pigs feet

browsing through facebook, a Chi AM friend of mine talked about eating pigs feet, chillin’ – her mom made it just because and she was sitting in a house filled with that vinegary sweet smell of chinese jee geurk.  I, of course, commented, asking if I could come over and have some with her.  She later told me that when she saw my comment, she laughed outloud.  Her mom asked what was so funny and she shared what I wrote.

Her mom said, Is she one of those friends of yours that likes to eat and enjoys the old country style Chinese cooking, but can’t make any of those dishes?  Of course I am, as my friend knows well, because she’s one of those mo yeun toe jee.

Caught between 2 worlds and not really loving either of these worlds totally, and not hating it either.  My children will not have that dilemna, and if they do, it’ll be a watered down version of what us children of immigrants have lived, hated, loved again, and still  bewildered by it all.

But pigs feet, it’s something only the truly Chinese will appreciate, snicker at, nod knowingly and are afraid to admit that we absolutely love it; especially when we can suck out the vinegared marrow of the bones, finding that final tidbit of vinegar soaked pork and that bite of ginger that sends your soul to Chinatown homes of new born babies.

Thank you for sharing your Mom’s great cooking with me again!

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