What do you know about cakes?

Thought No. 1

Is this piece about cakes or about people? I’ve asked myself. Both. Let me explain. First, I’ve written this first paragraph a few times and I’ve erased it. Let me try again. This piece is about the way the flavours and ingredients in a cake can be relative to two people in a relationship. I know it’s a far-fetched concept, although stay with me please? I’ve baked many cakes. Endless hours in my little kitchen recipe testing. What makes my favourite cakes are cakes that hold flavours that are both very different and very similar. If the flavours are too different, they fail to harmonise. If the flavours are too similar, they fail to complement. That leads me to the question, is this what we desire from a relationship?

Do we seek harmony in values, morals, needs? Do we desire to compliment each other in the way we exist in society? The way we show up in the world with our interests and character presence. The way we allow each other’s light to shine by fostering and complimenting our growth. I’m a student to the connection thing, flawed by my very mundane human characteristics. I could write another piece about my flaws, although back to the concept. I will detail one cake that I feel brings this idea to life. Maybe it will make you think about something, someone or nothing at all? At least, maybe this read slows down your day.

The cake in question.

Pistachio olive oil cake, plum raspberry hibiscus jam, salted pistachio buttercream.

This cake works. In my opinion the flavour pairing is divine. The sweetness is perfectly balanced. It’s grounded, reliable, exciting and playful.

Similar:

The strong pistachio component that comes through the sponge becomes more evident when paired with the pistachio in the buttercream. I would consider this one of main elements of the cake. The foundation. Now, in a partner the values must be similar. How will I connect with one where our values are different? I’m referring to our perspective on loyalty and commitment. If we hold differing core values, there’s a forecast of cake crumble. Now I will not get into the specifics of how the cake is mixed, the tenderness, the method, the texture etc. I will stay close to the flavour idea. I want to know there is an unspoken understanding that is really known. It’s clear. If there is no harmony in the core, it’s shaky. I question, will this be a sustainable, reliable pairing?

Different:

The ground is in harmony. Although, without the plum raspberry jam there is a lack of playfulness. Excitement. You know the moments when you have that first little disagreement, that is consoled in little kisses and laughter? I want a different perspective. I want to learn about that perspective. I want it to be different in texture, colour and flavour. The intimacy, interests, passions, perspective. I have been asked the question ‘do you want to date yourself?’. This makes me question, why do we endeavour to change another? If this difference is not embraced, will there be a sustainable and joyous pairing?

That’s all I have. This may have been a really weird read. I feel weird closing it out. Regardless here’s a moment for cake. A pistachio cake. Also, it feels nice to get this though off my mind.

Christiana