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It’s been a while since the last time we went and had dinner at my in-laws' place, as usual, we were invited to have dinner at my in-laws' house. Every Sunday, because of my son in the cast, it’s hard to commit. And finally, we decide to join dinner with them. As we all agreed to have a potluck so my mother-in-law doesn't need to do so much cooking, each family brings one dish. And they request lumpiang shanghai, the crispy Filipino spring roll, which they really like it. which is I don’t mind, because making it has slowly become a fun family activity, and seeing everyone enjoy it makes me feel proud. After lunch, I start preparing all the ingredients: minced pork, carrots, onions, garlic, and some seasonings. And I mixed them all in the big bowl, then took out the lumpia wrappers. Rolling lumpia takes time, so I was really happy when my husband and my two girls came to help. It’s not easy to roll them one by one, but doing it together made it more fun. My husband was even helping without a shirt on, which I couldn't take pictures of. But all having fun doing it, even my daughters, they have a competition to see who can make better.
While they are rolling the lumpia one by one, I started frying them slowly, making sure each one was golden and crispy. While we were busy in the kitchen, I feel thirsty, so I rewarded myself a little, I opened a can of Carlsberg beer. I took a few sips while cooking, and I passed the can to my husband, who also took a sip before continuing with the rolling. That cold beer gave us both a nice break during all the cooking chaos. Once all the lumpiang shanghai were cooked and packed nicely, we rushed to get dressed and head over to my husband’s parents’ house. We are a bit late, but thanks, everything was ready. When we arrived, I transferred the lumpia into a nice serving bowl and placed it on the table. As soon as the food was all set, everyone came around excited to get each of they’re lumpia. I could tell they had been waiting for this moment. Everyone reached out to grab a piece of lumpia right away. I heard comments like “So delicious!” and “Perfect with the chili sauce!” That made me smile. I feel good to see that all my effort was appreciated. Even the kids, who usually don’t eat much during dinner, were munching on the lumpia like never had before.
Of course, like every weekend dinner, there was beer on the table too. My father-in-law always keeps a cold stock of beer by the creek just outside their house. It’s a little family tradition we enjoy. And the beer was very cold and a really good pairing with lumpiang shanghai. Most of the adults were holding a can of beer. And my mother-in-law and sister-in-law are enjoying the lumpia, too. while talking and smiling. It was a nice evening. There was laughter, tasty food, and cold Carlsberg. Everything felt happy and relaxed. I was glad I made a big batch of lumpia. Many people were eating, but there was more than enough for everyone. Some had it with beer. Others dipped it in chili sauce or ketchup. Everyone really liked the lumpia; it was the favorite food that night. That night showed it again. Carlsberg is our favorite beer. It’s a smooth taste, easy to drink, and good for family meals. This beer is also one of affordable beer in Malaysia. We are not drinking every day, but we like to have some on weekends, family company. Drinking cold Carlsberg while talking and laughing is a small thing that makes us happy and closer to each other. What is the best part? Not just the food or cold beer. But spending time together with family and sharing and enjoying the weekend. That made the night very special for all of us. And honestly, nothing beats crispy lumpia and cold beer on a warm night with family.
