Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
Christiane Bhalai digs into the meal she has prepared. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD CHRISTIANE Bhalai says it's important that children know how to cook as it's about survival.
"You have to live on food so you should learn to help yourself so that you don't have to depend on anyone," said Christiane, an aspiring chef.
Christiane got hooked on cooking at age 11 when her cousin, Renee Wilkinson, was visiting from Florida and would constantly watch the Food Network. After Renee left, Christiane stayed in tune with the Food Network and soon started making some of the dishes. Today Christiane does home economics at St. Andrew's High School in Kingston, and cooks regularly for her parents and brother. She makes dinner on Mondays and Wednesdays and breakfast on Saturdays. She also prepares the Sunday dinner when she's not at church with mother, Jillian Bhalai.
The afternoon that Food
contacted Christiane, Mrs. Bhalai informed us that her daughter had put her out of the kitchen because Christiane did not like what her mother was about to prepare. The teenager went in and made dinner herself - crushed plantains with saltfish.
Before Christiane takes over kitchen duties, she always dons her white hat and apron then chooses her cooking utensils. Mrs. Bhalai noted that this is the flair that Christiane brings to the kitchen.
"You know how everybody else will cut the seasonings between their fingers? With Christiane, she cuts her onions and seasonings on a board," laughed Mrs. Bhalai.
She added that while Christiane likes to prepare gourmet foods, her father, Clayon Bhalai, sometimes insists that she learns to make Jamaican dishes.
Mrs. Bhalai doesn't mind either way, she's a fan of her daughter's cooking. Five weeks ago, Christiane made a delicious lasagne and it was, "Hhmm,
oh my God," she sighed in remembrance.
"Even if there's nothing in the house she is going to find something to cook," she added.
"I just find cooking relaxing, it's something I like and I think I'll get along good with the job," said Christiane who has plans to attend the Le Cordon Bleu school in Florida. She has called the prestigious culinary school and has received their brochures.
Chicken Potato Pie
1 cup roux (3 tbs. flour,
3 tbs. butter, 1 cup milk)
2 cups cooked diced chicken
2 lb. boiled potatoes
2 cups pak choi
1/2 cup grated cheese
1/4 cup milk
2 tbs. butter
METHOD
1. Make roux by combining milk, flour and butter in saucepan, stirring constantly until thick and creamy.
2. Season pak choi to taste and cook until fully wilted.
3. Combine pak choi, chicken, roux and 1/4 cup cheese.
4. Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until creamy.
5. Grease casserole dish and layer dish, starting and ending with the potatoes.
6. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
7. Place dish in an oven set at 450 degrees F and bake until golden brown.
PRESENTATION TIPS
Serve on a bed of tossed salad with tomato wedges on top.
Chilled fruit drink of choice.
