Cake head

I have a secret pastime: cooking shows. My mom always had them on in the background when she was baking or cleaning or decorating for whatever season we were in.

Unfortunately, neither her influences nor the half-hour culinary program had any effect on me ... just ask my husband. I pretend they have, however, and each time I bring out my mixing bowls, carton of eggs and cups of sugar and flour, I imagine that I am the expert giving the instructions. Cameras and all.

My husband and I haven't had cable since we got married and moved into our apartment almost a year- and-a-half ago. So, I've been void of those cooking shows. Until now. We got a great deal until our lease is up, and so I get to tune in to a few of my favorites, like Barefoot Contessa and Everyday Italian. I even like to watch Paula Dean, betting against myself how many sticks of butter she'll use throughout the episode. I sometimes stare in awe at how they can come up with new ideas, new twists on the old ... I can't fathom their creativity. But I do admire it — any every other kitchen conqueror.

One night, I was skimming channels and landed on something amazing ... something like I'd never seen on Food Network: Ace of Cakes. The owner of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, Chef Duff, creates masterpieces with drill saws and blowtorches with the help of fellow rock musicians. Duff is one of the most sought-after decorative cake makers in the country. And it's easy to see why:









































I'm not quite certain if people actually eat the cakes they order — they seem too spectacular to cut into and all the sugary details and fondant don't seem very appetizing. Actually, I'm sure they want to get their money's worth.

Anyway, check out the show if you haven't. It's amazing, if not inspiring.