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Whoopi Goldberg voice from Ghost , “ You in danger , girl !”
But , after a few stern looks and a “ you ’ d better be careful ” or two , I let her take it and went to work on the main cake . The cake took no time . It was simple , elegant and pretty much a no brainer . I looked around to get a second opinion before calling it a wrap on that particular cake and noticed that I didn ’ t see Amanda . Hmmm … I guess she decided to take her lunch break before all the weddings started for the night . Smart choice I thought , as I , too , was starving . Wait , Amanda ’ s like me , she would never stop mid-shift to eat . She ’ d wait until the very end ... just like me . I looked up at the clock . Good God , an hour had gone by . That ’ s when it hit me , something was wrong . As I started for the pasty kitchen doors , in walks a disheveled , tear stained , wide eyed Amanda . Omg ! Someone is dead ! That had to be it ! I ’ m from New Orleans , we ALWAYS think that someone is dead . I approach her and beg her to tell be what ’ s wrong . She couldn ’ t speak . Her hands flew up to cover her splotchy red cheeks and bloodshot eyes . Wait , her hands were red too , as were her chef ’ s jacket and shoes . With bewilderment and fury and yelled WHAT DID YOU DO ? More years from her . My reaction to her was not helping . I brushed past her to make my way downstairs and ... ( You will have to read the rest in my new book “ 99 problems but cake ain ’ t one ”.)
What piece of gear should every home baker have in their arsenal ? A heat resistant rubber spatula goes a long way . What is one skill that every home baker should master ? Properly making whipped cream . No one wants grainy , butter dollops . What would you consider your specialty ?
I ’ d have to say the kitchen therapy is my specialty . I love to talk in the kitchen . I love to hear people ’ s perspective on life and food . If you asked someone else what my specialty is they say , macaroons .
If you could sit down to dessert with one person living or dead , who would it be ? What would you eat ? What would you ask them ?
My grandmother Bernice , Blackberry Cobbler , and I would ask her about her mother . The Darkness Croissant that we make . Pain in the butt but so worth it ! What trends in pastry and baked goods do you love ? What trends do you hate ?
I love abstract artsy interpretations of cake . It ’ s big right now . I really hope it lasts for a while . I loath naked cakes .
If you could sum up why you became a pastry chef in one word , what would it be ? Fantasy .