Bafana and I made dinner last week. I wasn’t totally sure why the other Aunties said we should start preparing dinner at 3:30 so that it would be ready by 5:30, we were only making spaghetti for goodness sakes. But everyone was busy with their afternoon activities of homework, reading, playing, or helping with dinner. So Bafana, who is a rambunctious 7 year old, and I headed to the kitchen.
I saw very quickly how it could take 2 hours to make spaghetti, salad and bread. Bafana insisted that he do everything including cut all the veggies for the salad so he cut carrots, green pepper, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes all with a butter knife while I supervised and helped cut the veggies into manageable pieces.
Bafana and I talked about everything and anything and shared many laughs! He started making statements and asking questions about cooking and the food we were making, “auntie cheese is made out of milk, what else is made out of milk? milk is good for you but if you drink too much you will be fat.” “what is this made out of, what is that made out of?”
My favorite line and wisdom from Bafana was this…”Auntie if we eat this uncooked will we die?!” He asked that about carrots, flour, butter, spieces, really anything we were using. Obviously he had baked cookies with an Auntie who told him that if he eats the cookie dough raw he will die.
I ever knew making spaghetti could be so much work and exhausting. But Bafana and I had a great bonding experience. Last night I quickly made spaghetti without any helpers and Bafana came in the kitchen and with a big grin and said “Auntie Becca you are making what we made together. I’m excited it’s so yummy.” My heart swelled to see Bafana’s pride and joy in our cooking even a week later. The 2 hour spaghetti adventure was well worth it and I’m sure we will do it again sometime!
Oh that’s awesome!!! He looks so precious!