I spoke about four sentences during the entirety of my seventh grade year. Which is surprising considering my days as elementary school diva. In elementary school, I directed plays, I bossed around the neighborhood kids, and I proudly wore my mom’s hot-glued bows.
But as many of us know, middle school does strange (and often terrible) things to the psyche. Like many pubescent girls I fell prey to insecurity and depression. And so I learned to keep quiet because it felt safer than making a wrong move in front of a hostile crowd.
As I told you last week, I was asked to make a last-minute wedding cake for a tearful bride. I spent all Friday baking. By Saturday morning, frosting coated a few strands of my hair. I pulled away from my house at 11:30 AM and arrived at the Marriott with a 4-layer cake by noon. Relieved and exhausted, I found the wedding coordinator (a younger sister or friend, really) and displayed my hard work.
Imagine my surprise when out from her mouth came this: YOUR CAKE IS NOT BIG ENOUGH. THERE’S NO WAY I’M PAYING WHAT YOU’RE ASKING (in a very huffy tone).
“Excuse me,” I replied, “But that price is not what I’m asking, it’s what we agreed upon. I sent you the exact width and height dimensions after your bride called me crying…less than 40 hours ago!”
What ensued in the next sixty minutes was nothing less than a battle. I stood, with a spatula in one hand and a piping bag in the other, while this very presumptuous woman attempted to haggle me.
FYI BRIDES: don’t haggle your vendors when they try to deliver your food. It doesn’t work like that, and it makes them very very mad.
I stood firm and eventually won (although I learned why both the cake vendor AND the catering vendor backed out of this wedding last minute).
As I returned to my car, I thought back to my 7th grade self. Would she have believed this was possible? That one day the awkwardness would morph into confidence? That one day I’d stand up for myself and for what I knew was right?
Unlikely. I had a hard time imagining that life would ever get better.
And then, naturally, I thought forward. To my 35-year-old self. My 45-year-old self. Would I, in a similar fashion, look back to this season–my twenties– and wonder if I had any inkling that my insecurities would one day be quieted and that my secret fears would lose their strength?
I smiled because I knew I could say yes. I knew that despite my current anxiety and bouts of depression, these failings would also pass. Because if I’ve learned anything, it is that I will always grow. And each new season will bring different challenges as well as new ways to demonstrate all the good things I’ve become.
So these lunchbox brownies are in honor of younger ones and our younger selves. As school begins, let’s look back and see how far we’ve come and remind those we love that there is so much good ahead.
Lunchbox Brownies
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) cake flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped fine
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into six 1-inch pieces
2 1/4 cups (15 3/4 ounces) sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 325 degrees. Cut 18-inch length foil and fold lengthwise to 8-inch width. Fit foil into length of 13 by 9-inch baking dish, pushing it into corners and up sides of pan; allow excess to overhand pan edges. Cut 14-inch length foil and, if using extra-wide foil, fold lengthwise to 12-inch width; fit into width of baking pan in same manner, perpendicular to first sheet. Spray foil-lined pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Whisk to combine flour, salt, and baking powder in medium bowl; set aside.
3. Melt chocolate and butter in large heatproof bowl set over saucepan of almost-simmering water, stirring occasionally, until smooth. (Alternatively, in microwave, heat butter and chocolate in large microwave-safe bowl on high for 45 seconds, then stir and heat for 30 seconds more. Stir again, and, if necessary, repeat in 15-second increments; do not let chocolate burn.) When chocolate mixture is completely smooth, remove bowl from saucepan and gradually whisk in sugar. Add eggs on at a time, whisking after each addition until thoroughly combined.
4. Whisk in vanilla. Add flour mixture in three additions, folding with rubber spatula until batter is completely smooth and homogeneous.
Transfer batter to prepared pan; using spatula, spread batter into corners of pan and smooth surface. Bake until toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into center of brownies comes out with few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on wire rack to room temperature, about 2 hours, then remove brownies from pan by lifting foil overhang. Cut brownies into 2-inch squares and serve.
Monet
Anecdotes and Apple Cores
Very cool, Monet! I love how you tie a story in with your recipe. Your writing and baking are exquisite. Thank you for sharing!
She tried to haggle you? When you went out of your way to help? Wow. Good for you for not backing down. I’m sure you also handled the situation a lot more gracefully. I can say quite confidently that I would have reacted very badly to that kind of attitude.
