The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and cream as Mom prepared the ingredients for one of her favorite desserts—panna cotta. Today was special because little Lala insisted she wanted to help. With her curious eyes wide open and a small apron tied around her waist, she looked like the most serious little chef in the world.
“Okay, Lala,” Mom said with a smile, handing her a small whisk. “We need to mix the cream slowly. No splashing, alright?”
Lala nodded proudly and began stirring with both hands. Her tiny arms wobbled, but she kept going, watching the cream swirl like magic inside the pot. Whenever a drop threatened to spill, she giggled and whispered, “Stay inside, cream!” Mom couldn’t help but laugh at her determination.
The next step was to add sugar and vanilla. Mom measured carefully, but Lala insisted on pouring them in. She held the spoon tightly and tilted it with the utmost concentration, making sure not a single grain was wasted. When the sweet scent of vanilla filled the room, Lala sniffed the air and exclaimed, “Mmm, it smells like a dream!”
Once the cream mixture was ready, Mom showed Lala how to add the softened gelatin. The liquid thickened gently, and together they poured it into little glass cups. Lala carefully placed each cup on the tray, treating them as if they were priceless treasures.
But the hardest part came next—waiting. Panna cotta needs hours in the fridge, and patience was not Lala’s strongest quality. Every few minutes she peeked into the refrigerator, asking, “Is it ready now, Mom?” Finally, after what felt like forever, the creamy desserts were set.
Mom topped them with fresh strawberries, while Lala proudly added a mint leaf to each cup. When they finally tasted their creation, Lala’s face lit up with joy. “We did it, Mom! It’s the best dessert ever!”
For Mom, it wasn’t just about the panna cotta—it was about sharing the moment with her daughter, creating memories sweeter than any dessert they could ever make.
