Through a Glass, Darkly

Yesterday the fragrance of baking filled our home. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, Super Bowl weekend can only mean one thing: the Male Bakeoff approacheth!

Let’s review our Male Bakeoff experiences, shall we? The first year that Mike participated, he made a Chocolate Irish Cream Cake and won “Best First-Time Entry.” The second year, he made the infamous Foreskins Hill Cheesecake and won “Most Biblical.” And last year, he made Whore of Babylon Red Velvet Cake and won “Muy Macho.” How would he top those shenanigans? What would he make? And would he win anything?

Thankfully, I am here to answer your questions.

Mike had a hard time settling on a dessert or a theme this year. He made Cranberry Caramel Almond Tart as a trial run, and it was freaking incredible. Seriously. But while he liked the flavor, he wasn’t sold on the presentation, so he ultimately decided to go another direction. But I still expect him to make me that tart again. Because, oh my goodness.

Anyway, may I present Jesus’ Favorite No-Crumb-Wasted Pie. A peanut butter cup cheesecake pie. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”

Competition was stiff again this year, as expected.

As you can see, we are not so much about the Patriots at church. Go Giants!

Here is the table full of trophies.

And many of our friends walked home with trophies, including David, who won the “Weirdness Cup” for his “Holy Poop!” Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding, Peter winning “Judge’s Choice” for his Spit-in-the-Mud Mousse, and Matt, who won “Best in Show” for his Grizzly Cake (seen above). (There’s a whole ‘nother story about that, but I won’t get into it here.)

And, yet again, Mike walked home with “Most Biblical!” I mean, hello! If it’s Jesus’ favorite, who are you to argue!?

(Aidan was also a fan.)

Mike really played it straight this year, and his presentation was remarked upon by many people. I am really proud of him yet again. (Also, I am a happy lady because he made two pies, so there is one just for us!)