There were other moments, also imagined, though these she would keep to herself: her father's insistence on splitting a dish in a restaurant because he was unwilling to pay for two, her mother eying a grain of rice on her father's sleeve without pointing it out.
Many restaurants will let you order sides dishes for children or split a main dish between them.
Admittedly, it's a sit-down restaurant with no bite-sized snacks on display, but it is a fun place to split a few dishes with friends.
Nor does it hurt, in these straitened times, that a couple can order appetizers and salad, split a gigantic pasta dish, a bottle of wine and dessert, and still get out for $85, including tax and tip.
Inquire whether the restaurant charges for an extra plate to split the dish with a friend.
Anything from a humble split pea to a black Beluga lentil can inspire a dish when you find yourself scratching round for ideas.
Bake 15 minutes, until tomatoes are hot and start to split, shaking dish occasionally.
This thick, stew-like split pea dish from north-east England is usually served with ham, but the hit of Marmite in this vegetarian version adds all the salty, savoury edge you need.
Dish wiper: a dish towel.
