Dear Harriett

There is no need to worry. Remember what Julia Child said in that movie. No one needs to know what goes on in the kitchen except the cook. Nor should they.

Also, there is an old adage. When it rains, make lemonade. Or something like that.

In any case, the solution to your problem is simple. First of all, there is nothing at all wrong with eating things that have fallen to the floor. I am almost three years old and I have flourished on a diet that includes copious amounts of food that has fallen on the floor, including quite yucky things, I might add.

But I digress. Simply scoop up the remains of the chocolate cake. Place them in individual plates. Tell your guests that you are serving a "deconstructed" version of chocolate cake called chocolate crumble.

Voila! Problem solved.

Bon appetit!

N.B. In the future, please substitute carob for chocolate so that the droppings may be safely shared with your dog.

NEXT QUESTION PLEASE!