Leah L Harbottle
Gregory HarbottleHappy Valentine’s Day
As we find ourselves in the thick of whale season also known as “busy season” in the Maui real estate community, we often forget to take note of the holiday centered right in the middle of the month – Valentine’s Day. At first glance, the modern version of Valentine’s Day may seem like a Hallmark generated holiday, but the history and tradition behind this special date runs much deeper. Interestingly, St. Valentine’s Day was declared a holiday as early as the fifth century, but it did not actually become synonymous with love until much later when Geoffrey Chaucer referred to it via a romantic poem in 1375. And it was not until centuries beyond that it became common to exchange tokens of affection or personal notes with our loved ones.
Now where does that leave us in 2022? When we take a step back for a moment, we see it’s still a great opportunity to let those in our lives know we care about them. And here on Maui, it’s very easy to do. The aloha spirit is alive, flower lei are abundant and oh, the sweet treats are heavenly! A favorite island style gift of ours is a delivery of fresh Protea. Pink, red, yellow, orange, white … they are all beautiful. Although we enjoy the fleeting beauty of a rose, proteas last much longer, which makes them perfect for shipping, even to the mainland! If you’re thinking about a tropical arrangement, we found a family-owned business from Hana-Maui you are sure to love. The Lono’s take great care with each order, and you can find Ohana Lei & Flower at ohanaflower.com.
Now that we’ve got our Valentine’s Day plans in order, we focus once again on the real estate picture. The Maui real estate market continues to be busy, as it probably is where you live. But as we know, things can turn on a dime so whether you’re buying, selling or just curious about Ka’anapali, stay in touch!
Looking for an easy sweet treat recipe you can make for your special person? What’s more romantic than a Hawaiian Wedding Cake? Happy Valentine’s Day to you all.
Hawaiian Wedding Cake
Hawaiian Wedding Cake is the mandarin orange-studded, fluffy-pineapple-frosting-slathered, perfectly pillowy yellow cake of your dreams. It tastes like a tropical getaway, and making it is an absolute breeze.
Ingredients
- Eggs. You’ll need 4 eggs per cake.
- Vegetable oil. Oil-based cakes are the moistest.
- Yellow cake mix. Any brand you choose.
- Canned mandarin orange segments and the juice. Using fresh oranges is an option discussed below.
For the frosting:
- Whipped topping. Usually sold in the freezer aisle.
- Instant vanilla pudding. One package of the dry pudding mix to make one cake.
- Canned crushed pineapple with the juice. If all you can find is chunks, chop it up in a food processor or by hand.
- Option for using fresh pineapple, too, down below.
- Maraschino cherries. Optional, but adorable.
Instructions
Oh, and these instructions walk you through the basic steps, but for specifics–including exact quantities–look at the recipe card below.
1. First, spray the cake pan with non-stick spray and preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and the oil. Then add the cake mix, and whisk until blended.
3. Next, add the mandarin orange segments, along with the juice and fold gently to combine.
4. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Check the cake after 25 minutes. If a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out mostly clean, with a crumb or two, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
5. Cool the cake completely, at least 30 minutes, before starting the frosting.
6. To make the frosting, mix together the whipped topping and the dry pudding mix. Then carefully fold in the crushed pineapple, along with the juice.
7. Next, spread a thick layer of the frosting over the cake. (Don’t worry that it’s too much; it’s much lighter than buttercream and the pineapple balances it out.) Then garnish the top with maraschino cherries, so that every slice gets one.
The biggest tip I can offer you: once the cake is baked, cooled, and frosted, you’ll want to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving. That way the frosting bonds with the cake, making it otherworldly.
Also, serve oversized slices and watch people devour them in minutes. You will surprise yourself with how much you and everyone you know will love this cake.