Once upon a time, in a magical kingdom where food had its own personality, there lived a group of ingredients who lived together in the royal pantry. The king of the kingdom was a horseradish, who ruled with a strong but fair hand.

One day, the king announced that he wanted to throw a grand feast to celebrate the kingdom's annual harvest. All the ingredients were excited and wanted to contribute to the feast. But there was one problem, the kingdom was low on supplies and they had only 10 ingredients left to use for the feast.

The ingredients had a meeting to decide who would be used for the feast and the decision was made by a chive named Chuck. Chuck suggested that each ingredient should tell a joke, and the one who told the best joke would be used in the feast.

First up was the mayonnaise, who told a cheesy joke, "Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!" The ingredients giggled, but it was not enough to secure mayonnaise's place in the feast.

Next was the chutney, who told a spicy joke, "Why did the chili pepper go to the doctor? Because it was feeling a little hot under the collar!" The ingredients burst into laughter, but still, chutney did not make the cut.

The honey was up next, who told a sweet joke, "Why did the bee join a band? Because he wanted to be a honey comb!" The ingredients found it adorable but again, not enough to be used in the feast.

Butter was next, and she melted everyone's hearts with her joke, "Why did the cookie go to the doctor? Because it felt crumbly!" The ingredients laughed and clapped and finally, butter was chosen to be a part of the feast.

Next was garlic, who had a zesty joke, "Why did the garlic break up with the onion? Because he was too over-powering!" The ingredients found it punny but not enough to be used in the feast.

Ketchup was next, and he told a tangy joke, "Why did the ketchup bottle go on a diet? Because it was feeling a little runny!" The ingredients found it hilarious but still not enough to be used in the feast.

Margarine was up next, and she told a smooth joke, "Why did the margarine go to a party? Because it was feeling spreadable!" The ingredients found it creamy but not enough to secure her place in the feast.

Chili was next, and she told a fiery joke, "Why did the chili pepper go to school? To learn how to be hotter!" The ingredients laughed, but chili was still not chosen for the feast.

Finally, miso had a chance to tell a joke, "Why did the miso paste cross the road? To get to the soup on the other side!" The ingredients laughed and cheered, and miso was finally chosen to be a part of the grand feast.

And so, the grand feast was held, and it was the tastiest feast ever held in the magical kingdom of food. All the ingredients had a great time, and they all lived happily ever after. The end.

Reflections

1. Who was the king of the food kingdom and what did he announce?
2. What did the ingredients have to do to be chosen for the feast?
3. Who told the best joke and was chosen for the feast?
4. Who was left out of the feast and why?
5. Did the feast turn out to be a success? Why or why not?
6. Which ingredient's joke was your favorite and why?
7. Do you think the ingredients had fun at the feast? Why or why not?
8. If you were an ingredient, what joke would you tell to be chosen for the feast?
9. Do you think the food kingdom had any other fun activities besides the feast? What might they be?
10. Do you think the ingredients learned anything from the joke-off competition? What might that be?