“Sorry you feel the cake I made is a bit dry, Paul. It was meant to commemorate the life of my best friend from childhood. He died when we were ten, so it’s a shame you feel that way. Did you want to maybe try another bite and reconsider?”

- - -

“It’s true, Paul, there’s not much chocolate filling. I’ll give you that. In fact, there’s 25% less. Diabetes has taken the one person I Ioved dearly in this world — my wife, Rachel. But, duly noted, I’ll start putting 100% of the chocolate filling in any future baked goods that require it here on the show. Rachel, I know you’re listening, wherever you are, I’ll keep trying to educate people about diabetes. That’s the promise I made to you, and I will honor it until we meet again, my love.”

- - -

“I completely agree with you that the brownies are dry and cake-like, and that it probably comes down to the bake. You’re right. Here’s the thing, there’s been a mix-up, and that’s not even one of my brownies you’re tasting. We have to halt production, and we have to get to the bottom of this. I’m as upset as you are.”

- - -

“You raise a good point about my tart, Paul. The crust is too thick, and there’s not enough fruit on top. In 2013, I lost five family members in a boating accident. This weekend is the anniversary of that boating accident. It’s the only thing I can think of that might be distracting me from making a tart the way you like it.”

- - -

“Before you judge my shortbread, can I just say it’s my brother’s recipe, the one remaining loved one I have. Please be fair in your assessment of his shortbread; he watches the show, and he’s been drinking again, so I’m a little worried about him. Please, have a bite, it’s really good. Steven, I know you’re watching, and I know you could use a spot of good news, so let’s see what Paul thinks of your shortbread.”