What makes a kitchen goddess?

Is it wearing an apron on and mere presence in the kitchen? Is it the mouth watering recipes she or he conjures up? Is it the way she/he tosses, grates and chops the food with such nonchalance and flair, it leaves you envious? I could give you more but there are just examples.

What makes a true kitchen goddess is, I believe, all of the above and a whole lot more. It’s not only about cooking, it’s more of an art. And can we rank art? Well, the same goes for cooking.

I for one, truly enjoy cooking! The excitement I get from the children when I am about to try a new recipe just gives me buzz. And it’s really therapeutic – all that adrenaline rush.

Brings me to a story about my paella pan. Yes, a pan. But not just an ordinary pan. For those who don’t know what Paella is, allow me to explain.


Paella is a Spanish rice dish. You could use any kind of meats, veg or seafood to make one. But what makes it special is the secret ingredient. Saffron threads. Yes, saffron threads brings out the flavour of the dish and gives it the most amazing orange colour to the rice.

I had always wanted this pan to cook it in. While I know that I could have just done it in any of my old pans I have, but nothing feels more satisfying then cooking it in the real, authentic, made in Spain paella pan itself!

So, when my dearest husband was called to Madrid for work, I jumped for joy! I told him “All I want from there is a paella pan please please. I don’t need any shoes, handbags or clothes..although at the back of my mind I was thinking oh God…Zara and MNG is from Spain!!!hahaha!!! I would have to be mad just to ask only for a paella pan???”

So I gave my dear husband the whole “history” on paella pans and the size I wanted.

Patiently I waited, 2 smses came from Mr. Madrid saying he was far too busy and the pan was very expensive. Sob, sob...my heart sank until the following week, when another sms came saying he had gotten it!! WOOO HOO!!! My prayers answered!

When I got the pan, my other half questioned me about why must I have this pan to cook the rice dish? After all, it is only a pan. Men just don’t get it, do they? Or is it just my man…hehehe!

To me, it is one of those ‘must-have’ items for those who are adventurous enough to want to try all these new unconventional recipes. I call it the ‘IT’ pan.

You see, the pan needs to have two handles, the right depth and width to make sure the rice is all fully coated and infused with all the aromatic flavours. I could go on, but I won’t want to bore with more details...


In any case, the paella turned out really good when it was finally cooked. Just like the one he had in Madrid. Now that made me feel like a true goddess indeed.

It has always been my belief that if you do something or anything with passion it will turn out good. God willing. Ever since the first paella, I have already made it 4 more times! Oh yes I actually do use the pan for other types of cooking too, in case some of you might be wondering. In fact I even fried “cucur kodok” in it.

But passionate pan story aside, I believe you do need a certain dose of natural talent and ‘tangan’ to cook. Apart from inheriting age-old recipes from true masters.

I was lucky to have a grandmother who spent a lot of her time in the kitchen making the best sugee ,chocolate cakes and many more gastronomic recipes. She used to make me help her out thinking that perhaps I’d become of a lady than an outdoor girl.

Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed and appreciate those moments I had in the kitchen with her. She passed down ALL her treasured recipes to me and I have kept them in safeguard. I haven’t tried all the recipes, but I have tried the ones I like. So you see, the love for cooking had been instilled in me for as long as I can remember. Oh, and having a “critical” father who knows a great deal about cooking helps too. He makes you want to become better or try to make the dish all better if not perfect.

I do “owe” him some recipes that needs working on like a great soft chapatti. I’ll get there I know (in good time). Right now, I am just happy with my paellas, tagines, cous cous, (having just come back from Morocco)...that would be another great story too tell….another time perhaps.

So does that make me a kitchen goddess? I would like to belief so, at least in my own kitchen.

Editor’s note: Mazuin makes a mean tagine, paella, chewy brownies and loads more. Now trying to convince her to open a ‘Lordchinchin’ Café so everyone can savour her delicious cooking. Financial backup anyone?

written by Mazuin Mutalib