I don't know why this is bothering me...but it is.

For a while now, I have been baking cakes for almost every family member on their birthday. Well, I always try to make something tailored to their personality, a really unique cake just for them. I make all my cakes from scratch using (what I thought) were the best recipes I'd ever tasted. Now, maybe some of you can agree that when you make a cake from scratch it is usually more dense, and even richer than the light and airy boxed cakes (which I don't prefer). Well, here's the story:

My nephew (who is 18 yrs old) came over, we are vry close so he tells me everything. He said that his mom (my sister) made a comment that I use too many eggs in my cakes. She has only raved about my cakes (to my face) and goes on and on about how good they are. Now I find out that she is criticizing them behind my back. I am always open to suggestions and etc... but she did not tell me this, this is only what she's saying when I'm not around. Am I ridiculous for being offended? I know not everyone likes the same kind of cake. But part of me wants to say, "Excuse me for making a rich cake with fresh ingredients. Should I only used boxed mixes?". It is all she is used to. She hates to cook and hates to bake, can't do either. But when she does bake it is duncan hines in 40 minutes or less if you know what I mean.

Grrrrr I don't know why this is getting to me!!!

It's getting to you because we take alot of pride and put alot of energy, effort, and love into our cakes! And if you're making scratch cakes, it takes even that much more!!!! Next time, make her a nice boxed mix!!!!

Julie

I think you are right. A part of me wants to confront her and say, 'What do you mean I use too many eggs?'.

I wouldn't say that.... I just FEEL like saying it.

This would bug me to. Sometimes the smallest things can get to us. It happens to me all the time. If you are extremely close to her I would confront her, becuase it will keep on bugging you. Otherwise I would say she is jealous that you are a talented baker and she is not. That is what I would do, but if you do not want to confront her just let it roll of your back.

I think I'd jokingly say, "Hey, guess what (your nephew) said to me the other day?" And then I'd tell her the comment he made, kind of laugh, and see what she says.

Julie

I think that would hurt my feelings big time. You are correct though, there are a lot of folks that have not "grown up" with the texture and dense quality of a scratch cake, and a lot of folks do not like it. You could save those cakes for those who you know would appreciate it.

You are right to be upset. Not only because she is talking badly about your cakes, but she is your SISTER. She shoud be able to talk to you openly about it if she does not like your cake. Fresh, scratch cakes are wonderful, and taste better than any box mix. Not to mention you know exactly what is in your scratch cake. Next birthday buy her one of the too sweet ugly cakes found at the grocery store!!

Well...you can chalk it up to her having an uneducated palate! Like a kid... well my kids liked simpler tastes such as mix and what they were used to before I took this up seriously. She probably mistook dense and that richer taste as "a cake mix gone wrong"! If I were you I would kinda (after having a good chuckle to myself) make sure to have her around sometime when you are making cake or something to gently let her know the difference.

Wow I am so glad I shared this. It has been eating at me for the past 2 days. I am very close to her. She is one of 3 sisters who is usually very sweet and supportive... but sometimes she feels threatened that I am really close to her son and he tell me things he will not tell her. He told me she once yelled at him and said you need to talk to your mother about things, not your aunt. She sometimes can freak out like that. I just feel like she was saying that just for the sake of being negative. Especially since it wasn't said to my face.

BUT WOW am I glad this would upset you guys too. I don't feel like such a "PMS meanie". Sorry, I had to say it, it just felt like I was being that way before I knew I had legitamate reason.

If your relationship with your nephew might be damaged if you go back to his mom with what she told him then you may want to handle this carefully.
Ask the dear boy if he minds if you question your sister ( his mom) about the remark. If he feels like what ever he says is going to get back to her, he may not feel so open with you anymore.

Just a thought, hope it get resolved.

mommachris