Sue Chef's May Results

I didn't realize how hard the cake challenge would be It's kind of silly, when you think about it (I know it was my challenge, so sorry). But, throughout the month, I kept coming back to the same cake to make.......A Pineapple Upside Down cake. I like how you are basically taking a plain white cake and dressing it up. Like a jeans and a white shirt girl with a fun piece of jewelry or crazy accessory. The ordinary girl who likes to get a little wild once in a while. A little bit sweetness on top of mellow cake. Can you see the parallel?

Well, if you've never tried Pineapple Upside Down cake, you've got to do this one. It's so deliciously yummy. Seriously..... bake it. Super easy too!

All you need are:

1 box of white cake

1.5 cups of brown sugar

1 stick of butter

1 can of pineapple rings

cherries

And, a Cast Iron pan. Not sure why, but this is very important.

Melt the butter in the pan, then sprinkle the 1.5 cups of brown sugar over the melted butter. Put the pineapple rings around the bottom of the pan, and stick a cherry in the center of each. Prepare the white cake mix according to the box, but substitute some of the pineapple juice for the water. Yum. Then, pour the cake over the melted gooeyness. Bake according to the box instructions. (it took mine about an extra 10 minutes).

When done, let sit in the pan for about 20 minutes, then turn out onto a plate. And voila! Perfectly sweet, perfectly ordinary. You'll eat three slices yourself on the first night. I promise.

Now, to tackle the $15 challenge, I decided to do Inside Out Cheeseburgers, Corn on the Cob and Baked Beans. $5 for the meat. $2 for the cheese, 1 egg, $1 for the corn, $2 for the Baked Beans.

To make the burgers, you'll need to shape out 6 very thin patties (or use a basic hamburger press like I did). In between two patties, put your toppings. Usually I use Monterrey Jack cheese with Jalapenos, but today, I just used cheddar (sharing with Owen, you know). You can also jazz it up with whatever other toppings you'd like to include, like onions, bacon, etc.

Then, press the other patty on top of the bottom one and the toppings, and pinch the edges to make one large burger. See below.

I also made corn on the cob. I shuck the corn, salt and pepper, spread some butter and pour about a tablespoon of white wine on top, then wrap in aluminum foil. Throw on the grill for about 20 minutes, and turn frequently to avoid burning.

Here's the result on the burgers. Sometimes some of the yummy cheese escapes. Mmmmm.

And, plated up.....a perfect Memorial Day holiday meal. Followed by three slices of Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Enjoy.