. Some of the steam tables are sealed and some are open.”
“What’s the difference?”
“Sealed steam tables have an enclosed heat source, which could be a number of things from an open flame to kerosene, and they also have a built-in drain system.”
“Okay, so the drain means there’s water, too, ’cause heat and water make the steam, right?”
“You are so smart! That’s exactly right. How’d you know that, girl?” He made an exaggerated face like he was really mesmerized.
Kaylee smiled proudly. “We’re talkin’ about condensation in science right now.”
“Cool. There’s a lotta math and science in cookin’, too, and some folks don’t really think about that.”
“Like measurin’ stuff?”
“Exactly. Like when someone says a half cup of milk, things like that. That’s one way math is used for sure.” Legend went on to explain the different heat sources buffets use, and once again, Desiree was in awe of her man. He was speaking calmly, not all hyped up and crazy like he sometimes did when they were goofing around. They finished loading their plates, and returned to their table to eat. Legend spread his napkin over his lap, and dug in.
“Hold on, I wanna say grace before we eat,” Desiree interrupted.
“Oh,” Legend spoke around a mouthful of food. This was met with giggles from Kaylee. “My bad.” He quickly chewed his forkful of broccoli and beef, swallowed, then bowed his head.
“God, thank you for this meal for the nourishment of our bodies. Thank you for this time together, as friends and family. Amen.”
Kaylee and Legend quickly said, “Amen” in unison, then everyone got to work.
“This is good,” Legend said after chasing a mouthful of teriyaki chicken with Sprite.
“I know. This place has been around for a while, too. They’re one of the few restaurants that have kept up with providing quality food.”
“Legend, can I ask you something?” Kaylee asked, picking up her half-eaten egg roll.