The One Where Monica Cooks

I've said it before, and I'll say it again --- I don't cook, I eat.

Don't get me wrong, I do know how to do more than fry an egg (though it still boggles my mind how to cook rice). I've had my share of cooking lessons when I was younger, from baking lessons with Heny Sison way back in the 80's to Maya Kitchen Cooking Lessons. My mom's kitchen has almost every kitchen gadget imaginable, from a heavy duty oven, a Kitchen Aid mixer, and even a pasta maker. I've watched her and Manang Lagring whip up scrumptious meals in that kitchen. I'll admit I can cook a pasta dish or two. Heck, I've even dabbled in a little business selling cookies and chocolate covered spoons as Christmas giveaways!


But I've never really, REALLY cooked -- like a mom cooks for her kids, or a wife for her husband. So imagine my surprise when I found myself cooking my husband's lunches.


This week, Dennis decided to fast, something he hasn't done successfully due to his Type 2 Diabetes. A compromise was made, and a Daniel Fast (or all-vegetable fast) was settled. But Manang Lagring had much to do already, and the added duty of cooking a new meal for a baon lunch upset her routine. I approached my mom to seek advice on how I can remedy my dilemma, and do you know what she said?


"I think God's trying to tell you to do something for your husband -- cook for him."

Oh. No.

I'll clean the room, I'll tidy up the bed, I'll even organize your closet... but not cook, please.

I figured it's because I have no patience over the stove. I end up under-cooking or over-cooking the dish, or putting too much pepper and salt, or too little pepper and salt. I have no confidence in my own cooking. And to try to make a week-long all-vegetable menu?! NO. WAY.

But my mom's words echoed in my ear, and I am reminded of how it is to be a Proverbs 31 wife, mother, and woman. Among other things, "she provides food for her family."

*sigh* OK, Lord. I'll cook.

I've done my research, did some minor grocery shopping for veggies, and took over the kitchen every morning for the past week (well, Monday to Friday). AND I COOKED.

Here's the menu I came up with:
Monday -- Mushrooms and tomatoes with pasta shells, cooked Aglio e Olio (with garlic and olive oil)
Tuesday -- Steamed okra, kang kong, and eggplant with bagoong
Wednesday -- Baked veggies in olive oil and herbs (eggplant, tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic, and zucchini), with burrito wrap
Thursday -- Tortang talong (or roasted eggplant cooked in egg), with 2 pieces of wheat bread
Friday -- Ampalaya with tomatoes and egg, with 2 pieces of wheat bread

I came up with simple dishes which I can easily cook. For the past five days, Dennis came home with a big smile on his face, a hug of thanks, and loving words to say he enjoyed his meal. My mom was right -- a husband eats heartily when he knows the food was cooked out of love. At least my husband does.

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to show how much I care for my family through cooking. You are truly great for you've given me people who love me despite burnt or over-salted food. My heart swells with love :)

At the end of the week, Dennis said he'll have to stop his fast because his sugar levels kept dropping, but would still love some more food that I've cooked. I do have leftover veggies in the fridge. And who knows? Maybe it won't be the end of my cooking adventure... well, until I figure out how to get rid of the garlic smell on my hands.