This post was sponsored by Princess Cruises. All opinions and experiences outlined are my own.

My love for traveling to the Caribbean is no secret! I have had the pleasure of cruising with Princess Cruises twice now and our family plans on returning, hopefully with our boys soon now that they know what fun we have when we’re away.

Now is the Time to Travel

Recently my heart was just broken for the people of the Caribbean whom I have come to love and respect, when their very homes were hit with category 3, 4, and 5 hurricanes and tropical storms during the 2017 hurricane season. Did you know that NOW is a perfect time to visit the Caribbean, and a Princess Cruises vacation is a great way to experience and enjoy one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.

Hurricane Relief

Princess Cruises and its parent company Carnival Corporation are working to provide extensive relief to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria as part of Carnival Corporation’s pledge to provide up to $10 million dollars in hurricane relief.

Tourism is critical for Caribbean economies, and cruising is a vital part of tourism’s overall economic impact.

The Caribbean is Open for Travel

The Caribbean expands over one million square miles which means most of the islands were not even in the path of the hurricanes this past August and September. 90% of Caribbean ports are fully open for business – including restaurants, shops, beaches and activities!

Zip line through a gorgeous rain forest in Limon, Costa Rica!

Take a once in a lifetime cruise through the Panama Canal.

I was so mesmerized by this whole trip that I had a lot to say about it! Find out all about my experience getting to touch the ACTUAL locks of the Panama Canal!!

Fall in love with the historical streets of Cartagena, Columbia.

Enjoy a day at sea. Do everything. Or do nothing. Bliss!

Love the Caribbean. Support the Caribbean. Cruise the Caribbean.

Princess Cruises and its parent company Carnival Corporation are working to provide extensive relief to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria as part of Carnival Corporation’s pledge to provide up to $10 million dollars in hurricane relief.

One of the best ways to support these relief efforts is through tourism. Unfortunately, there are some misconceptions about travel to the area and the state of the islands, when, in reality, the Caribbean is open for travel. You can also help the relief efforts by making a donation. Princess Cruises Community Foundation will be taking donations until 12/31/17.

Click through to see my recipes inspired by my travels with Princess Cruises.

I had the pleasure of traveling recently with some wonderful colleagues. Here’s what they have to say about cruising the Caribbean:

Sandra from A Dash of Sanity – a recipe post (Pain au Chocolate) and experience recap

Erin from Dinners Dishes and Dessert – a Facebook recap video

Jen from Baked by an Introvert – experience recap

Brenda from A Farmgirl Dabbles – a Facebook recap video

April from Mama Loves Food – a recipe post (Mango Pineapple Salsa) and experience recap

Lynn from 365 Days of Baking and More – a Facebook recap video

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I am excited to share with you some recipes inspired by my recent Panama Canal cruise with Princess Cruises. This was a hosted event. All opinions, photos, and recipes are my own. This is my final Princess cruise inspired recipe for this time, and OH what a special recipe it is! Let me tell you about the night I ALMOST had Baked Alaska…

The dining room had an “American” themed dinner planned with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, turkey, and so much more. This was the final night of our 10 day Panama Canal cruise, and we were feeling relaxed and pampered. As we were enjoying our meal, an announcement was made to please turn our attention to the kitchen doors, and much to our surprise and delight, men and women began pouring out, all of them dancing around holding Baked Alaska piled high with the most perfectly toasted fluffy meringue!

You guys… I was too full to eat it!! Seriously too, too full from 10 days of indulging in dessert every day. Even though we took advantage of the exercise room and we booked ACTIVE excursions, I couldn’t handle one more dessert. My husband happily took my portion, and I vowed to recreate an inspired recipe at home.

How to Make Baked Alaska at Home

I’m really not super fancy, so enter this EASY Neapolitan Pound Cake Baked Alaska recipe that uses a frozen pre-made pound cake. You know these things you find in the frozen aisle of your grocery store? Alternatively, you can use any grocery store pound cake found in the baking aisle. Well, slice that right down the middle and place your favorite ice cream flavors.

Put the top back on and place it back in the freezer while you make the meringue.

This can be done days, weeks, even months ahead of time as long as you wrap it up well before freezing.

How to Use Meringue Powder

When ready to serve, you’re going to make some meringue. There are a few ways to make the meringue. The easiest method is to use a meringue powder that you whip up with sugar and water. Seriously don’t be scared of this step! You can find meringue powder at most craft and baking supply stores (like Michael’s and Joanne’s). I’ll post a link to it at the bottom as well.

Meringue can be made with egg whites if you do not have meringue powder. Two teaspoons meringue powder + 2 tablespoons water = 1 large egg white.

Want an easier substitution? You can substitute meringue in this recipe with a jar (or two) of marshmallow fluff.

How to Toast Baked Alaska

Next, you get to set it on fire with a kitchen torch! This is a small, handheld torch. It can be used to toast meringue, marshmallows, creme brulee, bananas foster, and more.

If you do not own a kitchen torch, you can bake it in the oven. Be sure that the meringue covers the pound cake and ice cream entirely. The meringue acts as a barrier to prevent the ice cream from melting immediately. You will only be toasting the meringue for 1-2 minutes while keeping a constant watch over it.

