Tuesday, July 28, 2015

The story of the pineapple tar

         I can still remember the day I boldly took up the challenge to take orders for Chinese New Year. It was my first attempt but I told myself I would do my best. True enough, my customers were so satisfied with the tarts that years after, the orders still came in. The whole family would gather together to meet the orders, and though we had to work from morning till evening, nobody complained. We were happy to see the results of our labour.
         After all, it was only for a short period during the festive season. I am forever grateful to an aunt who gave me the recipe and showed me how make the tarts. This was more than 10 years ago.
During the interim period, I had to turn down my friends’ request to make the tarts. My husband left the family and I had to undergo treatment for depression. With my poor health, I could not take the hard work that came with the baking of the tarts. Much as I would have loved to make that extra bit of pocket money, I had to say no.
         This year, I met up with my ex colleagues and they spoke of how much they missed my pineapple tarts. They asked me to consider making them again. Their children, who are now married and have children of their own, remember me as Aunty Jam Tart! Of course, I was elated by the compliments they made on how tasty my tarts were. They talked of how the pastry melted in the mouth the minute you bit into them.
         Yes, I would love to make some money during my free time. I had to think of a way to make the job less strenuous since I had to do it on my own now. My daughter suggested investing in a food processor to grate the pineapples and prepare the pastry. This really helped tremendously.
With my newfound toy, I started accepting small orders of a few boxes a week. It was still hard work as I had to cart those heavy pineapples from the market. The grated pineapples had to be stirred over low heat continuously until they caramelised and turned into jam.
         Preparing the pastry was easier, but rolling it out and filling the tarts with pineapple jam, baking and finally putting them into boxes was time- consuming. I still managed to complete the task with the tarts coming out perfect, still as delicious as before.
         The little jam tart reminds me that life has to go on. I have since let go of the hurt in me all these years. Clinging on to it will only cause me to be afflicted with all types of sicknesses.
I’m free of the panic disorder which had plagued me for years and am now able to renew this passion for baking, as I know that somewhere out there, God is with me. I don’t hope to make a fortune out of this business venture. I have my life back and that is what counts.
         So to all who have gone through trials, trust in God, speak to Him, and He will find a way for you.
         To all my friends, especially Aishah, Zainab and Rodzi, thank you for having confidence in me and supporting my endeavour. It was your love for my tarts that inspired me to remove all the chains tied around me and use the talent that God has given me. May every mouthful of the little jam tart bring you joy.