Island Indulgence

Aloha! Have you ever dived into a dish that was so incredibly tasty you wouldn't mind flying hundreds or even thousands of miles for just one bite? Not that this was today's guest blogger's mission but that is just how good Hula Pie is. One of my favorite people, Laura (you might remember her from earlier last month--three words: pecan caramel cake), makes sure to chow down on this island treat every time she cruises on over to Maui and she's sharing her experience with us today. Take it away, Laura!

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Hula Pie! It’s not only as good as it looks, it’s even better--think mud pie taken to a whole new level.

Once a year I abandon my low-carb regime and indulge in the one dessert definitely worth those extra pounds. If you are an ice cream fan you will love the pint of macadamia nut ice cream that is used in just one slice of this incredible dessert. It is however the one inch thick fudge covering the top of the ice cream that makes my mouth water. And if all that chocolate isn’t enough, there is a thick crust of chocolate cookies lining the bottom of this delicious pie. Just when you thought this fantastic calorie packed goodness couldn’t get any better you’ll be pleased to find out it’s topped with chopped macadamia nuts and covered in whipped cream!

Every time I go to Maui I don’t think about the sun, the beaches or the palm trees, I think about one thing and one thing only, the HULA PIE! The enormous size of this dessert is enough to feed about 3 or 4 people however when I indulge in this tasty treat I take the challenge all on my own. The last night of my trip always consists of dinner at Leilani’s in Kaanapali where I order a Hula Pie for dinner. It is truly a challenge to finish this rich dessert but somehow I manage to devourer it all on my own!

It is in Maui where this creation originated. Kimo's Restaurant holds the rights to the original Hula Pie but this fantastic dessert is found at other TS restaurants around the islands such as Dukes and the Hula Grill. If you are too busy to make the flight on over to Hawaii you can still experience the Hula Pie in all its glory with a visit to Sunnyside in Lake Tahoe, Dukes in Malibu or Huntington Beach or any other TS restaurant in California.

The Perfect Mold

I have tried dozens of times to bake the perfect birthday cake. Every time the cake tastes fabulous but the decoration could always use a little work. Who would have thought spelling out “Happy Birthday” would be so difficult? If you’re like me and could use a little assistance in the decorating department boy have I got the gadget for you! Introducing the Happy Birthday Cake Mold from Spoon Sisters. Just empty your cake batter into this food grade silicone mold and bake away without worrying about how you’ll perfectly display that festive phrase. This innovative creation is heat proof up to 300 degrees and can be tossed in the microwave for a snappy cake. It even has a quick cake recipe on the rim.

Lick-able Logos

Massimo Gammacurta has created these hard candy treats featuring the most recognized fashion labels including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. I wonder if they cost as much as the designer duds. Read more about these trendy lollipops here.

Apricots

Ah, yes, spring has arrived and the sweet smell of seasonal fruits is in the air. One of my favorite spring crops is the wonderful apricot. This fuzzy fruit is not only delicious but great for your health too. It is chock-full of beta-carotene and the super antioxidant Vitamin A that help protect the eyes and heart and repair tissue damaged by free radicals. Apricots originated in China but were brought to Europe from Armenia hence the oh so appropriate scientific name, Prunus armenaica. The top producer of apricots in the world is Turkey. In California is where most of our apricots are grown since it’s here in the sunny state that apricots thrive. Because the west coast climate mimics Mediterranean weather it is a perfect fit for the apricot tree. Apricots are fresh in the spring and summer but are available year round thanks to jarred apricots and the drying method. Dried apricots make their way into delicious dishes throughout the year and are used more than the fresh version in most recipes.

Speaking of delicious dishes, here is a tasty recipe for savory Armenian apricot soup courtesy of 101 Cookbooks. Give it a go!

Get Well Soon, Peanut Butter!

In light of the ongoing peanut butter recalls, I would like to honor our creamy friend in this special tribute. I found the most tasty peanut butter infused treats and dishes that’ll have you running to the cupboard to take out that jar of pb and start baking or cooking up a storm. Read on about these treats to get the yummy recipes.

Peanut Butter Vegan Ice Cream with Chili-Spiked Sauce
Cool it down with this recipe for luscious peanut butter ice cream from The Conscious Kitchen.







Peanut Butter-Swirled Brownies
Get ready to whip up a batch of decadent peanut butter brownies with this fabulous recipe from The Kitchen Sink.




Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
If you just tried sinking your teeth into your computer screen to taste this mouthwatering dessert then you should probably snatch the recipe from Mmmm, Brains!



Brownie Peanut Butter Cups
These moist brownies are filled with ooey gooey peanut butter goodness. Get the formula from Bake or Break.






Peanut Butter and Banana Cupcake with 5 Spice
Satisfy your cupcake craving by whipping up a batch of these zesty goodies using my favorite nutty butter. This scrumptious recipe is available at Couture Cupcakes.








Peanut Butter Scone
Serve up a hot cup of tea with this fantastic peanut buttery morning delight. Follow the recipe at My Sweet Vegan.




Peanut Butter Pad Thai
Who says peanut butter can’t be used in a savory dish? Try out this mouthwatering recipe.





Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Who wants a cookie? This yummy cookie recipe combines nutty peanut butter and rich chocolate for the ultimate indulgent experience.





Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake
Forget the bread, I want my peanut butter and jelly on a cupcake. Feast on this classic in a new way by trying this fabulous recipe for pb&j cupcakes from How to Eat a Cupcake.
Photo Courtesy of Sweetness in Seattle







Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll
Take a bite out of this lush cinnamon roll laced with creamy peanut butter. Yum! Get the recipe at My Sweet Vegan.