I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
I’m really on a kick with making old things new again; point proven with my take on everyone’s favorite Pineapple Upside Down Cake. It’s one of those classic recipes that everyone knows, loves and remembers. Not to mention, it’s so incredibly easy to make, and it just tastes divine on a hot summer’s day.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a dessert that’s been around forever—I’m talking 1925-1930’s and some claim even back as far as 1870—and Betty Crocker made it a summertime dessert staple. This updated version taps the help of a white cake box mix, cutting the prep time down and creating a consistently irresistible flavor and texture each and every time you make it.
If you’ve never had Pineapple Upside Down Cake, you’re going to want to change that immediately. The sweet pineapple and maraschino cherries with their crystallized brown sugar glaze and whipped cream completely elevate your favorite white cake. Aren’t you drooling just thinking about it?! I’d love to see if you make this for The Fourth; be sure to tag me on Instagram @waitingonmartha #waitingonmartha if you do. Be sure to flip the cake IMMEDIATELY after baking; I learned that the hard way! Truly, MKR
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1 20 oz can pineapple slices in juice, drained, juice reserved
1 6 oz jar maraschino cherries without stems, drained
1box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ yellow cake mix
Vegetable oil and eggs called for cake mix box
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a metal cake pan generously with nonstick oil.
Remove the pineapple wheels from the can, set aside. Take the juice from the can and pour into a measuring cup; you want 1 cup of liquid, so you'll top the reserved pineapple juice with water.
Make the white cake box mix per box instructions, but sub out the water part for the pineapple juice mixture.
Melt butter in the cake pan in the oven.
Once butter is melted, pull the pan out and sprinkle brown sugar evenly on the bottom.
Place down pineapple rings evenly into the brown sugar.
Add maraschino cherries into the rings, and in between the rings (as pictured).
Lastly, pour the cake mix over the pan.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until you can insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.
After it's done baking, IMMEDIATELY flip it onto a nonstick surface. I'd suggest putting it on the surface you want to serve it on - it will be near impossible to move it later.*
Let it sit at least an hour, until it completely cools; you don't want to serve this cake warm.
Serve it with whipped cream, enjoy!
Notes
*If your pineapples stick to the bottom of the pan, use a long skewer stick or toothpick to move them immediately.
Lately I’ve really held strong to my morning ritual. I’ve found that the quiet time in the morning, the time I hold for myself and no one else, is an invaluable piece of my daily puzzle. But really that should come as no surprise, seeing as the importance of morning rituals is talked about often as we’re becoming more familiar with mind-body wellness and the secrets to living more balanced lives.
Studies show that there are several scientifically proven benefits to meditation and mindfulness. Think reduced anxiety, increased body satisfaction, improved cognitive function and emotional intelligence, an increase in our brain’s ability to deal with distractions and so much more. Meditation and mindfulness both teach us to step back from our reactions, and observe what’s going on inside our minds with intention. Just taking that simple moment to recognize the stream of consciousness in our busy minds, before immediately reacting, can help us combat stress and teach us to be more resilient in all walks of life.
It’s especially becoming more and more common to read about the success of CEOs and powerful professionals with meditation and morning rituals at their core. Bestselling author of the book The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday, put it perfectly in this article on Inc.: “What is universal, I think, is the need to reduce friction and extraneous interference as much as possible. You want to get into a rhythm so you are focusing as much of your energy as humanely possibly on your work–not only deciding what to wear or what to eat. The less you are fighting the world, the more you can fight against the difficulty of making amazing work (whatever that happens to be for you).”
I’m finding that having my morning routine, things that have begun to fall into a seamless ritual lately, not only helps to ground me each new day, it helps me observe my thoughts, feelings and goals in a mindful, proactive way so that I can carry out my day with drive, inspiration and passion. It’s dangerously easy to become uninspired in this industry at times, especially when you’re juggling five million balls in the air, and it’s common to be bogged down with mental clutter. These simple steps that I’ve outlined below help keep me going and I think if you just adopt one or two you’ll quickly find your mornings to be the best part of your day.
No. One… I don’t look at my phone. There’s literally no way to have peace of mind when you’re immediately reactive, right out of the gate every morning. Text messages, emails and social media notifications ultimately symbolize peoples’ want and need of your time. By checking the phone first thing, you’re giving your time and mental energy to someone else. Reserve this small slice of the morning for yourself by not answering to others for at least the first thirty minutes of the day.
No. Two…I’ve created rituals out of the simple, mundane tasks of the morning. For example, when I brew my pot of coffee, I really take the time now to enjoy the sensory experience; breathing in the grounds brewing. I take a few extra moments to relish my senses, avoiding the urge to multi-task and instead enjoy a few moments in silence. Some mornings I also check my garden during this time as the coffee brews. By connecting with nature, I feel a surge of fulfillment and peace.