Glory, hallelujah! Let’s take a moment to really appreciate that toasted meringue. It’s like a giant, glorious marshmallow created just for you.  Except it’s full of cake and ice cream, so it’s the definition of perfection.

Can Baked Alaska be Prepared in Advance?

You can freeze the pound cake and ice cream for up to 3 months if it is wrapped tightly.

We prefer to make the meringue and serve it fresh, but you could prepare Baked Alaska topped with meringue before you freeze and store it. You will need ample space in your freezer to allow the meringue to freeze solid before wrapping the whole cake in plastic wrap. Otherwise, the meringue will stick to the plastic wrap and be messy.

How to Serve Baked Alaska

A drizzle of chocolate sauce before serving or on top of the cake is a nice addition.

You can also serve it alongside fresh strawberries, a sprig of mint, and chocolate curls or shavings.

Print

Pound Cake Baked Alaska

You need this Neapolitan Pound Cake Baked Alaska in your life! It is piled high with fluffy toasted meringue and starts with a frozen pound cake. It couldn't be easier!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword baked alaska, ice cream, marshmallow, meringue

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 8 slices

Calories 124kcal

Author Katrina Bahl

Ingredients

• 16 oz frozen pound cake, thawed (such as Sara Lee)
• 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream softened
• 1/2 cup strawberry ice cream softened
• 1/2 cup chocolate ice cream softened
• 1 tablespoon meringue powder
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract

Instructions

Pound Cake Baked Alaska

• THAW the frozen pound cake for at least 10 minutes. SLICE lengthwise into 2 even layers.
• SCOOP ice cream into three rows down the length of the pound cake. TOP with the second cake layer.
• WRAP in plastic wrap and place back into the tin. Place in freezer until ready to use.

Meringue

• COMBINE meringue powder, water, and sugar in the bowl of your electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. WHIP for 5 minutes.
• ADD flavor extract and whip for an additional 5-10 minutes. The meringue should be stiff but still spreadable.
• SPREAD meringue all over the pound cake or put into a piping bag with a large open tip and pipe all over the pound cake.
• Use a small kitchen torch to TOAST the meringue if desired. Alternatively, you can put it in the oven at 475 degrees F for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully through the oven window).

Notes

If you are putting this Pound Cake Baked Alaska in the oven, be sure that the meringue covers the pound cake and ice cream entirely. The meringue acts as a barrier to prevent the ice cream from melting immediately.

Replace ice cream with any flavor(s) that you prefer.

Meringue can be made with egg whites if you do not have meringue powder. 2 teaspoons meringue powder + 2 tablespoons water = 1 large egg white.

You can substitute meringue in this recipe with a jar (or 2) of marshmallow fluff.

Nutrition

Serving: 8g | Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 18mg | Sugar: 12g | Calcium: 30mg

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I am excited to share with you some recipes inspired by my recent Panama Canal cruise with Princess Cruises. This was a hosted event. All opinions, photos, and recipes are my own.

On my recent cruise I enjoyed many banana baked goods. Cartegena, Columbia and Panama especially boasted delicious fresh bananas and desserts. I was inspired to whip up a tropical banana bread recipe when I returned.

There is a funny story about me and the woman pictured above in red. You see, you’re not really supposed to take photographs of the ladies without first offering her some money to have her pose for you. Well I did not know this and she followed me for what seemed like an eternity insisting that I give her a dollar. I would have happily obliged but I had been separated from my husband for a few minutes and he had all of our cash. Lesson learned- always keep some cash on you! Or take your luck with the women of Columbia!

These cabana banana muffins are just a little bit dressed up as tropical banana bread with some crushed pineapple and a lime glaze. It all comes together really well in a tasty, moist muffin. I sprinkled the lime zest on some and left others plain.

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I am excited to share with you some experiences from my recent Panama Canal cruise with Princess Cruises. This was a hosted event. All opinions, photos, and recipes are my own.

First thing’s first- wake up early! Be sure to get some good rest the night before because we were approaching the Panama Canal before 6:00 am. It’s a slow and steady process to get such a large ship through the old locks.

As incredible as it was to pass through the 3 sets of locks aboard our cruise ship the Coral Princess we also booked an excursion to take a day-long ferry tour through the whole length of the Panama Canal. First we disembarked the ship and made a quick boat trip to land.

Next it was a long bus ride to our ferry, but there were snacks and breaks. The tour guides are friendly, helpful, and pretty entertaining.

We started our Panama Canal transit at Gatun Locks in Colon, Panama and spent the whole day riding through to Miraflores Locks in Panama City where we met up with our cruise ship. Along the way there were so many incredible things to experience.

We even passed under the Bridge of the Americas and the Centennial Bridge.

The Bridge of the Americas is a road bridge in Panama, which spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

Panama’s Centennial Bridge is a major bridge crossing the Panama Canal. It was built to supplement the overcrowded Bridge of the Americas and to replace it as the carrier of the Pan-American Highway. When we passed through each set of locks it was a tight fit!

