Chocolate Bliss

Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom long ago lived a donkey. She was the fairest donkey in the land. All the citizens in town would walk out of their way so they could get a glimpse of her beauty.

Our donkey was known far and wide for her renowned appearance. She was also a very temperamental creature. Her rather stubborn and sometimes ugly interior far outweighed her external appearance. Sasparilla, as we come to know her name was spoiled and demanding. She only wanted to do things on her own terms. If she did not want to go out, she would sit on her hind haunches braying. When she wanted someone to take her on a romp through town she would kick, buck, and heehaw until everyone in town was awake. Sasparilla was quite annoying to say the least!

Sasparilla's taste in food was quite unique as well. Unlike ordinary donkeys, she did not like to eat hay, grain, or oats. Some days she liked pickles and ice cream or french fries with barbecue sauce. You never knew what she might pick because she changed her mind all the time.

Each day the towns folk would put money in a pot and place bets on what delicacy might delight Sasparilla's palate for that day. The one who was able to pick her choice of entree won the entire pot of cash. This really contributed to the establishment of gambling throughout the kingdom which was not such a good thing for its inhabitants.

Everyone wanted to please Sasparilla. She was not only glamorous, but she had been left quite a large fortune from her family. Sasparilla was envied for her good looks and even more so for her fortune. You might say others longed for a piece of the pie! Since we are on the topic of food, to clarify, this was not the kind of pie you eat. It was the kind of pie you might put in the bank. Cash on delivery only!

In Sasparilla's heart she longed for a friend with whom she could share her life and love of eccentric tastes and foods. She wished a "jack" would come along who would not only be attracted to her on the outside but could match her arrogant sarcasm and wit. She wished for someone to explore the latest cuisine. Sasparilla dreamed of a companion to traverse the land exploring all the dining establishments they might encounter.

She was a very intelligent donkey and could read and write, although she had been keeping this a secret. One day she hoped to write reviews for "Bon Appetit". Perhaps, she would even create a new magazine "Delices Des Ane." (Delights for Donkeys)

One day Sasparilla was in her exercise arena dreaming of large, glazed donuts topped with milk gravy when a very handsome "jack" caught her eye on the opposite side of the arena. She stayed where she was and batted her long eyelashes at this "morsel" of a male. She thought of everything in terms of food.

"Hey there, what are You doing here? You must not be from around here or you would know that I am the great and wonderful Sasparilla. Haven't you heard of me? I am very well known around these parts, and I rule! You are infringing upon my space!"

"Well Hello There Hot Stuff!", the "jack" replied. "This arena looks big enough for both of us."

"No, it is Mine, Mine, Mine! You better Not be here when I come back next time!"

"Well, Chiquita Banana, could I interest you in an arrangement?"

"Did I hear you say Banana? I am getting rather hungry. What kind of arrangement do you have in mind?"

"Well, I have heard it said, that you have quite the taste in food. I happen to be a Master Chef and can create for you whatever your heart desires. I have received numerous awards through the Food Network. My specialty is Chocolate Cake."

"Chocolate Cake? I have Never heard of that. No one around here makes Chocolate Cake!"

"Okay my little Cream Puff. Meet me back here at midnight and we will dine by starlight. Bring your appetite."

"Ohhhh, Cream Puff. such music to my ears! Bananas, Cream Puffs! I could get used to being the object of such sweet words and desert specialties!"

That night at dinner time Sasparilla refused all offerings of food. Everyone was disappointed that there would be no jackpot to win. Little did they know that Sasparilla was about to win the "jack" and the pot. This alliance might mean the end of gambling in these parts.

At midnight Sasparilla met her newfound culinary wonder whom had set up a sixteen course dining extravaganza. This was comprised mostly of chocolate cake. Chocolate Truffle Cake, Chocolate Mocha Bundt Cake, Chocolate Rum Cake, Sour Cream Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Lava Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. She had a slice of every kind of the aforementioned Chocolate Cakes. Sasparilla felt like she had died and gone to heaven! She could never imagine life without Chocolate Cake again!

She told this "jack" (who's real name was Henry) that from now on, if he would agree to go into business with her then he could share the arena. Sasparilla was willing to use some of her fortune to set up a bakery where he could make his delicacies. She in turn would act as his manager and write his reviews. This idea appealed to "jack" (aka Henry).

Jack or rather (Henry) hoped their business relationship would develop into a personal one leading to marital bliss. He was rather taken with Sasparilla, despite her abrasive nature.

The next day at dinner Sasparilla again refused all food. She claimed she could No Longer eat anything that was not drenched with chocolate. In the future she would require it on everything, including Jalapeno Peppers. She said that she would No Longer live without a slice (or many) of mouthwatering Chocolate Cake in any style at every meal.

The towns folk were rather upset! This really disrupted the plans they were drawing up for a casino and they planned to gamble in style. Now knowing that Sasparilla had definite plans for her future menus put a bit of a catastrophic edge onto their gambling future. They could no longer wager on the satiety of her palate.

The bakery " Gateau au Chocolate" did exceedingly well and Sasparilla and Henry, as she now called him had cemented their relationship. They sealed their happiness with a lovely wedding with many guests, topped off by several slices of their favorite German Chocolate Cake. They lived Happily Ever After in Eternal Chocolate Bliss.

The End