Veggies from the Underground - Short Stories
Tomas the Viking King
Fun Facts about Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a very tasteful source of Vitamin C, Potassium, and Vitamin K. With its “Berry Beautiful” red, yellow, orange, purple, or green color. Some do not know if this veggie is, in fact a veggie or a fruit! Either way, it is the most common homegrown crop. Great for salad, a sandwich, or to have by itself!
So, get some soil, tomato seeds, and enjoy some of your own home grown produce while I tell you about a Tomato turned Viking King!
Tomas the Viking King
It was a sunny Tuesday afternoon when Tomas (Toe-Mas) was playing with his Viking action figures during his break from home schooling.
“Tomasians! (Toe-May-She-uns) The time has come!” Tomas says as the leader of his own Viking tribe. “The Wushawas (Wu-Sha-Wah’s) have a decision to make. They can obey the laws of Tomasville! Or they can face decomposition.”
“YEAA!!!” The townspeople yelled.
“Tomas are you ok?” His mother asked from the other room.
“No mom! The Seedlings have made peace with the Soilers. If the Soiler’s queen marries into the Seedlings, their combined army will be greater than ours!”
“What? Say no more!” She said surprised. Then she walked into the room with Queen-like confidence, to stand next to her young King.
“We the Tomasians have ruled this land for Centuries.” His Mother confidently says to the cheering crowd. “And we are not going to allow such old school methods to ruin us!”
“My fellow Tomasians!” Tomas yelled. “Tomorrow, we begin to win battle after battle, until the war is won!”
“But tonight, we feast on the finest vegan dishes our produce can produce. Including the delicious Sweet Roasted Squash!”
“Yaayyyyy!” The crowd yelled in excitement.
That night they threw the biggest party the Tomasians have held since their first Independence Day celebration.
Fireworks, giant balloon replicas of former kings, more than enough food for everyone, and smiling faces everywhere!
“Tomas.” His Mother says with concern. “This family has ruled this land for centuries and we are known as warriors. We must fight to decomposition, losing is not an option!”
Then, there was a loud knock at the door of the banquet hall.
Silence grew as no one could imagine who would be at the door at this time of night. All the townspeople were already at the celebration.
King Tomas put the villagers at ease with his comforting words of a true leader.
“No need to fear my dear people. If anyone should tuck their roots, it’s whoever is on the other side of this door!”
As he slowly opened the door. He was frightened by what he saw.
“Rakeem!” He says in shock. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“It’s been a long time.” Says Rakeem, the king of the Seedlings with troops from both the Seedling’s and the Soiler’s behind him.
“I have come to talk peace with you Tomas.”
“With all these troops with you?” Tomas asked. “It looks a lot more like an ambush.”
“I’m not here to harm you or your people. We, the Seedlings and the Soilers have come to an agreement.” Rakeem replied.
“Yea, behind my back.” Tomas interrupted. “But I am hip to your trickery and I am ready for war! Well, not right now. But tomorrow we fight!” Tomas says with artificial confidence.
“Tomas we are not here for that.” Says Soule, the Queen of the Soilers. “We know the Tomasians have ruled this land with an iron fist and have always been ready for war. But why must we live in fear of decomposition from our own people? We decided that if we work together, we can create our own paradise, without the fear of having enemies as strong as you Tomas. Then our resources can be used to create a better way of life for us all.”
“How do I know you’re not just telling me this just so you can take over my land behind my back?” Tomas asked.
“Tomas” Rakeem said. “This is not about you and this is not about us. This is about our youth and the future of all Tomatoes. We have enough predators to worry about, like the squirrels and the birds.”
“Rakeem” Tomas said. “I have good news and bad news for you. The bad news is there isn’t enough space in the banquet hall for all of your troops. The good news is, we have just enough food for everyone! Come on in!” Tomas says with excitement.
Tomas’ Mother, Tomas, Rakeem, and Soule stood shoulder to shoulder for a toast in front of the villagers.
“Today is the finest day in Tomatoes history.” Tomas said as the villagers cheered. “This unity between families will help build better schools, which will graduate smarter youth, to create better inventions and protections against our predators!”
“Tomas.” Tomas’ Mother said. “You know this family has survived by being the most feared and fierce Tomatoes to ever rule this land. I’m not sure if your father would be proud of you if he were here with us. But he was decomposed in war and Tomatoes can benefit from this for centuries to come. I am proud of you Tomas; you’ll always be the greatest King!”
The End
Creamy Roasted Squash
Ingredients
3 tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for foil
3 butternut squash (about 2 pounds each)
3 Dashes of salt and pepper
8 Small shallots, quartered
12 Thyme, plus more for serving
3 tbsp. pure maple syrup
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with foil; oil foil.
Cut butternut squash lengthwise in half and scoop out and discard seeds. Working on prepared baking sheet, coat squash with 2 tablespoons oil and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Turn squash cut sides down and roast in lower half of oven until flesh is beginning to turn golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.
Meanwhile, toss shallots and thyme with remaining tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Turn squash, scatter shallots and thyme on top, then drizzle with maple syrup. Roast until skin is golden brown and crisp, 40 to 50 minutes more.
Let sit until cool enough to handle.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a29428413/butternut-squash-puree-recipe/
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