Cake Ladies (+Giveaway!!!)

Some of you long-time readers may recall I spent April-September of '10 working at my friend Jodi Rhoden's store Short Street Cakes. Without question, that gig was one of the best places I've ever been employed.

Considering that I was almost 14 weeks pregnant when I first hooked up with Jodi and her crew of raucous bakers, and that I was sick as a dog for some time before and thereafter, being able to say I had a great time working for her is a testament to the sort of lady she is. Not only is she a totally deft, righteous baker, Jodi is simply a great lady. She's long been active in the food rights/food security community, serving as a board member of the Bountiful Cities Project, amongst many other non-profit pursuits. She's compassionate, sympathetic and hilarious. And she's an incredible mama and wife. And friend.

If those traits alone weren't enough to intrigue you about this lady (who has full-sleeve tattoos of the Virgin Mary!), her new book will seal the deal. Cake Ladies: A Southern Tradition, is Jodi's journey into the world of cake, community, and love. Part of why she hired me was so that I could help out at the shop during the spring and summer months while she drove all over the southeast U.S., seeking out, soliciting recipes from, and interviewing women in various communities known for their go-to cake-baking prowess. She's compiled those recipes into a lovely book, filled with her time-tested suggestions for expert cake success. Having served under her tutelage, I can personally attest to just how knowledgeable she truly is. When recipes say to scrape the bowl in between beatings, they really mean it!!!

To honor Jodi and all of the sweat, tears, and butter that went into her creation (with the help of my expert editor, Nicole!), I'll be giving away a copy of Cake Ladies. To enter the contest, simply list your favorite cake (I'm a sucker for anything with caramel frosting and I've also never met a coconut cake I didn't like).  I'll run the giveaway for one week, ending next Monday at midnight EST. Lark will be sending the book out themselves to the winner and has requested the contest be open to U.S. residents only.

Even if you don't win, do check out Jodi's book. It's a gem. And if you're ever in Asheville, pop on over to the west side and visit her shop for some cupcakes or a slice. You won't be disappointed. Her life in cake is epic, and, delicious! 

UPDATE: Oops! I forgot to mention that Ashley, lucky #91, was the winner of Jodi's Cake Ladies book. Sorry! Thanks to all who entered! I loved reading all of your cake passions!