I taught them to cook vidya4 - Flipbook - Page 41
Autumn Term
39
loads of bright colours and gives a crunchy, sugary topping to
this amazing dish. My mother would be horrified.
Staff have collected empty packets and cans that they use at
home and left them in my room. My demonstration table is laden
with colourful display boxes of Instant Whip, Bird’s Chocolate
Blancmange powder, a can of Campbell’s Condensed Mushroom
Soup, Green’s Sponge Mix, and a packet of Quick Jel. Then there’s
the essential convenience stuff from my storeroom – Carnation
Evaporated Milk and bottles of Heinz Salad Cream and Tomato
Ketchup.
I hold up the cardboard carton of Vesta Beef Curry that Mrs
Smith said was her favourite. It still has a whiff of exotic spices.
‘Class,this lesson’s all about using convenience foods to make
our lives easier. Mrs Smith says this curry’s so quick – just add
hot water and it’s ready.’
Bert puts his hand up as the rest gather on the stools.
‘Miss, me mum says you’re supposed to teach us cooking, not
opening packets.’
Len mumbles something about not eating foreign food.
‘Look. We have to learn about convenience foods for the exam.
Angel Delight tart is a perfect convenience food for easy puddings
for busy mothers. It saves lots of bother.’
My brain cells scream at the nonsense coming out of my mouth.
There is no food yet invented that looks remotely like the creamy,
soft foam of butterscotch Angel Delight. It is not a convenient
way of inventing anything, just a spectacular triumph on its own.
Does it really need to be mixed with milk? Will water do instead
or is this part of the Drinka Pinta Milka Day campaign?
I show them how to whip the powder and milk into foamy
peaks, then I pile the Angel Delight into the pastry.
‘Get going with your tarts then come round for a mark when
you are done.’
Len and his group snigger. Ah. It’s the tart talk that has made
them laugh again.