In "Theft by Finding: Diaries," David Sedaris shares a humorous anecdote about making a 1-2-3-4 cake. This cake recipe is noteworthy for its simplicity, requiring one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, and four eggs. Sedaris’s experience with baking reveals his enjoyment of the process and the indulgence that comes with it.

The author's candid remark about eating half of the cake highlights both the richness of the dessert and his playful relationship with food. By admitting that this consumption totals one entire stick of butter, Sedaris combines humor with a subtle commentary on the pleasures and excesses of culinary delights.