Caker Christmas 2023

After a four-year hiatus, 2023 marked the return of my annual Caker Christmas party. It’s been a tradition – for better or worse – for about 25 years. I invite my Italian in-laws and friends to bring a mangiacake dish.

FoodBrian FrancisDecember 17, 2023 Comments

Best and Worst Christmas Fruitcake

Of all the traditional holiday foods, few are hated more than fruitcake. But what did fruitcake ever do to warrant such animosity? I mean, it’s still cake, after all. Personally, I believe fruitcake deserves more respect.

Food, Taste TestsBrian FrancisDecember 11, 2022 Comments

Beanie-Weenie Bake Recipe

Every year since the dawn of time (or so it seems), I host an annual Caker Christmas party. I invite Italians to make – and eat – caker dishes. At the end of the night, I ask them to vote for the night’s best-tasting dish.

FoodBrian FrancisMay 12, 2020Recipes Comment

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

When it comes to times of stress and hardship, few things provide comfort like the combination of cheese and potatoes.

FoodBrian FrancisApril 17, 2020RecipesComment

JELL-O Pudding Easter Eggs Recipe

I used to have a food blog called Caker Cooking. In 2014, I shut it down. But tough time calls for good eating. And given the state of the world right now, who couldn’t use some comfort food? So, for a limited time, I’m bringing Caker Cooking back.

FoodBrian FrancisApril 7, 2020RecipesComment

Caker Christmas 2019

I can’t think of a better way to send off the decade than with a hot, steaming casserole. So I was happy to host my annual Caker Christmas party the other night.

FoodBrian FrancisDecember 22, 2019 Comments

Thanksgiving Perky Turkey Cut-Up Cake

My mission to single-handedly revive the lost art of cut-up cakes continues. Cut-up cakes are like jigsaw puzzles. Only tastier. To date, I’ve made an airplane, a Santa, a witch and a daisy.

FoodBrian FrancisOctober 9, 2019RecipesComment

Daisy Cut-Up Cake

Some time ago, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, predicting that cut-up party cakes were due for a huge comeback. Cut-up cakes, for anyone born past 1980, were popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

FoodBrian FrancisJuly 3, 2019RecipesComment

Best and Worst Snack Crackers

Let’s face it – snack crackers don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Think about all the times snack crackers have been there for you. While you’re microwaving your dinner. When you come home after too many wine spritzers.

FoodBrian FrancisMarch 17, 2019Taste Tests Comments

My Gingerbread House Obsession

Every Christmas, I take on an ambitious baking project. I tell myself I enjoy doing it, but, by the end of the project, I always wonder if I have some sadomasochist need. This year, I decided to make a gingerbread house.

Food, CraftsBrian FrancisJanuary 2, 2019 Comments

Caker Christmas 2017

I recently hosted my annual Caker Christmas potluck party. I ask Italians to make Anglo Saxon dishes like casseroles and things saturated with Cool Whip. As you can imagine, it’s a real rollercoaster of tastes.

FoodBrian FrancisDecember 17, 2017Recipes Comments

Fuck Cookies™

I’m a big believer in emotional eating. Do you come home at the end of the day and want nothing more than to work your way through a container of Duncan Hines Whipped Vanilla Frosting? Go right ahead.

FoodBrian FrancisMay 28, 2017Food Comments