If there's one thing Doug Ford wasn't expecting to become during the current crisis, it was probably a trendsetter. But it seems that's exactly what he is. Plenty of Ontarians have been trying the Doug Ford cheesecake challenge at home and we reckon the results look pretty good. If you've somehow missed this story, we'll fill you in. Earlier this month, Ontario's Premier teased that he makes the best cherry cheesecake at home. And he just had to prove it, sharing a video last Friday, May 15, of him baking said cheesecake in his house. Or was it his nephew's kitchen? Since he is a politician, Ford's boast and video were met with numerous detractors who criticized his public bakery class. Chief among them was Ontario Liberal leader Steven Del Duca, who argued that it's time for "real leadership" rather than sweet treats. However, it seems that plenty of provincial residents have taken up the mantle themselves and decided to replicate the dessert at home. After all, Canadians were already baking at home so much during these social distancing times that Robin Hood ran out of its iconic yellow packaging. And, in less than a week since the recipe was released, numerous Ontarians have shared images of their own attempts online. View this post on Instagram A week ago this was not on my radar but in the midst of a COVID update from Doug Ford, he peaked my interest with his cheesecake comment. I'm not sure he meant it as a challenge but when he released the recipe...I figured what better way to celebrate the holiday weekend. Let me just say...it was pretty damn good. Maybe unity across the aisle comes in the form of a 9 x 13 pan. #thisisnotapoliticalendorsement #cheesecakecoma #dougford #dougfordcheesecakechallenge A post shared by Steve Ingratta (@eatcookdrinklive) on May 17, 2020 at 6:36am PDT My wife made @fordnation blue collar cheesecake tonight. It’s actually not bad. Thanks Doug Ford! pic.twitter.com/7SuwZyoB1S— Bill Moore (@BillMoore14) May 18, 2020 View this post on Instagram Alright @fordnationdougford I decided to follow your suggestion and make this long weekend crew @sickkidstoronto your famous cheesecake. It did NOT disappoint! And now we are finally able to answer the question that’s been burning in everyone’s mind “what IS dream whip”?? #famouspremierscheesecake #frontlineworkers #breaktimesnack #longweekendcrew A post shared by Debbie McFarlane (@bewellbydebbie) on May 18, 2020 at 12:21pm PDT This year’s birthday cake was a Doug Ford cheesecake. pic.twitter.com/u3gg0p7C3a— Megan Bingley (@megsbings) May 20, 2020 And, we have to say, whatever you thought of the original video, the results look pretty damn good. Well, most of them. Other residents, while perhaps not confident enough to share their own efforts, were more than happy to review the dessert online. View this post on Instagram #dougfordcheesecake #dougford Thanks Dougie for the recipe! A post shared by Ryan Magee (@ryan.magee4) on May 17, 2020 at 5:15pm PDT My mom made the Doug ford cheesecake lol pic.twitter.com/fbipTlRLmP— Z social disty Z (@ptc555) May 20, 2020 Premier Ford’s cheesecake is fluffy, filling, and full of promise. However, copious amounts of sugar bring on a headache and dream whip isn’t my preference.It’s also a HUGE portion (see PT).I give it 3/5 stars. The third star is because he was so charming while making it. pic.twitter.com/mQ08zQCHAQ— Sheba Siddiqui (@ShebaSid) May 18, 2020 View this post on Instagram Doug Ford cheesecake recipe. First time I have made cheesecake. @fordnationdougford #ontariospirit #cheesecake A post shared by Nicole Bench (@neric68) on May 17, 2020 at 2:40pm PDT Great cheesecake Mr. Ford 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/rzvu2gP3iD— Steph Emard (@steph_emard) May 18, 2020 There's a note of caution from the husband of one home baker, though. It's sometimes best to keep the politics out of it. "When your wife bakes you a delicious time consuming Italian cheesecake for your birthday don't ask if it was Doug Ford's recipe," wrote Twitter user Tyler Bryant. So there you have it. From being called a Timbit on live TV to inspiring DIY cheesecake bakers, it's been a weird few months for Ford. For all of us, let's be real. If you're looking for non-cheesecake Ford news, the Premier announced on Thursday, May 21 that his intention is for the province to extend testing to asymptomatic people. A plan is expected to be unveiled next week.
