10 Apr Cooking as a love language

I have long done things for others with love, with a tender consideration for their small – child heart space. I have given free emotional labor for years out of love and did so not tirelessly.

Yet again I find myself pulling from all those long reserves, with my affection for client base slowly turning from a hazy picture into a sharply detailed portrait, where all is symmetrical and true. I find myself cooking because I love to. I cook from love, from truth and the perfect pursuit of beauty in everything I do.

My cooking has been influenced by my dearly beloved aunt; Morongwi Legae , a retired IT Specialist, now an avid Retailer and Interior Designer (Announced winner of Garden and Home Wetherleys decorate off competition and featured on SABC Top Billing). Her creative style of cooking rubbed off on me automatically.

There has always been a lot of heat in my aunt’s kitchen, plenty of hugs and endless conversations. With its wide cupboards, bookshelves groaning with cook books, her kitchen was my culinary School. From learning how to make a simple chicken and mushroom stir fry, brushing eggs onto honey and oats low GI dumpy bread to make french toast, spicing chicken thighs with a selection of herbs and spices all of which is a reminder that living with my aunt was challenging but rewarding.

All these recipes I learned while healing my childhood scars, The trauma of taking care of a sick mother at the age of 12, then assuming the role of mothering my sisters at the age of 17 when my mother departed, while navigating first year University studies. These recipes became so significant to me in the years during which I so earnestly prayed my sorrows away. Most precious of all is the Honey and Oats Low GI dumpy bread french toast! brushing eggs onto the bread and pan toasting on a non stick pan became a ritual that I have carried through to my apartment. This scrumptious toast which can be easily enjoyed on its own marries well with avocado, tomato, chicken breast and a drizzle of mushroom sauce, all of which I layer on top the bread…creating a beautiful and delicious mess!