Lisa and the Giant Egg (plant)

“Finished!” Lisa happily added the last period to the last sentence of her next book. After the huge sales of her recent bestseller, Surviving the Chase, she felt confident about this one. “I’m going to celebrate by making an amazing meal for the family.”

She went to the garden to pick veggies, including an eggplant she had been watching. It was huge, so it would be the basis for a delicious Roasted Eggplant Panzanella with Capers, Olives, and Pine Nuts recipe. As she got closer to the garden, her eyes got bigger and bigger. The eggplant, along with her peppers and tomatoes, was gone. Remnants were scattered everywhere. The raccoons had beat her to the harvest. Not one to stay angry, Lisa headed to the farmers market for replacements. She walked up to Demetrius, her favorite vendor. His fruit and veggies were consistently the best looking and tasting.

“Hi Sunshine, you’re just in time to make some deals. I’ve got lots left to sell.”

“Demetrius, I am glad to see you. The raccoons ate just about everything in my garden. I was planning to make an eggplant dish for dinner, but they got to mine, so here I am.”

Demetrius nodded sympathetically, “well, let’s see what we have that can put that famous smile back on your face. I’ve got several varieties of eggplants, all known by their country of origin. I think you’re…