Chapter 155

Anna knew it was time for her to let go and forgive him, she just needed to stop punishing herself and forgive him, she chose to forgive him and move on with her already sorrowful life.

She closed the diary and went to the kitchen to make something for herself, she was still making the food, when she heard a knock and the door opened, she was not scared because she knew only Joseph does that, he would knock just to alert her that he was coming in, incase she was naked or something, she would adjust herself, then he would wait a minute or so before he enters.

He could smell the aroma from the kitchen, he had never seen her cooking before, he had been doing the cooking since she started living with him, it was almost two weeks already and he had not allowed her do anything.

"I am sorry, I didn't make breakfast before leaving, I had to rush out to meet my uncle"

Anna didn't even answer him, she just smiled as she tasted the food. She shook her head and then she invited him to come and have a taste because she could not make out what she was tasting, pregnancy also affected her taste buds.

"My mouth is sour, I don't know what I am tasting, please tell me what you think and honestly please" she added that last pharse because she didn't want him to lie to her.         He tasted it and widen his eyes.

"You have so much salt in it, it's too salty.

Anna was not happy, but she was glad he didn't lie to her, she too thought the food was salty, but initially she had not tasted any salt and she just continued to add salt until she could only tase salt.

Joseph knew she was not happy that her frost attempt to cooking for herself was a flop, he decided to use his professional prowess to show her that it was not her fault.

"Pregnancy can affect almost every part of your body, and your mouth and taste buds are no exception. Many expectant women report having a metallic or sour taste in their mouths as one of their pregnancy symptoms.

"But I have been pregnant before and I did not feel anything like this" she said and he also have the answer to it like always.

Every pregnancy is different and unique and you feel differently with every pregnancy. Most woman can even be more beautiful while some can look very ugly during pregnancy.

"Anna wanted to ask how she looked, but it felt like he read her mind because he added.

"Like you, you look prettier as the day goes by, your skin glows and.. He paused, he should not be saying things that would offend her, he looked away and went back to explaining about taste.

The change in the sense of taste, known as dysgeusia in medical terms, can persist even when they're not eating. 

How long have you felt a change in your taste? He asked and she could not tell, she had never cooked her own food before, the change probably happened now that she was trying to make her food.

"Don't worry. (He came close to her)

That metallic taste in your mouth is a common pregnancy symptom in the first trimester and even in the second. Do you know that  One study found that a whopping 93 percent of pregnant women reported some change in taste during pregnancy, so you're in very good company if you're experiencing it. Don't worry" by this time he had gotten very close to her and she was not trying to move back, she wondered what he wanted to do, because he was now so close to her as though he wanted to kiss her, she closed her eyes and parted her lips, not to allow him, but just not to see his face, he smiled and bent down because he was quite taller than she was, he collected the spoon from her and slightly pushed her out if the kitchen in a playful manner.

"Now go Anna, let me make your food a little less salty"

"She turned back immediately and asked.

"Is that even possible? She asked, because she had thought the food was going to go to waste.

"Do you think I would let you waste all this food? He asked as Anna quickly looked away, his eyes seem to be charming her and the way he smiled only showed his beautiful white teeth.

"Salt is the seasoning that pulls a dish together and enhances its flavour. So, when you sprinkle a little extra, it’s heartbreaking. Does that mean that all your hard work and effort should go to waste? Absolutely not!       He said as he pulled her by the hand back into the kitchen.

I have been alone all my life so I take my time to learn everything that happens in the kitchen.

"I guess I cannot know all that because I have lived in a glass house with maids  who do all the work right?

"That is not what I meant. He paused and faced her.

Anna, will you ever forgive me? He asked and she moved past him, to stand close to the cooking fire.

"I am waiting for you, come and show me how to reduce the salt in this meal.

Joseph, moved to reduce the burner.

"Wasting food is not something anyone is proud of or want to do, but when these mishaps happen and you don’t know how to save the day, you resort to throwing the whole thing out. So, as you dread the next food adversity to strike, keep these kitchen hacks in mind.

A few raw potato slices can absorb the salt within minutes. So, when you’ve added a sprinkle of extra salt in your gravy recipe, chop up a potato and throw it in the pan for 15-20 minutes over low flame. Then, discard the potatoes and go on with your cooking as if nothing happened. Although, do keep in mind that along with the salt, it also absorbs liquid so you might need to adjust that after discarding the potato slices.

Anna looked around and said. " But we have no potato in the house. The fact that she used the plural form WE made Joseph feel happy, he smiled before he answered, but we have milk and even water.

Milk will hamper the classic recipes but it’s a great dish saver. Add some 

coconut milk to your food to neutralize the excess salt. It’s one of the best ways to remove the excess salt from the recipe, plus you get a reward in disguise of a creamier dish.