Joker of Cakes

As I may have mentioned once or twice on this blog, I love to cook. More specifically, I love to bake. Cakes mostly, but I have been known to make cookies, pies, breads, and even a creme brule.

A few years ago I started baking cakes as a side business. I mostly bake wedding cakes for friends and family.

Last night I finished up a graduation cake.

And I am done with baking cakes for other people.

The past few times I have baked cakes for other people it just hasn't been fun. It has been stressful and full of the kind of mistakes and mishaps that would make the Three Stooges roll their eyes. From dropped cakes to putting the wrong college insignia on the frosting, it has not been fun.

So I am done.

I am back to making cakes for myself.

When I bake for myself, I am only worried about one thing: taste. I really don't care about presentation (well, I do a bit) because I can be there to explain what I was attempting and explain why it ended up the way it did instead of the way it was supposed to look. When I deliver a cake to someone's house, I am delivering a product that is going to be judged first and foremost on its appearance. Too much stress and not what I am interested in when it comes to baking.

For me, baking is about creating tastes and textures, not about creating a visual masterpiece. For me, the ultimate cake isn't one that looks like a work of art. The ultimate cake is one that leaves a lasting impression.

So, if you want one of my cakes, you will just have to come over for dinner. Cake comes after the final dinner course and before the Port and cigars. I am no longer taking to go orders.