Sohem Rai, Union County Vocational-Technical School       

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          My first time baking, my humble chocolate cake under the spotlight of my family. My dad gleefully spooned the cake. “Oh, this has some Masala in it.” Before I could question my father, my cake was under the critical eye of my sister. She winced, “Sohem, this is terrible.” I didn’t take her comment to heart. I didn’t have high expectations. But after all, all I had to do was follow simple instructions. I nibbled on a slice, there was a burst of delicious chocolate and sweetness, but as I continued to chew an unexpected flavor of salt overcame the initial hope. It was almost as if… I glanced at the dishwasher, the ½ cup measuring spoon gleamed with salt.