by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Hey Fellow Chefs,

Julia Child and I had a splendid birthday celebration. I don’t know what she’s up to, but I’m still celebrating this month. I’m taking a trip to the happiest place on earth. I hope to post the trip article next month.

By popular demand, here is the guava cake recipe that was the dessert highlight of the Nisei Ski Club picnic that took place on July 22, 2023. Thank you to Linda Honda, wife of board member Jeff Honda.

If you happen to tried out the recipe, send me a picture so I can post it here.

Enjoy!!

Bon Appetite – Julia Child and Karen Soo share the same birthday.

Bottom Cake:

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix – use baking instructions on box.
    • 9 x 13 Inch Glass Pyrex
  • 1 + 1/3c. Guava nectar or guava juice
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3c. coconut oil (liquid) room temperature

Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8oz. Cream cheese softened
  • 1/3 c. Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla
  • 8 oz. Cool whip thawed

*Add ‘Hawaiian Sun’ guava jelly, 1/4 c. mix  Set aside, put in refrigerator until ready to use

Guava Gel Topping

  • 2c. Guava nectar or guava juice
  • 1/2c. Sugar
  • 1/4c. Cornstarch
  • 3T. Water

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, mix together cake mix, guava juice, eggs, and coconut oil until well combined. Bake in a 9×13 glass baking dish according to cake mix package directions. 
  • In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with hand mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla and mix well. Slowly fold in the Cool Whip and refrigerate until ready to use. 
  • In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups guava juice and sugar to a boil. Make a slurry out of the cornstarch and a small amount of water.  Remove guava juice from heat and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Return to heat and bring back to a boil and boil for one minute. Cool in refrigerator.
  • When cake has cooled, spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cake. When cake has cooled, spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cake. Glaze the top of the cake with guava gel. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Glaze the top of the cake with guava gel. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Add strawberries, blueberries, mint sprigs to your preference. Enjoy