Thanks for sharing a great read with such a delicious brownie 😀
I am so glad you stood your gound!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Oh how I love brownies! I just made a batch of raw brownies this past weekend for the first time. I love the photo of the brownies on top of the books. That’s a match made in heaven! Two of my favorites.
Well I am glad she paid you the agreed upon amount. And good for you for standing up and staying firm.
It makes you wonder about people. Did she realize as she was being a pain that you could have left and she would have been cakeless?
A few of these delicious brownies should make you feel better…they look so yummy and chewy.
I know my little brood would love to have a lunchbox treat like this.
Hope you have a good Monday Monet!
Hot glued bows were the best! My mom used to make all sorts of pretty ones for me. My favorite was this one she made with balloons that weren’t blown up, was so cute.
Holy cow, that is terrible of that woman to do that to you. I mean you were doing her a favor on such short notice and then to act like that? Heavens above, that woman had some nerve.
I am so proud that you stood up for yourself and didn’t let her walk all over you. That is the brave thing to do and good for you for doing it. I find as I get older the more comfortable I get in my skin to do things like that.
Your brownies look superb. I do love a good brownie, I cannot resist them when they are sitting in the pan all gooey and ready to be eaten. THE best. Not to mention even better if I got them in my lunchbox!
oh my goodness, what a nightmare! I wonder how close you came to taking the cake and walking back out door?? They were very lucky to have your help this weekend. Enjoy every penny of that money that you earned all over again just putting up with the nonsense on Saturday! Have a blessed day, my friend.
Way to stand your ground, Monet! Brides and their check-writers are some of the most difficult people in the world to please. I am convinced they should do all their own work. And just deal with it.
You handled that very well. So glad you stood up for yourself and were paid what you agreed upon. Otherwise, a soup kitchen/shelter/hospital would have been very happy with that kind of donation. 🙂
Your brownies look so fudgey and delightful. I’ll be making some for the back to school lunch boxes. (and saving a few for myself!) Thank you for sharing your recipe and your experience!
What a nightmare! Out of the kindness of your heart you helped them out and that’s what you get. Psshh! I was very similar in my younger days and that girl and this woman is very proud of you. Both of those ladies also want those brownies. I know you will but I’ll leave with the advice I give myself from similar circumstances, don’t doubt yourself-your abilities and talents-some people are just like that but I am a great person who can handle anything they throw at me.
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a lot lately with my father so hopefully this will determine him to see my point of view.
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Monet: I plan to make these brownies tonight! Quick suggestion: I always use parchment paper for baking instead of foil — foil has aluminum, not good for humans especially kids, and parchment paper works like a dream, don’t even need to spray it.
– mary trimble
Hi Mary! Yes! I often use parchment too. This recipe, however, called for an aluminum sling. I think it helps the brownies cook better? But like you, I used parchment. I will adjust the recipe to reflect that choice. Thank you!!
Love you, Monet! You are wonderful, talented, amazing, and brave! I’m proud to be your friend and grateful to benefit from your heartfelt honesty.
I am so glad you stood up for yourself. I own a bakery business as well and some people will try anything. Make sure you have a contract with them and always take pictures. 🙂
Wow – an amazing story! And the brownies look delicious – can never have too many brownie recipes!
I’m glad you stood firm. Hassles are a part of life unfortunatly.
Insane! I’m glad you stood up for yourself – you deserve it! It sure is interesting how our confidence changes over time. Right now, I’m confident that I could eat the entire lot of brownies pictured on this page. 😉
So unfortunate that she couldn’t be grateful that you were so willing to help her on her wedding day. I think that would be the least of my worries, haggling on a cake, on my wedding. Obviously she had a couple of priority issues. I’m grateful to you for sticking up for your art which is your cake, what a beautiful expression of yourself to share with others on such a special occasion, you did the right thing. Sometimes people need to read the contracts that they sign so they know what their agreeing to and you have the right to stick to that agreement. The hard part about selling something that’s so labor-some and expressive of ourselves is it’s easy to get upset about someone trying to cheat you out of what you know you deserve but sometimes it comes with the territory.
Beautiful Brownies. The photos are so playful I love the back drop.
Lots of love
-Kimberly
People never fail to amaze me! What nerve! I’m so glad to hear you stood your ground and more importantly realize that it was her failure at good grace and not to take it personally.
