Matthew, however, was tied up communicating with business partners because of the holiday and had to head to the company to sort things out.
Stella joined Lucia in the kitchen.
Lucia shared, “Even though Matthew isn’t much for sweets, there’s one particular dessert he never misses on Christmas Eve. Sadly, the cook who specializes in it had to take leave this year due to family matters.”
Stella inquired softly, “What dessert is it?”
“Gingerbread cookies,” Lucia replied.
Stella beamed. “Grandma, I can make those.”
“Really?” Lucia looked at Stella, a mix of surprise and curiosity in her eyes.
Stella shared her passion. “I really enjoy desserts, so I often experiment with different recipes in my free time. I’ve made gingerbread cookies before, and they turned out quite well.”
Lucia’s face lit up with a smile. “Well then, please make some for us today. Do we have all the ingredients you need?”
After checking, Stella confirmed, “Everything’s here.”
She washed her hands and began to expertly mix the ginger powder, cinnamon, and other ingredients with the flour.
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Noticing Lucia’s keen interest, Stella explained each step of the process. “Next, we’ll use cookie cutters for shaping, then bake them in the oven for about sixteen minutes. After that, we just let them cool off, and they’ll be ready.”
Impressed, Lucia complimented her, “Stella, you’re quite talented.
Matthew is fortunate to have your gingerbread cookies this Christmas Eve.”
Stella felt a bit bashful at the praise.
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She invited Lucia to help with shaping the cookies. Together, they placed the tray in the oven.
With a satisfied clap of her hands, Stella announced, “Now, we just wait.”
Before long, the delightful scent of baking cookies wafted from the oven.
Lucia couldn’t resist giving Stella a thumbs up. “Stella, you’re amazing!”
By five o’clock in the afternoon, the kitchen was filled with the enticing aromas of ham and turkey.
As dinner time approached, Stella decided to call Matthew. “Have you wrapped up your work? Are you coming home soon?”
“I’ll be leaving shortly,” Matthew responded before ending the call.
He set down his phone and shifted his focus to Fernando, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. “Any news about Benny yet?”
Fernando shook his head, his expression tinged with concern. “No, but I’ve got people on it, continuing the search.”