Whatever Wednesday: Meeting Buddy from Cake Boss

I wish I could change the theme title of today’s post from Whatever Wednesday to WONDERFUL Wednesday! I wouldn’t call meeting one of your favorite TV personalities a “whatever” experience.

Last week, I had the great fortune to attend a book signing for that lovable star of TLC’s baking show, Cake Boss. Buddy Valastro’s food is not exactly nutritional, but balancing healthy foods with indulgences and admiring those who pursue careers in what they love to do are certainly EYC-approved concepts!

The book itself, called Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Miz Famiglia, details the only-in-America story of how Buddy’s Italian family created Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken, supplemented by vibrant photographs of tiramisus, cannoli, cakes, and more, along with detailed recipes.

What I love most about Cake Boss is not the culinary creations themselves, but rather the familial aspect of the series. From mischievous cousins to loud-mouthed sisters, members of Buddy’s family are constantly working in or wandering through the bakery. Pranks are pulled, friendly tiffs are frequent, and laughs are always shared.

My favorite feature on Cake Boss is the creation of the lobster tail. No, this is not some sort of seafood dish. A lobster tail is a flaky, crispy pastry shell (made from sfogliatelle dough) shaped like its namesake and filled with a custard cream. 

Sadly, the book warns the reader, “Unless you are a professional baker, and an accomplished one at that, you probably shouldn’t try to make these. I’ve seen grown men brought to the brink of tears trying to make sfogliatelle.” I may not be able to make this pastry, but it did spark a conversation between Buddy and me!

As I approached Buddy at the book signing table, I knew I only had a few seconds before the Barnes and Noble staff ushered me to keep moving. After shaking his hand and placing my open book on the table, I decided to say what was on my mind: “I love the episode where you made the lobster tails, and I’m so happy you decided to include the recipe in the book!”  Not exactly the deepest thoughts to share with this master baker, but Buddy gave a round-cheeked smile and laughed. “That’s definitely not a beginner’s recipe, but it’s definitely a worthwhile thing to learn.” He personalized a signing of my book, and then Jenny's day=made!

I actually have yet to try the lobster tail pastry! Next time I visit Mike’s Pastries in the North End of Boston, I must resist my typical chocolate chip cannoli and give the tail a try. Curious about this treat? The following clip shows Buddy’s explanation of the pastry:

Are you a Cake Boss fan? Have you ever been to a celebrity book signing? 

And most importantly, have YOU ever tried a Lobster Tail before?

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