Home bakers are a cornerstone of the content generated on this site, and I’ve featured over a hundred home bakers in the 12 years since I began Dessert Comes First. This time, I’m honored to have a member of the DCF Creative Team, Kris, write about a most remarkable home baker, her lolo. Cipriano, a most dignified name for an undoubtedly dignified man and talented baker, Kris describes him with such affection that I can’t help but wish that I could’ve met him as well. As for that sans rival which Kris now makes so masterfully, it’s a contrast of crisp and chewy meringue rounds. Each layer is swathed in the silkiest buttercream scented with a glimmer of vanilla, a timeless dessert embracing the flavor memories of yesterday and today. – Lori Photos by Lori Baltazar
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If sans rival were a man, it probably wouldn?t be a heartthrob. For the most part all sans rivals look the same, save for the kind of nut garnish (cashew, pistachio, macadamia) or piping it has. But it would be the kind of cake that oozes with a lot of sex appeal IMHO, one that can win you over with its charm and personality once you get to know it.

I grew up in a house where sans rival was a big part of the family tradition. It was our celebratory cake for every occasion, and the staple dessert for no occasion. My grandfather (lolo), Cipriano, would make sans rival so often that our kitchen regularly smelled like toasted kasuy and meringue baking in the oven. And if you?ve e...