Chocolate Espresso Cake

I’m a little short on words this week. The challenges that we collectively face grew to a nearly insurmountable level this past weekend. At times I wondered if we would even open, with the air quality so poor and the fires creeping closer. I was touched to see each of you, and felt comforted by the kindness and concern that you extended to me and the bakers. The fires and the smoke brought us to our limit. With reserves and mobility already limited, I decided that we needed to take a break and take care of ourselves. After the last of the orders were picked up Sunday morning, we temporarily closed shop. 

Operating a business during Covid has offered me a grace and understanding to let things go. This is only business - only pastries - I have to remind myself. My team took a hard hit and needed to rest; all of us are feeling the side effects of smoke exposure. We are resting and protecting ourselves until this passes.

For me, that means days spent supporting my kids through remote learning, feeding my starter, and beginning new loaves late in the evening. So I stretch and fold throughout the quiet, dark hours of the night, catching a bit of sleep between turns. Today I will boil a batch of bagels that I mixed with a friend (who is in my Covid bubble) on Sunday. Ragu simmers in the Instapot. I’m falling deep into a book and hoping to play a few more rounds of cards with my middle kiddo this evening.

It seems that the bakery will reopen on Thursday, with just enough time to prepare for the weekend. If baking and business teaches one thing, it is flexibility. Having been thrown so many curve balls over the years I am now well-equipped. Thank you to each of you for your continued support. It is absolutely what keeps me and my staff alive.

This weekend we are baking loaves of our Chocolate Espresso Cake. Let’s treat ourselves to something rich and decadent. We have endured and continue to persevere. This is a one-bowl mix made with dark-brewed coffee and rich cocoa powder. It is the best homemade version of a chocolate box cake that I’ve ever tasted. Fresh out of the oven or even frozen and eaten straight from the freezer, it has been a staple since we opened.

Sending strength to each of you. May we find joy while we overcome this most recent crisis.