Elegant Ladle

Once upon a time, in a cozy little workshop at the edge of a forest, a woodworker named Ben Bordner carefully set out to craft the perfect ladle. From the moment he selected the piece of wood—smooth as a polished river stone and brimming with tiny knots and whorls—Ben knew this ladle would be unlike any other.

Every day, at dawn, he’d slide open the workshop window to let in fresh forest air. Next, he’d sharpen his carving tools and whittle away at the block of wood—patiently revealing the ladle’s gentle curves. With every curl of wooden shavings on the floor, the ladle took shape, as though it had been hiding in that block all along, just waiting to be set free.

At night, when Ben’s workshop was quiet and shadows stretched across the ceiling, he’d tell the ladle stories about the forest outside: the lively birds, the rustling leaves, and the soft glow of moonlight. He believed that these tales would become part of the ladle’s spirit, infusing it with a bit of woodland magic.

Finally, the day arrived when the ladle was complete. Its handle was long and sturdy, perfect for reaching into the largest soup pot. The bowl was smooth and comforting to the touch, ready to hold hearty broths or sweet berry cobblers. Ben dusted it off with a flourish and admired his work—he could almost see the ladle smiling back at him.

From that day forward, the ladle became a small but cherished companion in the kitchen. Anytime someone scooped up a ladleful of soup or stew, they felt a hint of the forest’s quiet enchantment. Thanks to Ben Bordner’s careful craftsmanship, this humble ladle wasn’t just another utensil—it was a tiny slice of woodland wonder, sharing warmth and comfort with every scoop.

(Made by Ben Bordner for In The Kitchen Contest)