23 Comments
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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

I love that you did this! But even reading about it exhausts me.

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Karen Dukess's avatar

I have newfound respect for all the contestants on the Baking Show! I was wiped out by this cake!

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Steven Lewis's avatar

As Jerry and Robert told us, "Let it be known, there is a fountain that was not made by the hands of men." The same might be said about cake and sisters (says a man with four daughters).

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Karen Dukess's avatar

Best comment!

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Erica's avatar

Charming! I love that you did a family zoom bake-off. (I also love the meatloaf line.)

I had some of your opera cake with my tea today and it's delicious. Cake, sourdough bread, books...there's nothing you can't make, Karen!

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Annabel Monaghan's avatar

I love that her books are gluten free

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Karen Dukess's avatar

Ha! And FYI Opera Cake only has a sprinkle of gluten; it’s mostly almond flour. So now YOU CAN MAKE ONE TOO.

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Annabel Monaghan's avatar

Not a crazy thing to do during The Waiting Week

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Karen Dukess's avatar

I'm so glad you like the cake -- not that I'll ever make you some more though!

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Stephen Schwed's avatar

Is that a meatloaf?? 😂

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Sally Schwartz's avatar

Just read the comments. Ha! Those March sisters had a cook! Sign me up for that!

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Sally Schwartz's avatar

Three sisters baking. Too much butter to even consider. Relief-pitcher son, who figured out how to get the thing layered... I think this is the perfect recipe for happiness. I want to play, too!

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Karen Dukess's avatar

Next time, you’re in! But not Opera Cake.

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Annabel Monaghan's avatar

The three most patient sisters in the world. I can’t believe you did this!

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Milly Heller's avatar

Very witty & charming. I think Louisa May Alcott should've included a cake-making competition in Little Women.

Also, I love that your husband gave you a Paul Hollywood handshake.

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Karen Dukess's avatar

Yes, those March sisters could have made a great mess baking cakes!

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Roger S.'s avatar

As an occasional observer of the middle sister's efforts, I love that you wrote about this! The needed coda to having put the whole thing together in the first place...

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Lynne Hugo's avatar

Karen, this is hysterical. Brilliant writing...and baking. Super impressed on both counts. Your sisters sound like a lot of fun.

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Karen Dukess's avatar

It was a good day! And an excellent distraction from the world beyond baking!

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Lynne Hugo's avatar

And oh lordie, how we do need that! (face plant into chocolate ganache ideal here)

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Gloria Levitas's avatar

Looks delicious! I am a cook but not much o a baker-- very impressed.......

Not off key -- harmonious, perhaps?

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Karen Dukess's avatar

Particularly yummy if you keep your eyes closed!

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Lindy Sinclair's avatar

Days later I'm still agog! What a feat. And I just adored the little image of your mother in the bottom of the screen watching on. Brava!

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