This Is Not a Cholent

Amira loves cholent and is eager to share her Nana's recipe in the Best Cholent Competition Down Under. Amira and Nana throw garlic and ginger into their pot. This is not a cholent, someone says. Everyone gasps when Nana takes out a needle and thread and stitches the stuffed chicken, and adds eggs to the stew. This is not a cholent! the crowd says. Amira holds Nana's hand and shuts her eyes when the judges come. This is not a cholent, the judges say...but it's delicious. What is it? This is a cholent, Amira says. It's an Iraqi stew that Nana and I make every Friday. Everyone agrees it is the best.