I was thinking fondly of Quality Ingredients last night, and thusly, of all of you.
I've got this big list of different food I want to either learn to make or get better at making this year as part of my 2026 goals. I'm trying to fill in some gaps in my skillset, improve some techniques, get into stuff I've always admired, etc. It's a varied list, but high up on it is being able to comfortably and confidently make at least one great cake.
I don't even necessarily like cake that much, but every now and then, a great slice of cake just really slaps. We're on a path to get into a lot more dinner parties and ticketed dinners and different kinds of event work, and I'd love to be able to whip out a great cake. My ice cream game is extremely strong, so I want to get cake to catch up.
Chloe worked last night so I had the house to myself and my first day of intentional cake work. I like to be alone and make a lot of notes when I'm learning new foods. Pay attention to each step etc. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here's a summary of how it went:
Lincoln mentions in passing that Chef Lexa claims she isn't very good at making cakes (her cakes are fine, they are just not exceptional or the best). I will say it with my full chest that apparently I am not good at making cakes at all!
I took that cake failure personally, and now I'm on a path full of science and research and I'm setting up my next test days. Mark my words. I'm gonna get great at making a cake!
I hope all of you are having a great weekend!