Hurricane Cake: Hurricane Season

June 1 marked the start of Hurricane Season in the U.S. Most people in the U.S. know that, especially those who live in hurricane affected states. Unfortunately the new head of FEMA did not know there was a hurricane season. A very sad state of affairs on so many levels. Hurricanes seem to be getting worse, both in number and strength. Global warming? My heart goes out to all who are affected by these disastrous storms. Sending positive thoughts that the only hurricane in your future is this Retro Hurricane Cake! 

This recipe for Retro Hurricane Cake has been around for ages. It gets its name from its appearance. It's not a pretty cake, but it's very flavorful and super moist. You can make it with a German Chocolate Cake Mix or a Devil's Food Cake Mix. 

Hurricane Cake

Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup flaked coconut
1 (18.25 ounce) package German Chocolate Cake Mix or Devil's Food Cake Mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt and spread 1/2 cup butter in bottom of 9x13 inch pan.
Sprinkle coconut and pecans evenly over bottom of pan; set aside.
Prepare cake mix as directed on package.
Pour batter over coconut and pecans in pan.
In saucepan over low heat, melt cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter. Stir in confectioners sugar until mixture is smooth.
Spoon cream cheese mixture randomly over top of cake batter.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Cool and serve from pan.

Tip: For extra flavor, substitute strong brewed coffee for water in the cake mix directions.

Hurricane Tips and Recipe for Chocolate Hurricane Cocktail!

Hope all my friends in the path of Hurricane Helene have their hurricane supplies on hand as Helene heads your way. Here are a few tips. 

Hurricane Tips:

1. Make sure you have enough emergency supplies such as water (fill jugs and bathtub), batteries, a battery powered radio (retro?), flashlights, first aid kit, canned goods, extra cash, toilet paper,  matches, medicines, can opener, Swiss army knife.

2. Since you might lose power, transfer essential foods to a small mini-fridge if you have one, so you won't lose the cold in the main refrigerator by not having to open it as much--or at all.

3. Get important papers and special photos together and secure in plastic.

4. If you have time, video or photograph your property (this will help with insurance later).

5. Make sure you have pet supplies, crate, carriers in easy reach. If you need medication for your pets, have it handy.

6. Have clothes and sleeping gear together in a closet in case you need to go to a shelter.

7. If you can, put plywood on windows that will get the brunt of the storm. If you don't have any plywood, criss-cross windows with duct tape. Take in or tie down any objects outside that might fly around--patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, garden tools, etc.

8. To keep the kids calm (without power), have board games and cards ready, play charades or other non-electrical dependent games. Do arts and crafts projects.

9. Make sure you have an emergency plan to contact other family members to check on safety.

10. Stay inside!

After the All-Clear Signal:

1. Check for power lines that are down and stay away from them.

2. Drink bottled water until you know your water is safe.

3. Check on neighbors.

4. Replenish your emergency supplies in case there's a next time.

And, because this is a Chocolate Blog, here's a recipe for a Chocolate Hurricane Cocktail to drink while you wait or after!

CHOCOLATE HURRICANE COCKTAIL

1 oz Captain Morgan® Parrot Bay coconut rum
1 oz Godiva® chocolate liqueur
1 3/4 oz orange juice
1 splash lemon juice

Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. 

Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.