I just have that strong conviction deep within me that I will get it right in this jollof rice. For years, my heart has been longing to know how to prepare jollof rice and not only that, I have been practising my cooking skills for years. Years later, I now know the right proportion to combine together when it comes to the recipe.
When the church announced to people to come to get their food, I hurriedly rushed to announce further. "Guys, come and get your food as fast as possible because I am so sure my jollof rice will soon finish"
There is my childhood friend, Tope was shocked and asked. "Ade, are you sure?"
"Of course Tope, I am 100% sure. Ever since you knew me, have I ever cooked any bad food?"
Of course, Tope knew I was correct in what I said, so he didn't bother to respond, but I could read the facial expression on his face, and that answered it all. Ahead of the potluck, I decided to make sure every one of the recipes was properly blended, such as the tomatoes and the peppers.
Making use of my small kitchen, the aroma filled all the kitchen and I said to myself. "This is definitely going to be a massive delicious meal"
The next day as I have planned. I make sure that I wake up early in the morning to pack the jollof rice I have cooked in a cooler, the big size. My mom was looking at me from the kitchen.
"Ade! Hope you are so sure that the jollof rice is well cooked?"
"Of course, Mom, you can count on me. You can have a taste"
During the potluck period, a lot of activities were rolling around. Everyone presents their meal, ranging from fried rice, puff puff and many more. Finding a place on the buffet table, I carefully placed my big-size cooler that contains the jollof rice. Of course, opening it and with the aroma coming, everyone's attention was turned to my side.
"Ade, is this the jollof rice you cooked" One sister asked.
"Yes," I answer with so much pride.
"Ade, let's have a taste of your food," Sister Remi asked.
I gently opened the cooler wide opened preparing the jollof rice to be served. There was a strange aroma flowing out. I was surprised and beginning to think something might be wrong. Out of curiosity, I had a taste of it, and I definitely knew this was not the food I cooked. It lacks spices, salt and many more. I was wondering as this is not my usual jollof rice.
Remi asked me. "Ade, is it that you forget to add the salt?"
"Actually, not really; I am surprised", I responded.
Another sister, sister Bola took a spoon out of the rice to have a taste. She was also surprised. "Ade, are you sure you actually prepare this food"
At that time, shame begins to hit me hard. What might have happened? It was at that point that I realised I might have made a big mistake, it was the bay leaves I bought. Probably I bought it from a stale place. Yes, I now realise it. The jollof rice that I perfectly cooked has been destroyed by stale bay leaves I had mistakenly bought.
Remi, who had started laughing, tried to hide her laugh.
In my very eyes, people were moving to other dishes. Standing there in total shame, I saw my mom appearing.
"Ade, it is fine. Sometimes we make mistakes." She said.
"Yes, Mom, I will need to try again better next time."
Sister Bola Responded in a bit to tease me. "Ade probably you will need to get some humble pie "
Remi replied. "Yes it might be necessary as probably Ade will know how to season his humble pie*