Thanks for the brownie recipe, my kids thank you too 😉
Hooray for self-confidence! I cannot believe anyone would haggle for ANYTHING on the day of the wedding, especially knowing it was a crazy rush order. Did she want to end up running frantically to Costco for a $20 sheet cake, or what? Anyway. Good for you! And yes, the increase in self-confidence will definitely continue–as I can report from just on the shy side of 35 myself. 🙂
what a nightmare! I’m making my first wedding cake tomorrow and I think if they make a fuss about it I’ll be far more like your middle school self! these photos are gorgeous!
Very cute post! Great looking brownies…wish I had those in my lunch box when I was in gradeschool!
I can relate to the post very much, Monet. I am happy you stood your ground. It is a lot of work to make a wedding cake. Your lunchbox brownies look wonderful!:)
File under “No good deed goes unpunished,” Monet. What shameful behavior! I’m sorry that happened, but I’m glad–and not surprised–you stood your ground. Each step along the way is a lesson. Maybe written/signed work orders (even by e-mail) might help prevent repeat performances? In any case, SHINE ON!
Ah, you poor girl. Brides like that were my biggest fear when catering weddings! I’m glad you came out of it unscathed.
Monet,
The older you get, you find out that there are many brazen types of people. Brava for you that you stood your ground. your confidence and knowing that you were right, shone through.
If I were you I would have probably eaten all those wonderful brownies in one sitting to calm my nerves.
GO YOU!! That wedding coordinator sounds like a nightmare! I was very VERY quiet and shy as a kid so it always amazes me now when I can go into social situations and speak to complete strangers! Yay for brownies to celebrate our successes!
I know a couple of brides who are a bit crazy like that!! Im glad to hear that you didn’t back down! I eloped so I never was so stressed out planning a wedding that I got crazy and just don’t understand how some brides do!!
Love these little lunch box brownies! They definitely bring me back to my childhood.
Sorry to hear about the cake fiasco Monet! They really should have appriciated the special cake that you made lovingly for them! I was quiet in middle school as well…it is such an akward time haha! These brownies sound perfect and delicious :)! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Congrats for standing up for yourself!!! You were doing them a favor– I’m sure the cake was beautiful! Want to share a picture?? My wedding cake was a masterpiece- I am so impressed with bakers!!!
Wonderful story, Monet. I can imagine how strong you felt after your argument. What a way to earn it. But earn it, you did. Good for you!
WOW! After you made her a cake in such a short notice to she the nerve to bargain with you for a couple of dollars! I would have taken the entire cake and leave her crying a storm with no wedding cake hahahah
these brownies look delicious!
I believe the coordinator might have ended up wearing the cake had it been me…. Maybe not after 30 minutes, but after 60~
Lovely brownies….
Your writing blows me away most of the time and so do your recipes! It sounds like to me you were pretty calm with the nervy bride! I have found that people will try to get away with about anything if you let them. Kudos to you, my friend, for standing your ground. Wish I had one of those brownies now!
Beautifully written. Props to you for showing that crazy demon wedding planner who’s boss. She should’ve been grateful you would make a cake for the wedding on such short notice! And of course, the brownies are perfection. They look fudgy, chocolatey, and they have that perfect flaky top.
I KNEW it was in you all along. Good for you!
You go girl! That’s a girl full of confidence! 😀 Delicious looking brownies too!
I’m so sorry you had to deal with that! Way to go keeping your cool and standing your ground like that. I would’ve been pretty tempted to just take the cake and leave, that’s so frustrating.
I’ve noticed that a lot of people get really crazy about their weddings. I’m getting married in November and have tried to keep everything simple to keep my stress down (and because a lot of the little details just aren’t important) – gosh I hope I’m not any vendors’ nightmare!
OMG, OMG, OMG! I can’t believe you had to deal with that. I’m so glad you stood your ground and didn’t let them bully you. Wow… what a story!
Meanwhile, I’m excited to give these brownies a try! They look great!
This may be one of my favorite post from you Monet. Perhaps because I knew that little 7th grader and I saw so much in her, and still do. You are a precious jewel and I have no doubt you will just shine brighter and brighter.
🙂
Sus
Just coming across this now Monet. What an absolute cheek!
I really don’t like when people take advantage. Good for you for standing your ground. At such late notice – where else would she have gone? And putting you through all that stress. I can vouch that it does get better with age – the confidence grows and you learn to suss out the time wasters. Nice brownie BTW 🙂
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