Upside Down Cake
Most food historians believe that the upside down cake was a product of the 20th century. There is debate, however, as to when in the century it was introduced. One journalist claims to have traced it back as far as a 1924 Seattle fund-raising cookbook.
Prior to this time cookbooks featured upside down cakes of a sort. They were made on top of the stove in a cast iron skillet. These were, however, made with apples and cherries instead of the now-common pineapple and cherries, and were called “Skillet Cakes.” In 1925 the Hawaiian Pineapple Company held a baking competition. One of the winning entries was a pineapple version of this popular confection. However, this is not considered to be the original recipe as there were some 2500 upside down cake recipes entered in the contest. Obviously the concept was already widespread and well-received by this time.
One moment of prominence in the history of this tasty treat was on the first episode of “The Jetsons.” Rosie, upset over a rude remark he made, throws a pineapple upside down cake in the face of George’s boss, Mr. Spacely. Mr. Spacely’s first inclination is to fire George, but he reconsiders after tasting the wonderful dessert. This recipe claims to be the most wonderful verion ever. There are 3 items in the caramel topping and 10 ingredients in the cake itself. The cake bakes in a 325 degree oven for 60 to 75 minutes. This Texas-sized recipe contains 10 ingredients. It bakes at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.
|
