It's hot.

Man.

Been working in the kitchen all day on a 3-layer half sheet bacon chocolate cake. I've basically made three whole cakes, which has been a bit of a logistical problem, given my limited studio apartment-sized kitchen space.

I'm trying something new with this cake. Well, several things. I've tweaked the recipe a bit and added a new flavor. No one will know, but I've added a tablespoon of instant espresso to the batter. Ina Garten taught me this little trick - coffee brings out the flavor of chocolate. It's very true.

So there's that. Also, I'm taking this gigantic cake out to Fire Island. A car ride. Heat. Humidity. a ride on a boat. A 20 minute walk. I have to assemble most of the cake on site at the house.

Additionally, I'm "decorating" this cake at the request of the buyer (a very good friend). I'm writing on the cake. I have little fake trees. I have little sesame candy to build a boardwalk. I have some nice little deer that I bought today at Toys 'R Us in Times Square. THAT was an experience.

Right now, I have no idea how this is going to work out. I just trust that it will.

Maybe another Pacifico will help.