I've been asked by my ex boyfriend (first love of five years standing, now married to a stick insect) to bake his Mum's 60th birthday cake. She never liked me and was pleased when we broke up at the tender age of 23, I'm 30 now. So I'm thinking 'I'll show her!' and planned to make the best cake in the world.

I'm making a fruit cake as they want a cake that will keep for some time. Anyway, we bought a new oven a few days ago and I haven't used it much (can you see the disaster looming yet?!) I put the fruit cakes (it's three tiers) in this morning and four hours later the cakes just don't seem to be cooking - they're burning on top and gooey at the bottom still. So I put tin sheets on top to try and stop the tops cooking. One hour one and still same state. So I took the cakes out of the tin, flipped them and tried cooking the bottom of the cakes....

So now the top and bottom of the cake seem to be cooked but the middles are still gooey and it's 5 hours on. By this time I am swearing and cursing the new oven and wondering if I'll never be able to bake a cake again.

It was at this point that I noticed the switch on the front of the oven which I'd never seen before. It was switched to grill....

Not sure if I can save these cakes now!! Thought I'd share this to raise a smile. I'll post the pictures if the cake gets made...

That sounds like something I would do! LOL Don't worry, everything will work out just fine, but I don't know if I would try to save those cakes at this point. I know fruitcake is super expensive to make, but I think I'd start them over. JMHO

Good luck!

Oops! On the bright side at least now you know there isn't anything wrong with your brand new oven. Good luck! Your cakes are beautiful! I'm sure your ex-mother-in-law will love it. (Even if she didn't love you.)

I think it's mighty "big" of you to do this for the MOEB
(mom of ex boyfriend)., especially since she never liked you. Is he going to tell her you made the cake? She might not eat it if he does! Hope all turns out okay! Good luck with the new oven! At least you have an excuse to bake lots of cakes - have to break it in!!

The cakes are saved, I took a core out of the middle to check and all fine - re-inserted the core and will decorate tomorrow. She will know I made the cake as I have stickers that go on my cake boxes. Thanks for the support, weird it's coming from all across the other side of the world - isn't the internet fab, and a bit freaky?!

Oh my sounds like something I would do.... Things will turn out just fine because it will be the best cake they have ever had.

I'm so glad it baked ok. I can't wait to see a picture of the finished product. I just visited your gallery and you have some amazing cakes!!! You are very talented!

Can't wait to see pics. Revenge is so sweet!

Can't wait to see the pictures!!! I'm sure it will be great!!!!

hmmm... she didn't like you and was happy when you broke up, are you going to be there to shove your beautiful cake in her face for revenge. Just kidding. I'm sure she'll regret not being nice when she sees what talent you have and how you are the bigger person for even saying yes to do the cake in the first place. Don't forget to post a pick.

Wow, I can't believe you were able to save that cake! Hope the rest of the decorating goes well. Can't wait to see the final product =)

Can't wait to see the pictures and welcome to CC!

Your cakes are absolutely beautiful...I just know you will show her!

LOL!

That's funny.

Sounds like you have not forgotten your first love. And best of all, he has not forgotten you.

We're still in the same group of friends who've known each other since primary school that's all. He's married and I've lived with OH for five years so nothing going on at all. In fact if it wasn't for the mutual friends we wouldn't be in contact at all as he drives me mad

Cake progress: marzipanned and iced and pastillage decorations are drying as we speak - will assemble tomorrow morning. My one concern is that the pastillage is homemade - first time I've ever done this so I'm not sure ho it will turn out. Fortunately ex has let me have free reign over the design so if it goes wrong I can do something else and he'll never know! Watch this space!

Come on girl lets see mother in laws cake/ you can do it

C'mon...I want to see it too! Better yet, I want to hear how she had to swallow her pride and tell ya what an awesome cake you made!!!

emmascakes - your cakes are gorgeous so I am sure it will turn out superb - I can't wait to see the finished product!

How wonderful that your ex knows your talent and asked you to do this - I am sure his mother will also be impressed!

Waiting patiently to see the photo............

My DH's ex wife asks me to make cakes all the time for her. And yes, I do refraim from putting in rat poison....

Emma your cakes are beautiful. I can't wait to hear what she says. Please keep us posted....and post the pic.

waiting patiently..............LOL

I agree! You cakes are wonderful and so unique.

I can't wait to see the new one.

Cricket

So sweet that you chaps are on my side - The decorations have been drying overnight (it's 6.25am here) and I'll be assembling it all today so I'll post pics later today when it's all done.

oh my! at least you figured out what was wrong

Your cakes are amazing!! I looked at your web site and cannot believe you do cakes like that AND have another full time job as well. Cannot wait to see this one too.

Emma, what a gifted, generous soul you are! It is great that you share your talents (even with those who don't appreciate you!). You cake is certain to be lovely, and if your former MIL hasn't changed her not-so-sweet ways, don't be surprised or saddened if your efforts are not appreciated - it would be a shocker if she acknowledges its beauty - and that would only be a reflection on her inner self not your worth. Your cakes are fabulous!

Well, I finished it! Phew! Had a bit of a time doin git as my parents turned up unexpectedly today and stayed for four hours. however, it's done - I'll let you know tomrrow how ex-boyfriend receives it and next week how ex-MIL received it!

veeeeeeery nice! she'll be stumped to find anything wrong!