Well, one month today since I began my work interregnum and I can announce some progress. I have learnt to make decent mashed potato! I’ve always been a bit of a crock with mashed potato. I’ve usually only been associated with it when Linda has needed an extra pair of hands and I’ve come in on the tail end of creating the concoction- at a point where even I can’t stuff it up! So, I’ve tried my hand a few times since I have been off work and quite frankly the early tests were rather ordinary. But I persisted. One of the greatest things about the world we live in is of course the internet and it is a source of wonder to me that you can find out just about anything on the net-even how to make perfect mashed potato!
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that there are more recipes on the internet for mashed potato than there are stars in the Milky Way-literally! And it intrigues me that there are many different ways you can flavour a bit of boiled, skinned potato and get it just right. There was a recipe at the top of my search results which included mayonnaise-I had only ever tried with milk so I took a chance and followed the directives. This of course where most of the problems in my life start. I have terrible trouble reading instructions! I’ve always been a good reader and there is nothing yet wrong with my eyesight despite the years which are starting to creep up on me. It’s just a …..concentration problem. My mind wanders, I skip a line or two and…..disaster generally strikes. Anyway, there wasn’t many ways I could stuff this up. I managed to get most of the instructions down pat including a few little pointers which guided me through and solved some the problems I had been having previously and viola! Edible and tasty mashed potato cooked in my own kitchen.
It’s a little pathetic I know. There are probably a few people reading this thinking that I am a hopeless case getting excited about such a basic skill but I love mashed potato and being someone who has never really been too capable in anything I’ve tried I am a little chuffed. I’ve managed to follow the recipe a few time now and haven’t wrecked it yet.
Being off work has devolved more cooking on me. Sure, I can boil an egg, cook a steak, heat up a can of baked beans in the microwave. I probably wouldn’t starve if there was no one else around but I’m convinced my dietary intake would suffer. So, Linda and I have decided to join Hello Fresh, a company which delivers everything you need to cook a flavoursome meal which is a bit above the basic and of course, it has fallen to my lot to become Masterchef Matt. We had our first box delivered last week and I’ve cooked Leek and fetta chicken breast, Lebanese beef koftas ans seared beef and rosemary sauce. Nothing spectacular in the delivery but it all ate pretty well. And I’ve been enjoying cooking it. Our next box is due tomorrow and I’m looking forward to sharpening some newfound skills…as long as I can read the instructions properly!
So, life is rolling on and my Australia Post years are disappearing down the road behind me and I’m enjoying life. Here’s to new skills and moving forward. You are never too old to learn new things. I wonder what else is in store……
Goodnight.
Strange Notations From a Laborious Life 