I am an admitted Daddy's Girl. I admit it proudly, unabashedly, and sincerely. Not so much growing up, but certainly now, I really feel sorry for my mom's prominent place behind the 8-ball when it came to me and my sister and our regard for our Daddy. She just couldn't win! Now that I have a daughter, I suspect that dreaded payback is on the horizon for me.
My dad (and I) isn't really a big sweet eater. He'll have a taste here and there, but doesn't seek out sweets. But, a couple of years ago in casual conversation he mentioned that pineapple upside-down cake was his favorite when he was growing up. I've had this on my mind ever since. You see, we NEVER had this cake in our house when I was growing up. I think the only place I'd ever had it was in the school cafeteria. So, why did none of us know he liked this cake? Surely, my sister and I would have mastered this dessert years and years ago to impress our Daddy. But, he never said anything about it. Or if he did, the rest of us were talking too much to hear it. (My dad swears that we three girls talk A LOT).
Ever since my dad dropped this little pearl, I've been reading recipes. I've discovered different techniques (to use cast iron, or not...that is the question), different ingredients (cake flour versus cornmeal) and the age-old conundrum...maraschino or cherryless?
Finally, I decided it was time to quit researching this old time cake and just do it. Father's Day seemed like the right time. I settled on a recipe that seemed the most pure, unadulterated and basic (like the good ol' days). With my trusty 8 year old assistant, I set out to create a pineapple upside-down cake to make June Cleaver proud.
As we arrived at Mom & Dad's for Father's Day, I handed our cake to my Dad and he said, "Wow, I haven't seen one of these in years!" Just the reaction we were hoping for. So, after our dinner we cut into the pineapple upside-down cake. Viv and I were satisfied with our efforts but more importantly, my Dad really enjoyed it. I really appreciated that fact that this cake is mildly sweet. The icky, super sickly sweet stuff is what turns me off, so this is one I can handle. And, I think the maraschinos are just plain festive!
My dad (and I) isn't really a big sweet eater. He'll have a taste here and there, but doesn't seek out sweets. But, a couple of years ago in casual conversation he mentioned that pineapple upside-down cake was his favorite when he was growing up. I've had this on my mind ever since. You see, we NEVER had this cake in our house when I was growing up. I think the only place I'd ever had it was in the school cafeteria. So, why did none of us know he liked this cake? Surely, my sister and I would have mastered this dessert years and years ago to impress our Daddy. But, he never said anything about it. Or if he did, the rest of us were talking too much to hear it. (My dad swears that we three girls talk A LOT).
Ever since my dad dropped this little pearl, I've been reading recipes. I've discovered different techniques (to use cast iron, or not...that is the question), different ingredients (cake flour versus cornmeal) and the age-old conundrum...maraschino or cherryless?
Finally, I decided it was time to quit researching this old time cake and just do it. Father's Day seemed like the right time. I settled on a recipe that seemed the most pure, unadulterated and basic (like the good ol' days). With my trusty 8 year old assistant, I set out to create a pineapple upside-down cake to make June Cleaver proud.
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| Vivi was in charge of the caramel |
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| Getting nice and bubbly now! |
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| Five golden rings! Ok, maybe a few more than 5. |
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| We opted for true old school and used maraschinos |
As we arrived at Mom & Dad's for Father's Day, I handed our cake to my Dad and he said, "Wow, I haven't seen one of these in years!" Just the reaction we were hoping for. So, after our dinner we cut into the pineapple upside-down cake. Viv and I were satisfied with our efforts but more importantly, my Dad really enjoyed it. I really appreciated that fact that this cake is mildly sweet. The icky, super sickly sweet stuff is what turns me off, so this is one I can handle. And, I think the maraschinos are just plain festive!
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| Pretty as a picture, right? |
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