Phrase Writers Group

At every Phrase Writers meeting we are given (optional) homework, a subject or phrase to inspire a story or poem.

This week's subject -- A piece of cake

PARTY FOOD

Mrs Ramsey sighed deeply, thinking of words she would like to say, and often did, but could not on this occasion. Being as she was in a Church hall.

Clapping her hands she said “Gather round everyone and let’s get started”.

The noisy hubbub gradually ceased as the villagers looked up expectantly and some with apprehension.

“Thank you. As you know the election results are being held here next week. We’ve been asked to provide the food

“There are four political parties in this election so let’s make lots of finger food”.

“I can make my Okra sticks” piped up Annie Haddock. “Everyone likes my ladies fingers”

“Pizza is always popular” said another

“And what is your name?” Mrs Ramsey asked

“Mr Minnows, but please call me Dom”

“That leaves cake” said Mrs Ramsey. “Any offers?”

Silence

“Janie, how about you?”

Mrs Olive stayed silent, appalled. She could not cook. When she made custard it looked like scrambled eggs

“A nice batch of fairy cakes would be perfect” said Mrs Ramsey, oblivious to Janie Olive’s discomfort.

Janie shuddered.

“Any other suggestions?”

There was a distinct murmuring

“No I don’t think we need rhubarb” said Mrs Ramsey

“Let’s meet here in a week with all your lovely food”

* * * * *

“The thing is, Dom, I just can’t cook”

Janie was nursing a shandy in the pub with Dom

“Everything I try burns, curdles, ruins the pots and pans”

“Fairy cakes are really easy” said Dom. “They are a piece of...”

“Don’t say it” said Janie. “Nothing is easy for me, cooking wise”

“The ingredients are simple. Equal measures of butter, caster sugar, self-raising flour and eggs. Mix them up, spoon into little cases, and into the oven for about 10 minutes” persevered Dom

“Yes but...”

“Plenty of step-by-step videos on YouTube. There’s one by Jamie Wotsit”

“I always forget something”

“Just try” urged Dom. “Practice. What’s the worst that can happen?”

Janie looked dreamily at Dom. “That dishy firefighter having a safe cuppa after putting out another kitchen fire!”

* * * * *

The following week they were back at the Church hall, with their homemade goodies.

Annie Haddock had her Okra finger food

Janie Olive had a batch of Fairy cakes

“See” said Dom. “Practice, it’s a piece of...”

Janie interrupted, “the icing covers je ne sais quoi”

Then Mrs Ramsey looked at the pile of pizzas Dom had brought

There was a Margherita, with several on top including a Hawaiian, Sloppy Guiseppe, Fiorentina and another Margherita

“What’s that?” said a mystified Mrs Ramsey

“A pizza cake”