Lala had been watching Mom make steamed cakes for weeks, fascinated by the fluffy little treats that seemed to appear like magic from the pot. One afternoon, she decided it was her turn to surprise Mom with something special. With determination in her heart, Lala tiptoed into the kitchen, ready to take on the challenge.
She gathered the ingredients one by one—flour, sugar, eggs, and a splash of milk. Her little hands weren’t perfect at measuring, but she tried her best, remembering how carefully Mom always scooped and mixed. She stirred the batter slowly, humming to herself, feeling proud with every turn of the spoon. The mixture looked a little lumpy, but in Lala’s eyes, it was already beautiful.
Next came the steaming. She poured the batter into tiny cups, just like she had seen Mom do, and carefully placed them in the steamer. As the pot hissed and the steam rose, Lala’s excitement grew. She kept peeking under the lid, even though she knew she wasn’t supposed to, unable to resist checking if the cakes were puffing up the way they should.
At last, the moment came. Lala lifted the lid and gasped with delight—the cakes were soft, warm, and fluffy, just like Mom’s. She carefully set them on a plate, arranging them neatly before carrying them out with a proud smile.
“Mom! Look what I made for you!” she announced, her voice full of joy. Mom’s eyes widened in surprise, then softened with pride. She took a bite, smiling at the sweetness—not just of the cake, but of the love behind it.
“These are the best steamed cakes I’ve ever had,” Mom said warmly, pulling Lala into a hug.
Lala’s heart swelled with happiness. In that moment, she realized cooking wasn’t only about food—it was about love, effort, and making someone smile. And nothing made her prouder than steaming cakes just for Mom.
