Mouth-watering recipe taught me much about life

I had a bowl right next to my plate and took the lid off to peer inside, wondering what exotic food might be in store. Inside I saw nothing. Absolutely nothing. This intrigued me because I knew a liquid was essential to cooking "hot pot".

I also had high expectations because every person with whom I had discussed Chinese food had asked if I had tried "hot pot". When I shook my head, it usually prompted a waving of hands, sighs, a rolling of eyes and sometimes a rubbing of stomachs, as the speakers described the delights of this mysterious dish.

In any case, the moment to sample "hot pot" had arrived. Menus with beautiful pictures provided information to explain the Chinese characters displayed on the page. Moment of enlightenment! The entire meal, broth and all, would arrive together. We made our choices excitedly.