Dona Nobis Pacem

In the giant land of Gastronomia, government leaders and their bureaucrats were all in a tizzy. The plump Prime Minister of Gastronomia was about to host a conference of the world's key leaders to discuss the fragile state of peace in the world and there wasn't a moment to lose to ensure, down to the minutest detail, all plans could be accomplished in time for the upcoming meeting of the Gastronomic 8 in June 2010.

The finest of hotel suites would have to be booked, the fanciest limousines would have to be leased, a conference centre would need to be found and a top-notch security detail would have to be employed.

But those things paled in comparison to the responsibility handed to Chance Essare, the Prime Minister's chef. Even though he wore a silly grin, Chance had been delegated as the point man responsible for the conference's menu. Yes, that's right. In the land of fine food, Chance would have to whip up the perfect meal. Chance knew the culinary challenge that lay before him, and the special kitchen implements required to do so, but he was a professional and it was a whisk he was willing to take.

Chance alone would be responsible for keeping the Gastronomic 8 satiated and satisfied. The slightest mistake could result in gastric acid or indigestion at the conference table manifested by a possible hiccup in the proceedings. Heaven help us all if Chance's repast jeopardized world peace and resulted in resounding burps flying across the table like the reports of AK-47s. Worse yet, if Chance's vital vittles were more difficult to digest than the oratory of the peace discussions, odours of war might arise far worse than any pungent mustard gas from World War I.

But what to prepare, what to prepare? Chance knew he had to come up with a culinary delight that appeased all members. A Cordon Bleu dish might tick off the Italians. Similarly, a pasta delight might blow-off the Brits, although they weren't known for their sense of taste, let alone their sense of style. But that's a story for another day. For days Chance stewed (pun intended) over his dilemma.

After two weeks, his sous-chef, Sue (that's right, a real Sue chef) and other sundry cook-like assistants intervened and arrived at a dish sure to preserve peace around the table and thus ensure peace around the world. Chance was amazed at it's simplicity and knew Sue and her culinary colleagues had saved the day with their immortal words:

"All we are saying, is give pizza, Chance."

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There are many other takes on "peace" to be found today @ Blog Blast For Peace. Just scroll down and click the links for "peace" from around the world.

Oh, and if you dropped by looking for my Theme Thursday contribution, shoot on over to Slings and Arrows this week.