The New York Times this week featured the towering layer cakes of Southern Alabama.

"All across the South at Christmas, layer cakes parade across virtually every sideboard. But in the small towns of southeast Alabama, they are more than holiday tradition. They're currency, comfort and status. Everyone knows whose cakes are tender and whose consistently reach 12 layers or more."

There's a video, too. Check it out at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/dining/16Bake.html?_r=1