No. Three…I meditate. Once the coffee is done, I’ll bring my mug, along with a glass of water, to sit down at my desk and use the Breathe app on my Apple Watch. I’ll meditate for 2-5 minutes, depending on what’s going on/how much time I have. Here’s where I also usually sit with several healing crystals, and I’ll breathe in my current favorite essential oil and start the diffuser.
As you’re reading this, you may be rolling your eyes. But just know that your mind controls everything! Whether you believe this crystal has energy, or this essential oil can really remedy your ailments, what will be will be. If you’re creating a peaceful space with things you love, you’re going to feel the effects. I’ve found that holding certain crystals can help me tune into my body and channel the thoughts and feelings that I need for the day. If I’m feeling anxious, I’ll reach for my calming crystals; this simple observation is my way of honoring my mind’s thoughts, not letting them run rampant and take over my day. And if I need to be raring to go for a big day ahead, I’ll smell an invigorating essential oils blend, or if I need a moment to get back to gratitude, I’ll diffuse a blend like Harmony or Abundance in the diffuser.
No. Four…I pray, and I have a discussion with God. Here’s when I take time to do my daily scripture. I shuffle between daily scriptures based on how much time I have. I have a quick one for when my day when I only have a little bit of time, and I also have a journaling scripture if I can settle in and put more time into it. Currently I’m journaling with Lara Caseys new Write the Word Collection and Jesus Calling. For my shorter mornings I’m reading A Daybook of Grace. Another devotional or workbook I’ve loved in the past is She Reads Truth.
No. Five…I write in The Five Minute Journal. I like to harness the scientific concept of positive psychology and write down everything I’m grateful for in this wonderful prompted journal. Taking five minutes to do this in the morning and night helps me to remember everything I feel gratitude about, while also setting me up with intentions and a strong mantra for the day. I’ve found that this gives me a good jumping off place to tackle my schedule ahead of me.
No. Six…I revisit goals for my business. If I really have time in the morning, I’ll use this last few minutes to focus on specifics for Waiting on Martha, Inc. That could mean working in a workbook on leadership and management— especially love Lara Casey’s sheets—writing down goals and ideas, or simply realigning with the company’s manifesto.
My morning ritual has become almost sacred to me. And if I don’t get to every single step each day, I understand. I give myself some grace. But I recognize the most important parts of my ritual, and I complete the abbreviated version. Some mornings I may not meditate for five full minutes. This way, I’m still staying true to myself, holding space for what I know I need. I now can’t imagine my days without it! Truly, MKR
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In my seven years of being a vegetarian, one of the main things I always missed was hot dogs. But if you’ve been a vegetarian, or ever tried subbing in plant based options you’d know that not all faux meats are created equal. And believe me, I’ve tried pretty much every one on the market so I consider myself an expert in this arena.
Lightlife Smart Dogs became my go-to brand ever since I discovered them years ago. In fact I love them so much even though I’m currently not a practicing vegetarian I still choose Smart Dogs over the “real” thing. So it was pretty much fate when the team reached out to partner on a recipe in time for Atlanta’s Peachtree Roadrace on July 4th.
The problem with some plant based “meats,” specifically hot dogs, is that they can taste rubbery. But not Lightlife. I swear, if I made you two identical dogs side by side you wouldn’t be able to tell which was plant based and which was not. Plus you’ll find comfort knowing Smart Dogs are Non-GMO, Project Verified, and are made with sustainable plant protein. Yes plants have protein people!!
Now, let’s talk today’s recipe! Lightlife Slaw Dogs. Grilled Smart Dogs topped with creamy and crisp homemade vegan coleslaw and spicy mustard. It’s the perfect summer bite all in one. And did I mention these Slaw Dogs are easier than easy to make?! One tip when it comes to grilling the perfect hot dog: cut them down the middle and grill the dog on each side that way, you’ll get that perfect grilled taste in every bite.
So that’s it; easy summer Slaw Dogs that you can feel good about and will please even the biggest skeptics…promise! Truly, MKR
P.S. As you probably know, the Peachtree Roadrace is a big thing here in Atlanta, about 60,000 people participate every year in the 10k race, and the streets are shut down for hours while the sea of crowds float through the city. This year, you can find Lightlife grilling up Smart Dogs on site, while also sharing protein-packed samples to fuel the runners before and after the race. Seriously, find these guys and tell them I sent you! xo
Summer Smart Dogs with Creamy Coleslaw, Crisp Apples & Spicy Mustard
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, plus additional for topping
1-2 teaspoons sugar
Instructions
Make coleslaw: in a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cabbage, veganaise, dijon, 1 teaspoon of sugar and mix.
Add additional teaspoon of sugar to mixture if you want a little more sweetness. Set aside. (Cole slaw can be made 1-2 days ahead of time.)
Split the dogs down the center, grilling each on side until desired temperature. (I like mine a little charred.)
Build your dogs: in bun, place your dog, coleslaw, garnish of dijon mustard and top with apples.
By Mandy Kellogg Rye @ Waiting on Martha
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/
Photography, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with Lightlife, a brand we love and adore. All opinions are 100% our own.
