101 on making barley juice

"Oh my goodness!" my mother exclaimed all of a sudden during our Sunday lunch. "I totally forgot to make barley juice for you!"

I emerge from the plate of goodies where my head was buried in the past 15 minutes. I'm talking about roast pork, steamed fish, curry vegetables, ginseng chicken... all my favourite things. I mumbled through mouthfuls of food that it is okay, I really cannot stomach anymore food or drink anyway.

Yet, she mutters and berates herself. She assured me that she had barley on her mind since the night before. Then she started talking about age and forgetfulness. A lot of 'tsk tsk' sounds were made in the process.

My brother, seated to my left, looked up from his own plate of goodies.

"It's really ok, ma....." I started again.

Before I could finish, my mother cut me off mid-sentence and called out to our maid, "KAK, COULD YOU CHECK WHETHER WE HAVE ANYMORE BARLEY AND IF SO PUT SOME ON BOIL NOW. LOW FIRE. SUGAR PUT LATER!"

Me and my brother looked at each other.

"So that's how it is done, huh?" he whispered.

Yes bro, this is the tai-tai's way of 'making' barley juice.

I want to be just like my mother when I grow up! :)

PS: Don't be deceived by her tai-tai-dom. My mother is a really great cook. I often have friends coming round (unannounced) during dinner time.