Over Lunch

Lunch At Mom's.

Raya:   What's for lunch?

Me:      Mlookhieh.*

Raya:   Yeeeeeeee, ma biddi!

Raya used to love mlookhieh, but hasn't been thrilled about lately, it's been confusing me for some time. She goes off to wash up and comes to the kitchen to find my mom had already fixed her a plate. Her face lights up!!

Raya:   THAT'S the mlookhieh I like, mom don't be upset, but teta's mlookhieh is waaaaay better than yours! 

Me:      I won't be upset baby, I was just telling teta the same thing a minute ago,I think so too!

Zaid:    This can't be! How can you love mama and not love her mlookhieh?

Raya:   So should I hate mama just becasue I hate her mlookhieh?

Hate my mlookhieh? I thought she just disliked my mlookhieh, preferred my mom's mlookhieh, my mlookhieh was not on her favorite food list, but hate my mlookhieh? I'm officially offended!

Mlookhieh:  a very popular stew (especially with kids) made from a herb called corchorus,cooked with chicken or meat, lemon ,garlic and other flavorings,often served with rice. 

December 2007

Note: It is now 2013, every time I cook mlookhieh my son Zaid insists on doing what his sister did by telling me teta's is tastier. Kids!