Mayfield Library Hosts Smorgasbord of Terror

Since Audrey Sumser started at Mayfield Library, the Tuesday Surprise program aimed at teens has made quite a splash. The teen program is open for those in sixth to 12th grade who want stop in after school for a surprise activity. Typically, these activities include crafts and games. It’s a nice way to enjoy the library and hang out with friends.

This Tuesday was different; the tables were cleared, paper plates, saltines, and bottled waters were placed strategically by contestants. This was a chance to broaden your palate, impress your friends, and put into words the new flavors you’ve sampled.

Six students opted to try, while others sat on the sidelines cheering, getting “grossed out,” or wondering why people would torture themselves like this.

Sumser, who named this event Smorgasbord of Terror, combined new and familiar textures, flavors and colors. For example: squishy cream-colored tapioca pudding, brown pureed prunes, lime green – and very hot – wasabi, sticky pinkish potted meat, and crunchy, dark or white, chocolate-covered insects.

Before the start, the tasters expressed their preferences. The favorites were no surprises: pizza, chili, tacos, and spaghetti. Seafood ranked with most common dislikes. Condiments, mushrooms, peppers, and broccoli soup also rated an “ick.”

The key rule was that you didn’t have to eat a lot, but you had to clean your plate. The tasting started slowly. Black-eyed peas were described as "great" and “weird.” Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce were “hot” and tapioca pudding as “vanilla with little bubbles.”

With saltines acting as palate-cleansers, the next round was brought out. Artichokes, anchovies, and even beets received a thumbs-up, although lima beans produced a chorus of “oh, no.” Wasabi, innocuous in its little white-and-green tube, was the first obstacle. Being forewarned did not help. Jon, who had liked everything up to that point, put a big dollop on a cracker. His resulting teary eyes and red face were more eloquent than any words.

The chocolate-covered crickets or larvae were the clincher. Presented in clear plastic and clearly labeled, they drew everyone’s attention. Fortified with chocolate cookies and lots of water, almost everyone decided to try them. Crickets were the insect of choice, either in white or dark chocolate. With a lot of peer support and camaraderie, the plates were finally clean. The comments ranged from, “Oh, it's just crunchy” to “That wasn’t that bad” and “I just tasted chocolate.”

Parents may want to reconsider before serving any of these foods as a staple, but Tuesday Surprise shows teens that there are many ways to learn at the library.