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True Confessions – I Won’t Bake Any of Those Cakes

They shouldn't have assigned the blog to me today, because I'm going to bag on the tip. Oooh, the drama of an unregulated blog...

Here's the deal - I am NEVER going to bake one of those cake mixes. Never. Oh, don't get me wrong - our editorial team has deemed them good, and they are. I just don't believe in boxed cakes. They rank up there with fat free cheese (??) or fake sugars. Why bother? My equation? Eat less of the real thing, and bake fewer, but better cakes.

Now in this case, at least, the Daily Tip lists organic alternatives to other boxed cakes, so it's a step in the right direction. And as my mom tells me all the time - boxed cakes make mom's lives easier, because damn it - kids don't really care.

Well, I don't have kids yet. So I promise you - if you get a cake from me, I made it from scratch.

-Heather... off to figure out what cake to make for my sis-in-law's birthday...

Posted by: tmeronek on 06/20/2007
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Jen  on June 20, 2007 at 02:55 AM 1
Not a Related Subject How about a gardening article? I'm into the gardening now that tomatoes are ripe down here.
Catherine  on June 20, 2007 at 04:53 AM 2
Hmmm, chocolate with vanilla icing? Even being gluten-free I'm not terrifically fond of mixes.
Jessica  on June 20, 2007 at 05:09 AM 3
Happy Birthday, Ideal Bite! As a side note, I'd love to see more "seasonal" tips. FI, how can I be more green (cool green towels and pool toys maybe) at the local public pool with my daughters and their gymnastics team? (for conditioning practices) I'd also love tips geared towards children, so I can teach my little ones how to live a comfortable, green life. :) Thanks! Oh, and Heather...yes, boxed cake mixes make a mom's life so much easier, and it's very true....children don't care! Let them eat cake!
T.  on June 20, 2007 at 06:09 AM 4
Congratulations on your third year. I've been reading your daily emailouts for at least two years. Sometimes its relevent and easily implementable, most times it's not. In your third year, I would like to see facts, research, and links supporting your green statements linked with your daily bites. Also, more tips and encouragement for government officials to implement green standards for low income development. It's the upper incomes that favour mandating hugging the earth to relieve their guilt, but lower income families could use green technology to help save money, be healthier, and reduce their maintenance to have a more comfortable lifestyle. That's relevent. http://smalltalkwitht.blogspot.com
Cindi  on June 20, 2007 at 06:29 AM 5
I tried Dr. Ooetker. cake mix once. I NEVER use mixes. I am a from scratch kind of gal and I may never bake a cake from scratch again. It was awesome. I did add some extra unsweetened cocoa and a drop of really good vanilla to give it a richer flavor, but NO ONE suspected it was a box. In a pinch, it did the trick. It's not your ordinary Betty Crocker! I got mine at Whole Foods for about 2.50 a box. ENJOY and thanks for the great tips!
Rachel  on June 20, 2007 at 06:34 AM 6
I second the more gardens stuff - I loved the garden week series as it happened as I was starting to work in mine. Maybe something talking about non-plant things - like solar powered lights? or maybe even see if there's a good green way to have a koi pond or other water effect? I want to add a pond or a bird bath but can't stand the idea of stagnant water or running that much electricity.
Suzanne  on June 20, 2007 at 06:40 AM 7
Thanks, Ideal Bite, I love your tips and Happy Birthday! Too bad you are not anywhere near upstate New York, I'd make you some cookies. What I am curious about are organic products found in grocery stores made by big companies such as Heinz. I read somewhere recently that many organic products found in big box stores are not as green as they appear to be- I'd like to know which brands to stay away from or which ones are okay to purchase. Also, I'm getting married and I put some sheets made from beechwood on my registry and I was interested to know how green these technologies are; I haven't heard anything about them. Thank you!
tammy  on June 20, 2007 at 06:51 AM 8
happy birthday!! :)
Kate  on June 20, 2007 at 07:12 AM 9
Happy Birthday! My mom never used a cake mix. Whether or not we could tell the difference (and I think her baking habits are why we can now), she could.
E  on June 20, 2007 at 08:09 AM 10
Happy Birthday! I had the privilege of meeting Jen when she was speaking in Missoula. She explained to us that the Bite’s audience is predominantly female and that is clear in the daily tips. I think the Bite is a great idea but as a guy I would like to see a few more tips on guy related items. What’s the best way to dispose of old tires? Most people can’t afford a Prius right away so what can we do to make our existing gas guzzlers sip a little less gas? Is there a simple tune up that can get you more mpg and cleaner exhaust? How about a fuel additive tip? Fortunately I can ride my bike 90% of the time but most of America is not this lucky. That’s my 2 cents. Keep up the good work! The Bite is making a big difference!
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