Hey there, foodie friends!
Welcome to the first blog post that combines my baking with my travel side gig!
As you know by now, I’ll be bringing Disney travel planning into the Kitchen! I’m very excited about that, as anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE Disney.
Although the cupcakes in the picture aren’t Disney themed, you are going to see me posting pics and recipes of foods that pair well with the travel topic of the week!
What’s the travel topic of the week you ask? Well, you’ll have to watch me and Alesia House of “I Book Travel For U ” every Monday was we talk about vacations, popular travel destinations, and all the latest on the travel industry! Of course you’ll get your weekly dose of Disney as well!
This week we had a very special guest on our FB Live, Nicole Ratner of “Cruising with The Family”. Nicole shared her many years of cruising experience with us, and introduced us to her most recently published book “Choose to Cruise”.
To watch the replay, click here.
We all know cruises are famous for their food, so a tropical treat was in order. Since I wouldn’t dream of drinking alone, I opted for a “Pina Colada Cupcake”, instead of the traditional beverage. But next time… all bets are off when we can chat together.
Inspired by tropical vacations to sunny destinations and warm beaches, this cupcake has all the flavors of an island: coconut, pineapple and RUM!
Pina Colada Cupcakes
I’ve made this pretty easy… bake up a batch of your favorite cupcakes, and top with this smooth, creamy, taste-of-the-tropics buttercream frosting. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and add a fancy umbrella pick and get ready to take a tropical trip right from your kitchen table (or patio!)
Pina Colada frosting: (makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes)
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons pineapple juice
1 tsp. coconut extract
1 tsp. rum extract ( you can use your favorite rum, too. I’m keeping this family friendly)
shredded coconut, maraschino cherries and paper umbrellas for garnish
In large bowl of standing mixer (or large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer) whip the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and continue mixing. Add pineapple juice until spreading consistency is reached. Add extracts and whip a minute or two more to incorporate flavors.
Using a piping bag and 1M decorating tip, frost cupcakes using a swirling motion. Sprinkle with shredded coconut , top with cherry and umbrella topper. Cheers to summer!
BONUS recipe!
Pineapple Dole Whip inspired by our conversation about Hawaii a few weeks ago. Of course I can get my Disney fix there too, at the Aulani Resort on the island of Oahu. I also had the chance to enjoy one of these handmade treats at the Dole Pineapple Plantation on my trip there last summer.
When I can’t get to Disney OR Hawaii, I just bring the flavors home to ME!
Ingredients to make 4 servings of homemade Pineapple Dole Whip :
2 cups frozen pineapple
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup pineapple juice
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Serve in ice cream bowls or cones for a cool treat!
Psst.. for an adult version, add a little rum and call it a cocktail!
Let me know if you make either of these treats, and don’t forget to post to social media and tag @fromginaskitchen AND @ibooktravelforyou!
Thanks for visiting, and come back again soon!
Gina
