Even though I had to go to work for a few hours, I was in an excellent  mood when I woke up this morning. I tried to get a head start by cooking dinner, before I left home. I mopped the kitchen floors, marinated an entire chicken, placed the chicken in the oven to bake, and started cooking the red beans. Before I left, I instructed my husband to remove the chicken from the oven within a half an hour, and once the beans were tender, to finish cooking the rice and beans. I was unable to accomplish more, because I had to go to work. The only source of food I took along with me, was a cup of ginger root tea. I figured I wasn’t going to be at work for too long, so I didn’t need to bring much food.

To my surprise, when I returned home, the chicken was still in the oven (even though the oven was turned off). The rice and beans were transferred to a different pot (because he burnt it), and it didn’t resemble rice and beans anymore. It was more like mush….rice porridge….rice pudding… or quinoa.

My husband burnt the chicken. I am about to recreate this dish with my culinary intervention

Sauteeing onions, thyme and bell peppers

My mood quickly changed from excellent to livid.  Not just livid:  a livid Jamaican. I began to use various adjectives to describe my husband. I called him everything but the Child of God. I was hungry and tired! How could this happen to me? The food was partially cooked before I left for work, so how pray tell did this happen?  Why me?  I’m such an excellent diva, who tries to be proactive and organized and….I don’t deserve this. This was totally unfair and unacceptable….and he just totally ignored my fussing and had the audacity to tell me, that I have made mistakes too. That may be true but, I KNOW HE WAS PROBABLY WATCHING LIONEL MESSI. HE LOVES SOCCER. HIS FAVORITE TEAM IS BARCELONA. I hope Messi can come to his rescue tonight and vouch on his behalf.  Soccer had something to do with this and if it isn’t soccer, than I will demand an explanation later.

My velvety Sauce

My Beets

And while I was venting, I was recreating the dinner that I thought was a total loss.  DAMN I’M GOOD! I made a velvety sauce which coated my almost burnt chicken to perfection. The chicken absorbed all the wonderful flavors. I made some string beans, beets and a salad to go along with it. It was necessary for me to eat and be completely satisfied.

My chicken bathing in the velvety sauce

My mood has now changed from livid to happy and I have now forgiven my husband. Isn’t that what life is all about? Doesn’t food make every one happy.  I have decided to let go and let God. There are so many people all over the world, that are hungry and have no idea where their next meal is coming from.  I was still able to revamp my not so perfect meal and transform it into tasty and satisfying.  So why complain?

Still I remain blessed!