"Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro is a longtime friend of Rach's (and our show), which is why his first TV appearance after a scary hand injury was on our show at the end of 2020. He's been back (virtually) to check in with Rach—sharing that he was at about 75% strength in his hand after five surgeries in April of this year. He joined Rachael again over video chat to make a special cake for her Sweet 16th season, and the two discussed Buddy's recovery, his family, and he and Rach's shared appreciation for hard work.
"I think that what we share for each other in love and admiration comes from great upbringing and valuing work itself. It's such a joy to have a job, and we're both really grateful for it," Rach says. "I see that your hands look like you've really got everything back. Are we 100% healed?"
"I'd say we're about 95, which if that's as good as it's going to get Rachael, I'll take it," Buddy says. "It's definitely been an amazing ride. And the fact that I'm able to still do what I love—like doing that last season of 'Buddy vs. Duff,' it was amazing—because of the fact that I could still do it."
