Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Celebrate Pink with Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake

Sometimes the stars align.

And then sometimes they don't. 

Profound, I know.

I bet you know that we've all had our entire lives turned upside down for months, mostly staying home, away from our jobs, friends, daily activities, and even our families. We've done it together, yet diametrically apart in more ways than one. With no assistance or direction from the federal government, we've been at the mercy of the politics of local politicians. It's seemed as though, on top of our fears and uncertainty, we are further traumatized by the deep divide between us, both in our communities and our country. A complete misalignment on so many levels.

But for this post, this one little corner of my personal world, the stars did align. And it actually made me happy, happier than it should, happier than it normally would.

Celebrating National Pink Day | Graphic created by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics #women



When I was looking around the internet for a purpose for today's post, National Pink Day caught my eye. I don't need to tell you that the color has historically been associated with women. Not because I am one, but let me just say that I've been impressed with how I've seen my fellow humans of the female persuasion step up to the plate during this covid-19 nightmare.


So when I stumbled on this obscure holiday, I saw it as the stars starting to align, thought it the perfect vehicle for commending us all. I'm not saying that many men have not done their part, I'm sure that's true. Most of what I've seen though, is men adapting and women being proactive. We have taken control of our families in every way. We've adjusted to having our family members home 24/7, controlled our shopping lists and in many cases have made a week's supply of food last for two, kept everyone busy, fed, educated, amused and safe. All without any personal time or space (just look at my fingernails if you need proof). We've maintained connections with those we care about who are not with us physically. We've held it all together when those around us fell apart, supporting each other through waves of anxiety and fear, been the strength and the backbone of our families on an amplified level and under as much stress as everyone else.

And so much more. Many women are working, plenty of them would rather not, preferring to stay home and safe. Others are working at home, juggling it all. We're volunteering and helping, both physically and emotionally. 

And yes, we're stress baking for our families. And stress eating because it's there. 



Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake recipe, these fruit flavors are like summer in a cake. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #cake

Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake
Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake recipe, these fruit flavors are like summer in a cake. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #cake


If ever there was a time to celebrate pink, this is it.


I want to take this National Pink Day opportunity to acknowledge all of the women in my life who've taken the time to make a difference in my day. No gesture is small at a time like this, they're all big. It has truly mattered.

I've made some meaningful friendships through blogging and there have been days, especially this past month, when these are the people who have lifted me up. I've been supported not only by their standing firmly by my side when I've needed them, but by just making me laugh, or think, sometimes both at once. 

I mentioned in a post last month called True Colors, my friend Lisa who was making masks and dropped some off at our house for us. I didn't know that she was doing it, but I wasn't surprised. A few weeks later I heard the doorbell ring. I was frustrated not only by the number of sales people who had been coming to the house, but because I had to run and put a bra on before I opened the door, less than enthused. There, in the door was a flyer for a lawn service. Grrr.

A few minutes later I got a text. It was from Lisa telling me there was something on the table on my front porch. Turns out, although there was a flyer in my door, it was Lisa who had rung the bell, and she'd left some beautiful lilacs for me. I love them and she knows it. They made me smile.

Lilacs | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com


Another step in the alignment of the stars, all that stress baking had come in handy. That morning I'd tried a new recipe, Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake. I hadn't even cut into it yet, but I sliced two big pieces and put them in a pan for Lisa and her husband. I took them up to their house and stood back to talk to her a bit before heading back home.

When I got home, I saw that I had missed a text from Lisa. Huh? Wasn't I just with her ten seconds ago? The text said "Omg. Amazing Cake! We are inhaling it and you probably aren't even home yet!"

She had made me smile. I had made her smile. In small, but not inconsequential, ways, women supporting women. As coronavirus days go, that one was a success.

And that new recipe? It was pink. Stars aligned.


Before you go, click on the links below to see how some of my friends are celebrating pink:

Tamara of Part-time Working Hockey mom shares Pink is the New Black.
Diane of On the Border shares Mimi.




Baking In A Tornado signature | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics





Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake
                                                         ©www.BakingInATornado.com


Ingredients:
3 TBSP raspberry jam or sugar free raspberry jam
1 TBSP raspberry liqueur (can substitute water)
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup canola oil
3 eggs
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, drained (reserve juice)
1/2 cup raspberries, chopped

reserved pineapple juice

1 stick butter, softened (can substitute 1 cup Earth Balance buttery spread)
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp raspberry extract
2 TBSP raspberry liqueur (can omit)
OPT: 1 drop red food coloring

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 X 13 baking pan.
*Whisk together the raspberry jam and 1 TBSP of the raspberry liqueur or water. Set aside.
*Beat the cake mix, 1 cup of pineapple juice, canola oil and eggs for 2 minutes.
*Mix in the crushed pineapple, then fold in the raspberries. Spread about half of the batter into the prepared pan, drizzle with about 1/2 of the raspberry jam mixture, swirl in with a toothpick and repeat with the remaining batter and jam.
*Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the center springs back to the touch. Cool completely.
*Pierce the completely cooled cake all over with a fork and pour the pineapple juice reserved from the can over the cake an allow to soak in.
*Beat the butter or butter substitute with the powdered sugar, raspberry extract, 2 TBSP raspberry liqueur (if using) and food coloring (if using) and spread over the cake.
 

8 comments:

  1. Ohmyword! Yes! I don't know what I would be doing right now if it weren't for my clan! My women friends who support me, encourage me, make me laugh, cry with me. And yes, educate and correct me.
    I think I'd just be curled in a sobbing ball on the bed.
    Thank you, Karen, for being one of my clan!
    And for giving me a recipe that will certainly feed ALL my grands. When they come over again . . . ;)

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    1. Thank you for being one of my clan too, you not only support me, but your writing talent inspires me as well.

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  2. A little cake can go a long way - so glad you and your friend Lisa are keeping each other surprised and delighted!
    I was thinking many times while some males kept debating, complaining and / or stalling, the ladies were rolling up their sleeves and doing whatever it took to get sh** done. Of course they have been practicing for this their entire lives ;-)
    Here's to hoping the time to exhale (and to go for that manicure appointment) is getting close!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your country did so much better than ours, so our cases are on the rise. Enjoy that manicure enough for both of us, I don't think there's one anywhere near my immediate future.

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  3. I will say that when my brother in law was hospitalized with COVID-19 in April, there were both female and male nurses tending to him, and although all were wonderful, each brought (it seemed) a different skillset to their communications with us. Actually, one of the most forthcoming with information and support was a man, which (sorry, men) actually surprised me a little! So much for stereotypes I had in my mind. And, by the way, I love raspberries. And, lol, I like yellow cake mix, too. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Without a doubt there are excellent male nurses out there. Maybe you should bring him a slice of my cake!

      Delete
  4. We have all had to step up our game, haven't we. Love it when the stars align.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes we have, and I'm so proud of all the people in my life, selflessly considering others.

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