The last time I blogged for the Huffington Post, I made a confession. I didn't expect anyone to notice, except the usual suspects -- I mean, readers. I had no idea that angel food cake was such a hot topic. I got hundreds, maybe even a thousand private emails. Now, to be honest, that's the most interesting part of the story and the emails now reside in my safe deposit box to be opened upon my death. That's the best I can do at the moment.
Friends, strangers, chefs, magazine editors, television producers, other stylists, recipe testers, and even reporters wanted to share their stories with me about angel food cake. All but two people thanked me, or sent forgiveness, or my personal favorite, told me that it was the funniest piece they had ever read. I never get tired of hearing that.
I was stunned, overwhelmed and truly grateful for all of the personal stories people wrote me. I am not alone in my guilt. The blog post was removed (not my idea), but my decision. It also lives in my safe deposit box. Lawsuits are for the very rich, or the very pissed off, and I am neither (but I think my nieces might be able to sell tickets to my funeral if they promise private readings).
I'm writing this post for redemption, because if the truth be known, angel food cake should be revered, not hated. Don't be confused. I'm not talking about that fake, sticky sweet, pre-made, looks like it's been injected with too much botox cake that comes from a cheap bakery on the wrong side of town, I mean an honest to goodness, made-from-scratch angel food cake. This cake done right is divine.
Does it take a little time to bake or cook from scratch? You bet. But like most of the important things in life (a good marriage, a successful career, making fine wine, or raising children), there really are no "shortcuts" that don't end up cheating yourself and everyone else.
Serving handmade food to people you love is a gift, yourself included. Not only can handmade food be healthier for you and your family, real food is also better for the planet.
If anyone reading this would like a recipe or instructions to bake a handmade angel food cake, just contact me. I know you know how.
I can't end this post without apologizing to the second person that did not appreciate my previous post. A gentleman informed me that most people that work and travel with the circus should be called "show people." And they have excellent taste in life and food. Of course, I should have known that because I have often heard that, "There's no people like show people they smile when they are low."
My sincere apologies to you, Mr. Houdini.
As I've said before, I can't make this shit up...that was his email!
Denise Vivaldo made -- for the best husband she has ever had (and her brilliant attorney) -- a handmade angel food cake for Valentine's Day.