Читать книгу Judy and the Moons of Korea - Audrey McKim - Страница 9

October: The Ninth Moon

KIMCHI FUN

"I wish I liked Korean food," said Judy one October day as she looked over the fence at the Songs' roof. It was covered with bright red peppers drying in the sun.

"You like rice and pine-nut cookies," said her mother, and you have learned how to use chopsticks almost as quickly as you have learned Korean words."

"Yes, but it's the kimchi pickles. They are so hot!" Judy made a face as she thought about it. "Yesterday when I was having supper with the Songs, I left some on my plate. Young Sookie thought I was very foolish."

"Kimchi is their favorite food. Tomorrow is the day for making pickles. People will make kimchi for a whole year.

"Imagine getting a holiday to help cut up turnips and cabbages! How can anybody like those vegetables!"

Mrs. Gray laughed. "You're a picky eater, as your grandmother would say. And I agree with her. You never want to try new adventures in eating at all."

At that moment Young Sookie Song came into the garden. She was eating a raw turnip stick.

"One for you, Judy," she said in Korean, as she handed her a piece. "Try to eat it. It is Kimchi Day tomorrow. You will have no fun if you don't like kimchi!

Judy took the turnip stick and nibbled it carefully. "One thing, it is a sweet turnip," she said swallowing quickly.

"Young Sookie, please come over tomorrow and help us make kimchi," said Mrs. Gray.

Young Sookie nodded and laughed. "I shall bring some red peppers from our roof. It will make the pickles VERY HOT, Judy."

Next day Young Sookie and Judy turned a hand mill and ground up cabbages and turnips, nuts and red peppers. When the girls added some dried garlic, their eyes began to water and the children began to laugh. Mrs. Gray sent them outdoors into the fresh air.

What wonderful smells were coming from all the houses up and down the street! It made their mouths water. Everybody was making kimchi, and everybody was looking forward to the hot taste of the pickles when it would be ready-yes, even Judy!

"I'm going to like it," she told Young Sookie. "After all, I helped make it. I'll enjoy it no matter what it does to my tongue!"

Young Sookie laughed.

"Soon you'll be a real Korean," she said. "Kimchi pickles will help!"