The MOCHI MUNCHKIN

The MOCHI MUNCHKIN by Sabrina Kazemi, age 13

It’s not just a mochi . . .

It’s not just a munchkin . . .

It’s a MUNCHI Comes in strawberry, lemon, matcha & blackberry (usually bought in batches of 6, 24, and commonly 49) From the outside it just looks like a regular munchkin (color depends on flavor)

Soft texture But on the inside there is mochi ice cream, cool, chewy & sweet!

Cold ice cream The outside has a light dusting of powdered sugar but is less sweet than a normal munchkin

Part #1The cultural attaché from the UK to the U.S. was out of the house. His wife, Tamar, was left to sort things out for the party that evening. She stood in the ballroom, directing the 20 or so people hired to help set up. “Just a bit further back,” she said, motioning for the buffet tables to be pushed against the wall. “Why does the chandelier look dusty?” she asked, gazing up at the ceiling looming above them. The ceiling was arched and richly decorated, framing the centerpiece: a magnificent crystal chandelier that was truly in need of some dusting. “Right away, ma’am!” One of the juniors scurried off to find a 15-foot ladder. Tamar sighed and smoothed her dress with her hands. As she looked around the room she said, to no one in particular,

230 Cartoons for all eternity • Caricaturas por toda la eternidad

“Where are the chairs? This may be a buffet but the people will need somewhere to sit while not dancing. You there.” Tamar pointed to a girl not doing anything and leaning against the wall. She looked up innocently. “Go request 50 nice white chairs and have them brought in here immediately!” “As you say,” the girl said with a quick curtsy. Tamar’s expression settled into a firm frown, her eyes scanning for other things that could be improved. It was important that they represent their country to the best of their ability. She felt a tap on her shoulder and whirled around. “Excuse me, madam,” the person said. Tamar recognized him from his uniform as one of the young cooking assistants. “What’s the problem now?” Tamar asked impatiently. “Come quickly, the head chef requires your help.” Tamar let out a small tired sigh before replying, “Lead the way.”The young chef led the way at a rapid pace, looking over every now and then to make sure she was following. Tamar bunched up her skirts to make it easier to move and hurried after him. The young assistant charged through the kitchen doors with Tamar a few steps behind. “What is the matter?” she asked, clutching the counter and trying to catch her breath. She noticed all of the chefs were clus tered around a huge mixing bowl with various degrees of panic displayed on their faces. “Madam, I beg your pardon but we have no cocoa powder for the chocolate cookies!” the head chef explained. “We cannot serve plain cookies and there is no time to go out and get some.” Tamar gave an exasperated huff. She was momentarily stumped but then something caught her eye. She rushed over to an enormous block of chocolate on the shelf.

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“Here!” She thrust it into the main chef’s arms. “Chop this up into small pieces and mix it in. They will melt and become one in the oven.” A few looked doubtful but most looked truly in awe and thanked her overtly. “Hurry! There is no time to waste!” Tamar said before rushing back to the ballroom.

Part #2 At the PartyTamar stood nervously beside the buffet table. Her hair had been done up and her dress was made of layers of silks, waves of chiffon, and jewelry from head to toe. “Madame?” Tamar looked over to see the same cooking assistant.

“Yes?” “Unfortunately the chocolate did not melt in. So there are just bits of chocolate floating around.” Tamar frowned. “Well bring two for me to try and see how they are.”

“Two?” “Just go.” He returned a few minutes later and Tamar guided him off to the side, out of the view of the guests who were milling around the food table or dancing. Tamar bit down on the cookie nervously but as the crumbs dissolved on her tongue so did her doubts. The cookie was still warm and the melted pockets of chocolate mixed with the cookie in her mouth. The chocolate was soft and chewy, far superior to the simple chocolate cookies. “Serve this,” Tamar said. The assistant looked dubious so she motioned for him to try the second cookie. The moment the cookie reached his mouth the assistant was won over.

232 Cartoons for all eternity • Caricaturas por toda la eternidad