Birthday celebrations are something everyone looks forward to. I mean, who wouldn't want to be presented with a smorgasbord of food whilst enjoying the company of family and friends? Last Saturday, however, was extra special. It was the birthday celebration of not one, but two people in my family, my auntie Binky and my cousin Pau, both of whom were born on the 31st of August. My auntie Binky is an amazing cook (bias aside). It's as though everything she cooks is whipped up with the help of some pixie dust and the dishes she creates becomes an instant delicacy! You can imagine how excited my taste buds were as we made our way to my aunt's house.
My mum, aunt, grandparents and I were among the last people to arrive and some of the food had already been eaten...at least, that's what my uncle Bing said. But it seemed like the plates had been refilled every time someone reached for a serving of each dish. There's magic in that kitchen, I tell you. Magic. Or perhaps my aunt and uncle just prepared a lot of food.
 |
| Roast pork |
Ahhh, this is a staple (along with chicken) whenever we have special occasions. One reason why I enjoy eating roast pork is mainly because of the fat. Yes, I know. I seem to be proud of my unhealthy eating habits, but I can't help it! As I forked the meat and inched my way to the cholesterol-filled part of the pork, I felt my mum's eyes watching me from my periphery, as though she was making me feel like each bite I took brought me closer to getting a heart attack. I could hear her thinking out loud, but I continued to munch away still.
 |
Greek Paella
|
I always lose track of how much rice I eat when my aunt serves this. It's that good. Although, I would make a guesstimation and say that I fill half of my plate (or more) and have two plates. Rice in paella usually comes out sticky and heavy, but this Greek version is a lot lighter in taste. Mixed with onions, peppers, tomatoes and sausages, it's not hard to wonder why this is a hit during family gatherings.
 |
A spoonful of paella helps the porkloin go down
|
 |
| Arugula, avocado and mango salad with honey vinaigrette dressing |
 |
Baked Salmon with steamed asparagus
|
 |
| Iced tea bliss |
 |
| My little big cousin |
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I can't believe my cousin is only 16 and she already stands 5 feet and 6 inches tall. Hence my caption "little big cousin".
 |
Auntie Binky and Pau
|
 |
Patchy, Auntie Binky, Pau, Neo and my Uncle Bing
Not to worry, no children were harmed at the time this photo was taken.
|
|
This is what my cousin Neo looks like on a daily basis, happy or sad.
|
 Little Willow |
 |
Red Velvet Cake
My auntie Jackie, another great cook and baker in the family, made this red velvet cake after I requested for it...lovingly. At least, I like to think of my approach as such. It turned out to be a pink velvet cake! Although my aunt was disappointed with the outcome of the cake's color, I thought it was an even prettier version of the sought-after dessert. My aunt covered the cake with buttercream and sandwiched some of it in between two chocolate layers. Definitely a yummier twist to the usual red velvet cakes out there!
|
During family gatherings like these, it truly is the food that brings everyone together. Palatable cooking generates endless laughter, a well-applauded belly after consuming a reasonable amount of food and a different kind of satisfaction. As Wolfgang Puck would always say, "Live! Love! Eat!"
Little Willow
