My most entertaining food-related honor, though, was based
on my prowess in making American cookies [what other kind would I make?]. My
friend O owned and ran a school for small children – mostly a language school,
but they also offered other programs, camps, and events for grown-ups, too. One
of the ongoing opportunities provided by the school was a series of cooking
classes for adults, and O had the brilliant idea to invite me to teach a class
in making cookies – a master class in
American-style cookie preparation, no less. Of course I said yes.
In the kitchen/studio space, I demonstrated the steps of
making three different kinds of cookies – definitely chocolate chip cookies,
possibly oatmeal cookies, and – I believe – brownie cookies. Just like in a
real cooking show, I had also prepared dough in advance, and had some cookies
already made. A highlight of the performance for some, I’m sure, was my
speaking of awkward Ukrainian throughout – my Ukrainian was okay, but my
specific language skills in the culinary field were somewhat limited. Rarely
did I have the need to use phrases like “to beat eggs” or “to cream”, much less
“to evenly space spoonfulls of dough”. Still, with a few opportune
clarifications from O, we got by. I was interested to receive their questions
(Won’t the chocolate chips melt in the oven? Are these cookies safe for
children to eat?), and I believe they were interested in me as both a show and
as a producer of delicious goodies. So much encouragement! Bake away!
So, yeah, baking is good.
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