Antilles Treasures

Capt’n Rouge has been sitting in his terrarium looking at his tropical calendar and marking off the days until his next adventure.. Watching the seasons change and sitting and pondering when the fog in his head that is daily life would lift and he would take dead aim at thinking about his next trip. As the days have slowly passed Rouge just hasn’t had the expected level of excitement that usually accompanies a planned and already totally paid for vacation.

Rouge drifted by a mark on his calendar that said only 45 days until he boards the giant cigar tube with wings and spends the day riding it as he is propelled thru the atmosphere at 600mph. Day 45 means its time to get his glow on! Our scallywag Anole likes to tan before he spends time in the tropical sun, even this late in the year.

Usually laying in a tanning bed with little plastic lenses covering ones eyes, soaking up electrically generated vitamin D, is what makes Rouge’s brain shift gears and focus on his “vacation”. It could be the new rum infused misting machine that Rouge’s caregiver installed in the terrarium that has delayed the firing of his vacation synapses because the electric boost of vitamin D has done nothing more than make sure that Cappy’s okole doesn’t get burnt in the Caribbean sun.

Today as the countdown hit 10 days until the top comes off of Rouges home and he hitches a ride to first Charlotte and then on to ST Maarten, Saba, Anguilla and maybe even ST Kitts, there was a jolt that went thru Rouges system. For the first time in preparing for this trip cappy is in full bore vacation mindset. Woo hoo.

This is a bit of a late start so there is still lots to do but the fog of daily life is lifting as Rouge eyes his countdown like it was a fresh mosquito pupu platter that had made the fatal mistake of visiting the good Capt’n s quarters looking for a meal.

Fortunately this trip is to places that Rouge is familiar with so packing is a no brainer…some flip flops, couple swim trunks for the “public” beaches and a pair of shorts or three. Pick out a few AT logo wear shirts and a couple of ball caps along with some crazy patterned boxers and shove them all in a bag grab the Maui Jims and go!

It is almost that simple. Rouge will be hosting a get together in which some of the AT photo art will make an appearance and possibly even a second gig while on island so there will be a suitcase full of AT goodies to pack too. Of course there is the camera equipment and laptop as this is a “working” vacation. Looks like Cappy needs to shift into overdrive and get a move on! Welcome back Capt’n Rouge…we missed you!!!

This recipe was given to me by a dear friend and has been recommended by several other friends that had already tried it. The recipe is easy, I am by no means much of a cook or baker and I was able pull this one off for a bunch of friends and it got glowing reviews.  

Sorry there arent any pictures this time…the cake gets devoured before I even think to shoot a picture…

Ingredients;

4 eggs
3/4 cup Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup Apricot nectar (canned)
1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick butter
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 cup dark rum (We used MT Gay Eclipse) Being a rum drinker, I certainly would recommend a dark rum over white but am sure it is tasty either way

Directions;

Cake;
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs lightly and combine with oil, apricot nectar
and cake mix.
Beat at medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes until smooth. Pour into large greased
and floured bunt or deep cake pan. Bake at 350 F for 50 min.

Glaze;
Melt butter and confectioner’s sugar in a pan over low heat and stir in rum. As soon as cake is done, place pan on cooling rack
Poke holes in the top of the cake with toothpick or skewer
Pour rum mixture over the top of the cake, allowing it to soak in well.
Cool for 1 hour before removing from pan.

Enjoy!!!