THIRTEEN
480 Words
ROSALIND CABELLO
"Can I help you with something, Miss?" The man who has introduced himself as Graham asks me.
"Umm, I was getting bored in my bedroom so I came here." I reply shyly while playing with my fingers.
"Okay but do you need something from the kitchen?" He asks gently.
"I want to thank Mr. Mikhailov by cooking something for him." I let out in hope that my wish will be granted.
"Miss, I am really sorry but I can't let you cook. You are the special guest of my master and he has given me strict instructions that I take care of you. So, if he finds you in the kitchen then he will punish me." I pout in disappointment hearing about punishment.
"Then you cook the dish I want." I suggest making him release a sigh.
"Okay, I can do that. By the way, what do you want me to cook?" He asks.
"Paella." I reply excitedly.
"Umm, what? I mean, I am hearing it for the first time." He replies.
"It's a famous Spanish dish. I know the recipe very well." I tell him.
"Okay then tell me what we will be needing to make the dish." He says and for the next twenty minutes I keep giving him instructions for the things he will need.
"In a medium bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, oregano, and salt and pepper. Then stir in chicken pieces to coat." I instruct.
"Now, what to do?" He asks.
"Cover it and put it inside the refrigerater." I reply and he does as being told.
"Again heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and rice. Cook, stirring, to coat rice with oil, about 3 minutes." I instruct the way my aunt does to teach me.
"Then stir in saffron threads, bay leaf, parsley, chicken stock, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer it for 20 minutes." I let out making him nod.
"Then, what to do?" He asks looking at me.
"Now heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Take out the marinated chicken and then cook for 5 minutes." I reply.
"Now, add the bell pepper, sausage and cook for 5 minutes. Then stir in shrimp and keep cooking till both sides of the shrimp turn pink." I instruct.
"Are you done?" I ask after a few minutes and he nods his head.
"Now spread rice mixture onto a serving tray and then top it with meat and seafood mixture. The Paella is done." I let out while clapping my hands loudly.
"You are a very good teacher, Miss." He compliments making me blush.
"Thank you and yes, I am going to be a very good teacher." I let out smiling brightly at him.
- Writer
