Je vous present le gateau chocolate

I have been alerted that Rex has a "Blue and Gold" Cub Scout dinner coming up and that the boys will possibly be involved in a cake decorating contest. Now, his car got an award for "most duct tape used" in the Pinewood Derby last month. I didn't want any freak outs and over ducting on the cake. (Although such an award for a cake decorating contest would be too hysterical. I shan't suggest it).

Anyhow, I suggested that we practice decorating a cake. I suggested he pull out the cake book for ideas. Of course the Treasure Chest is always appealing. It was to me a couple of years ago when I saw that some overachieving mom had entered one in a cake walk. A CAKE WALK! Anyhow, my attempt at making it for Valerie's birthday a couple of years ago was ... well, the kids appreciated. I thought it could use some duct tape.

So, I went on to explain that while cake baking was not part of the contest, that if he wanted to, I would show him how to make a "real" cake. No Duncan Hines here!! (Unless it's a cake walk ...) We separated eggs, used a double boiler to melt chocolate, whipped whites, mixed, folded, sifted, etc. It was the regular CIA treatment, although not as high level or consistent with the results.

Baking from scratch is always better than box, I explained. Now, while the box mix may be reliably consistent, it's also reliably mediocre. Baking from scratch can have results anywhere from fantastic to horrific. (Kind of like me, with motherhood. Sort of that Joan Crawford swing ... I'm either fantastic or horrific .. but always unique, not like the other Stepford Wives -- reliably mediocre. Maybe it's the Prozac and my refusal to partake? This will be how my kids explain it in therapy later).


Anyhow, the process was fun. We hugged and cheered each other on. Rex talked about how being with family was the most fun and important. I beamed at his comments (considering that just hours before I was shrieking about the tattling and the fact that stomp rockets were blowing across the neighborhood because "you kids just can't take care of your stuff and we look like a landfill!") Oh, I'll be right back. I've got to run down to the trophy shop to pick up, yet another, mother of the year award.

While the cake itself did turn out a bit on the dry side (I realized I didn't have a 13 x 9" pan anymore?! and had to borrow a glass one from the neighbor ... so I should have cooked it 5 minutes less), we glued it back together with some off the hook frosting (again, made from scratch!) And the decorating was alllll Rex. This is the practice run. Can't wait to see how the "real" one turns out. (I'll get a real pan before then).