The Cookbook Experiment: Hawaiian Surprise Cake

Tonight's dessert cookbook experiment is a cake from Mr. Dick John. He has a lot of recipes in this book and so far I have liked them all.This was no exception.

Hawaiian Surprise Cake by Dick John

(1) package yellow cake mix with pudding
(1/2) cup oil
(4) eggs
(1) small can mandarin oranges, undrained

Beat cake mix, oil, eggs and oranges for 2 minutes.  Bake in a 9" x 13" pan in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool

Frosting:

(1) 8 ounce container of Cool Whip
(2 1/2) cups well drained, crushed pineapple
(1) small box instant vanilla pudding mix

Mix all together with a spoon.  Spread over cooled cake.  Decorate with flaked coconut and orange slices.  Refrigerate.  Serves 12.

My (and Paulina's) take-a-way for this recipe:

• I made the cake portion. I did not have a cake that had pudding in the mix so I just used a standard yellow cake mix.
• I did not have a small can of mandarin oranges. I did have the large can and went ahead and used it all without any noticeable difference. 
• Paulina made the frosting. She states and I agree that a homemade whipped topping using heavy whipping cream. 
• Paulina added some strawberries to the top of hers.  

The Cookbook Experiment

My amazing baker/food maker daughter Paulina and I have decided to make every single recipe in this cookbook over the course of time. It won't be wasting food because my husband and son will EAT ANYTHING!!!

The first recipe on the menu today is from Mr. Joe Littles. He is an amazing MARINE and a blessing in our church. He can still wear his uniform and when he does, ooo la la!! Who doesn't love a man in uniform?  The recipe is called "Snicker Salad"

Snicker Salad:
(3) medium apples peeled and chopped
(1) can of Mandarin oranges, drained (okay, I did not drain them until I was done chopping the apples and banana so that the juice would keep them from turning brown. I drained after I was done with the chopping)
(1) banana, sliced
(3) Snickers candy bars, chopped (put them into the fridge to chill a little bit, per Joe (and he was correct!) it makes them easier to chop
(1) large container of Cool Whip
Chopped pecans (optional)

Chop up all fruits and mix together in bowl. Add chopped up candy bars. Stir in Cool Whip and top with chopped pecans if desired.

As you can see, it looks delish! I have put it in the fridge to chill and will have an official taste test after it is completely chilled.  Thanks Joe!