Oh man, the trifle save is a classic move. I read a whole article once about how a lot of old family recipes, especially ones with heavy fruit or nuts, were actually meant for different types of flour or pans than we use now. Your great aunt probably used a specific brand that absorbed more liquid. Turning a cake fail into a trifle or even just cake pops is honestly a life skill. It sounds like it still tasted great, which is what really matters at a family thing.

You're right about the "profit, not safety" part, I used to think those demos were harmless.

Hope you get another chance to see them. Those weird clouds really do make you stop and just look up.

Can I still be a real woodworker if my dovetails look like a toddler drew them?

Wow, that was such a close call. Your aunt really saved the day there.