Uncollapsible Cakes

INTRODUCTION FIVE TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR CAKES FROM COLLAPSING I love baking cakes, especially cupcakes. The methodical process of measuring, the chemistry of ingredients, the hum of the mixer - this is a place of zen for me. I prefer the house empty, my music on, and time to just be and bake. Baking allows me to calm my mind. It is a time to play with new recipes and ingredients, give an old recipe a little punch with a small deviation, and enjoy the process. The final product is, almost, always delicious, bringing joy to others and helping me to feel good about a job well done. Because of this love, I adopted the nickname ‘Cakes’ from my roller derby teammates and it has stuck with me like a true buttercream frosting. I remember hearing my Mother and Grandmother say, “Don’t run around while the cake is baking, we don’t want it to fall.” I didn’t get it then, but remembered it as I grew up, thinking, ‘okay as long as we make no sudden moves while the cake is in the oven or right when it emerges, we should be fine.’ Now, I know many factors can cause a cake to collapse or sink. The same is true for life. We grow up hearing our family’s views on how to live. Those opinions are based on generations of information or misinformation, fears, and dashed dreams. I have grown to have opinions of my own. In Uncollapsible Cakes, I will share with you my personal stories and inspirations, as well as the top five issues you should look out for to keep your cakes from collapsing the next time you bake. Strive to be uncollapsible.