Chips

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The soldiers asked Mother to make chips because they wanted a meal of fried potatoes for their lunch. They gave her a sack of potatoes and expected her to cook them the way soldiers usually eat them.

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The family didn’t know what chips were because they lived in a war-torn country with very little food. They had never seen so many potatoes before and were not familiar with foreign dishes like fried …

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'Occupied country' means a country that has been taken over by another country's army during a war. The soldiers in the story belong to the army that controls the family’s country.

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'Scurrying' means moving quickly with short steps, often because of fear or excitement. In the story, the family scurried down the stairs to see what was happening when the soldiers came.

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A 'grate' is a metal frame in a fireplace used to hold wood or coal for fire. In the story, Grandma built a fire in the grate to cook the potatoes.

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'Fuss' means an unnecessary show of excitement or worry. The child says the soldiers made a big fuss over just boiled potatoes, which are common in their home.

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'Herbs' are plants used in cooking to add flavor to food. Examples include coriander, mint, and curry leaves. In the story, the family added herbs to improve the taste of the stew.

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A 'stew' is a dish made by slowly boiling meat, vegetables, or both in water or broth. In the story, the family turned the potatoes into a delicious stew by adding herbs and mushrooms.