Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Upside down Cake

I have always loved Pineapple upside cake, and have attempted it several times. My mom makes amazing upside down cake so I quit trying to compete. However, today I found this yummy looking rendition that I had to share with you. I know we are all sugared out still from the holidays and all, but I just might have to give this one a go before I get really serious about eating better. It is from a site called

Running with Tweezers and can be found HERE. I love finding new sites and hers looks really interesting.

Have a great day!


upside down and a little cooked out

Pineapple1


Before we embark on some healthy eating, I just had to share this cake with you. I've made it twice this month and it's been so well received that I couldn't keep it to myself. Pineapple upside down cake holds so many nostalgic memories for a lot of people that it just make folks smile when you uncover it. I'd forgotten how much *I* enjoyed it and I'm so glad I rediscovered it.

I've altered Nigella's recipe a little bit to make this a little moister and a little more flavorful. A touch of vanilla and a splash of orange juice does this recipe wonders. It also helps stretch the dough out to make a 9" or 10" cake. You can cut this cake and your guests can happily eat this as is. However, you could also serve this slightly warm with some vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream for some extra "mmmm"s.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake - based on Nigella Lawson's original recipe found here - serves 8

  • Butter or baking/cooking spray for greasing the pan
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 8 slices canned pineapple rings
  • 1/2 cup candied cherries
  • 2/3 cup flour
  • ½ cup (1 stick) soft butter
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup orange juice or pineapple juice - I used orange-mango juice and it was delish!
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prep your 9 or 10 inch spring-form pan or cast iron skillet with butter or cooking/baking spray

- Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar over the bottom of the cake pan. Arrange the pineapple slices to make a circular pattern as in the picture.

- Fill each pineapple ring with a maraschino cherry and then dot one in each of the spaces in between the rings.

- Put the flour, butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and baking soda into a food processor (or large bowl & electric hand mixer) and blend until the batter is smooth. Then pour in the vanilla and the orange juice to thin the batter and amp up the flavor.

- Pour this mixture carefully over the cherry-studded pineapple rings- This recipe makes a large, flat cake. It will only just cover the fruit, so spread it out gently.

- Bake for 20-25 minutes depending on the calibration of your oven. I check mine at 20 minutes - it's done when a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool and run a knife around the edge of the cake in the pan to loosen the edges. Flip over onto serving plate or cake stand. Serve.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

UP TIME!!

Feeling low with everything that is going on? How about some "UP" time. Great advise for everyone everywhere.


Sunday, October 25, 2009

Amazing Colors of Fall

The colors once again this year have been amazing. My kids are probably getting so tired of me pointing out all the gorgeous trees, but I love this time of year. So very beautiful.