Kenja knew little about cooking himself being a noble, but had always had passion for watching the chefs that prepared his food when they were creating healthy and nutritious meals for him as a child. He had spent years watching their culinary skills at work, experimenting with various ingredients, and learning different cooking techniques. When he heard about a cooking competition at the annual Food Festival in his town, he couldn't resist the opportunity to showcase his skills he had gained through watching others.

Excitement filled the air as Kenja entered the bustling festival grounds where the competition was being held. The aroma of sizzling spices and mouthwatering dishes wafted through the crowd, heightening his anticipation. The competition area was set up in the center of the festival, where a large stage was adorned with gleaming cooking equipment.

Kenja's heart raced with anticipation as he took his place among the other participants, eager to prove his worth. The festival organizer approached with a mysterious grin and handed Kenja a small box containing a dozen random ingredients. He glanced at the assortment of items, including kale, chickpeas, blackberries, miso paste, tofu, and quinoa, among others.

With a limited time frame, the participants were expected to create a dish using all the ingredients provided. The judges would evaluate each plate based on appearance, the number of ingredients used, and, most importantly, taste. As the countdown began, Kenja swiftly planned his approach. He decided to create a vibrant salad with roasted chickpeas, marinated tofu, and a blackberry-miso dressing. His focus was on providing a well-balanced meal, rich in nutrients and flavors.

Amidst the frenzy of chopping, sautéing, and blending, the other contestants worked diligently on their own creations. Kenja observed his competitors, taking note of their unique techniques and clever ingredient combinations. Time seemed to fly by as Kenja meticulously arranged his dish on a pristine white plate. The kale leaves formed a bed for the colorful medley of roasted chickpeas, cubed tofu, and a drizzle of the luscious blackberry-miso dressing. He stepped back to admire his creation, confident in its nutritional value and visual appeal.

The moment of truth arrived as the judges approached the contestants' stations. They began scrutinizing each dish, analyzing the effort and creativity put into the preparations. Kenja's heart pounded with anticipation as the judges sampled his salad. Their expressions were inscrutable, and Kenja's hope started to wane. One judge spoke first, praising the presentation and the use of all the ingredients. However, when it came to taste, the feedback took a turn. The judge remarked, "While your dish is undoubtedly healthy and beautifully composed, the flavors don't quite come together. The blackberry-miso dressing overpowers the delicate flavors of the kale and tofu, leaving a slightly off-putting taste." Kenja felt his confidence plummet as he listened to the critiques. The judges' words echoed in his mind, and he couldn't help but feel defeated. He glanced at the leaderboard and saw his name at the bottom, in last place.

Disappointed but not discouraged, Kenja accepted his fate with grace. He realized that in his pursuit of nutritional value, he had neglected the balance of flavors that make a dish truly exceptional. The experience taught him an invaluable lesson: taste should never be compromised in the pursuit of health. As the competition continued and a winner was crowned, Kenja took solace in the knowledge that he had pushed himself out of his comfort zone. He vowed to refine his culinary skills further, striking a perfect harmony between taste and nutrition in his future creations.


WC: 594
Total WC: 1902

---From: Easter Egg Hunt

---Going to: Easter Egg Painting