Story Time

Hiya!

I had parent’s evening for Bubs the other week. After listening to his teacher gush about him for the best part of ten minutes, she asked: ‘You’re an author, aren’t you?’

Cue the biggest smile on my face and my heart melting at the thought of my son talking about me 🥰

I replied: ‘Trying to be!’

Why did I do that? I mean, I am an author. No, you can’t purchase my novel in bookstores – yet, but that’s a minor technicality. I write this blog for a start; I’m writing my novel (I’ll let you know when it’s ready); I’ve written a host of stories, poems and journal entries.

I am an author, although, I prefer writer (it just sounds better, don’t you think?).

Anyhoo… with that in mind, I thought I’d mix things up a bit and do something different this week. Below is a piece I wrote during my MA about a dish I make that my children love to eat. I’d love to know what you think of it and also if you’d like to read more of my creative writing – drop me a comment below 😊

Melodic Pie

Watch me. I will show you how to make music with these ready ingredients. Turn the oven on and pay close attention. We are ready to begin.

You will see how the onions are roughly chopped, the garlic more finely, but regardless of size they are compatible bedfellows and into the sizzling oil they go. They are gently stirred, not because they are delicate but out of respect for the stars that they are. The very base notes of the dish. Added to this duo are two more good friends sprinkled gently and changing the appearance of the former. Ground cumin and ground coriander – breathe them in. Can a scent serenade you? This one does. Listen.

The party is just beginning and more revellers arrive. A can of chopped tomatoes plops into the mix unceremoniously. It has little class but, knowing its usefulness, will never be ashamed of its appearance. Along comes the can of green lentils. It politely waves to everyone as it gently oozes into the pan elevating this gathering to a new social status. Leave them to bubble away under a lid. Allow them time to get to know each other. Twenty minutes or so should be fine. Pastry. I see your confusion but stay with me – it is vital to this dish. Lay it out in the freshly greased pie dish like a tablecloth awaiting its meal. Don’t worry about the edges, perfection is not necessary and who doesn’t like a crunchy crust? This needs a moment alone; it needs to prepare for the delight that is coming. Place it in the heat of the oven with some baking beans to contemplate, adjust, make ready.

Hear the hiss as the beef mince hits the hot frying pan. It is the ugliest of all the ingredients, it seems out of place. Take your time. Break it up gently, watch it brown and mature then add to the fast friends in the other pan. See how it’s unsure of itself? Help it mingle with the others. Watch as with every turn of the spoon they all talk, chatter, sing until they raise with one voice a heady note that sweeps you off your feet. Salt and pepper are the final accompaniments to these festivities.

The pastry is removed from its solitude, blushing as the beans and greaseproof paper covering are removed. A deep breath as it now awaits the final stage and the partygoers are bustled into the safety of its enclosure. They will continue to party – to sing joyously at their time together basking in the warmth, the heat of the furnace. We will wait patiently, humming along to the now familiar tune.

The crust, now golden and crisp appears to have dampened the others spirits as they all sit unmoving, waiting – for you. Take that first bite and you will realise the party continues with you as the guest of honour.