Strawberry and Mustard Surprise!

"We'll be 'on the air' in ten seconds!" The photographer shouted.

Ali Elf stood in a corner, away from the cameras and the lights and watched, as the reporter gave his hair one last brush. She and Mrs. Claus had convinced the television news crew to do a special story, and it was about to happen!

The photographer gave a signal and the reporter began talking to the camera as if it was a person in the room.

"We're here at Le Gre Ce'spoon, the most fashionable restaurant in town," the reporter began, "to show you the most fashionable dessert in town!"

The reporter walked over to a man in a tall white hat, who was mixing something in a bowl. The photographer pointed his camera at the two men. "Chef Fred, why don't you tell me what you're making?"

Ali Elf crossed her fingers. The chef was not happy at first with this idea. But Mrs. Claus promised him that if he went along with her plan, then the pony his daughter had put on her wish list would not be delivered to their fifteenth-floor apartment.

The chef smiled, "It's the best, most tasty dessert ever made!" he said. "It's called Strawberry and Mustard Surprise, and we're the only restaurant in town that serves it!"

Ali relaxed. Waldo Elf (who was right now inside Santa's body) loved strawberry-and-mustard pudding. When he heard this news, he would be certain to show up!

"That's right, folks!" the reporter said to the camera, "Tonight's the night Chef Fred serves his brand-new concoction to the public! Come on down and try it!"

"But I'll let you try the first bite, right now!" said the chef, handing the reporter a spoon filled with the red-and-yellow goo. "Won't that be a Strawberry and Mustard Surprise for you?"

What will happen next? Will Waldo show up tonight? Will the reporter have the worst tummy ache ever? Keep reading The North Pole Times to find out!