You could even reach out and touch the historic locks. Once in a lifetime experience!!

On board our ferry we spent most of the day just taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying some Panamanian sodas and treats.

Each time went through the 3 sets of locks it was just inspiring. If the Panama Canal is on your bucket list I suggest a Panama Canal cruise as an incredible way to experience it.

Upon returning the Coral Princess chefs had prepared this gorgeous dessert version of the Panama Canal! I wish I had gotten some better photos of it but I had filled my camera with hundreds and hundreds of photos from the day that I only had time to snap a few quick cell phone pics.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling through the Panama Canal. Just leave me a comment!

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I am excited to share with you some recipes inspired by my recent Panama Canal cruise with Princess Cruises. This was a hosted event. All opinions, photos, and recipes are my own.

Having just recently returned from our cruise I was inspired to get in the kitchen and whip up some desserts that reflected my time traveling through the Panama Canal and I kept coming back to fresh fruit.

This Dessert Fruit Dip is perfect for fruit, graham crackers, pretzels, and more.  But definitely FRESH FRUIT!

Nothing quite goes together like chocolate and fruit. Fruit makes for a perfect summer desert anyway and when you add a chocolate swirl and some mini chocolate chips, well that’s just icing on the cake!

I enjoyed fresh fruit every day on our cruise and in every port.

Cartegena, Columbia especially had a lot to offer. Every time you turned the corner there was something to help you cool off in the wonderful, warm sunshine.

When I returned this Dessert Fruit Dip was just the logical choice so that I could keep indulging in the tastes of summer.

Print

Dessert Fruit Dip

Perfectly sweet and tangy- you're going to want to dip everything in this chocolate swirled Dessert Fruit Dip!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword chocolate chips, dip, fruit, strawberries

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 Cups

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup butter softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon Chocolate ice cream sauce
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, kiwis, peaches, blueberries, etc, thinly sliced)

Instructions

• In the bowl of your mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
• Swirl the chocolate sauce in the serving bowl, top with fruit dip. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.

The only thing that would make this dip better would be this view (Aruba)! Our Panama Canal cruise made stops in Aruba, Columbia, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. Seriously, don’t miss this one! If you love cruising and love history this cruise is for you.

Check out some of my other cruise-inspired recipes.

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Cruise travel is a bit different than other travel. You’ll find all sorts of packing tips and lists online, but I can tell you that you won’t be disappointed that you came across this one! I recently cruised the Panama Canal onboard the Coral Princess. It was an unforgettable experience and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments. Here are some of my most unique and useful packing hacks:

Mini travel outlet with USB ports

This is the most lightweight and versatile travel outlet that I’ve found. I also love that it has USB ports!

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I can’t wait to tell you all about our Panama Canal Cruise onboard the Coral Princess! This is my second time cruising with Princess and I definitely have plans to return in the future.

Champagne and chocolate strawberries- a romantic way to start your cruise from your balcony.

After a morning workout grab a treat from the International Cafe; don’t miss the Nutella donut! They go fast so grab one for your spouse as well! While getting some last minute emails caught up at the cafe grab a mimosa and all of the food you can eat.

Also being the coffee lovers that we are, my husband and I take full advantage of the Premium Coffee Card. For a small upfront fee you can enjoy 15 espresso-based hot or cold specialty coffee drinks with complimentary brewed coffee and premium tea for the duration of your cruise. WORTH IT!

And for as much as I love coffee I have to brag about the teas service too.

Looking for lighter food? There are lots of ways to eat healthfully onboard a Princess Cruise, but you’re going to definitely going to want to book an afternoon in the Sanctuary. Removed from the hustle and bustle of the ship the Sanctuary is a quiet place to read your favorite book, peacefully soak up some sunshine, and enjoy spa quality foods.

And after all of that responsible eating your’re going to be tired so grab a soft serve cone or dish on the Lido Deck and take a dip in the pool.

Cruising is hard work! Maybe you’re going to need a pina colada or Mojito. 

Whatever you decide to do I hope you’ll book an evening at the Chef’s Table. While many passengers are able to enjoy galley tours during the quiet off-hours, the Chef’s Table experience takes interested diners behind the scenes during the height of dinner preparation where they’ll also enjoy Champagne and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a special multi-course tasting dinner paired with selected wines in the dining room.

No matter if you choose veggie burgers on the Lido deck,

Room service peanut butter and jelly (perfection I tell you!),

Or the exquisite tomato soup in the dining room

Please (oh please!!) don’t skip dessert!

And this Pistachio Dome was our group favorite. We enjoyed it SEVERAL times over the course of the 10 days.

Princess cuisine is designed for freshness. Breads are baked 24-7, sauces are made from scratch using the finest ingredients, steaks are aged and hand cut on board and homemade ice cream is prepared every day. Book yourself a Princess Cruise and go enjoy some cake by the ocean! 😉

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The only thing better than being able to say that I photograph food and write recipes for a living is that I get to meet so many wonderful people doing it. From working with brands that I love, to making friends with women around the country I love blogging because of the people behind the computer screens.

Recently I was able to connect with some of these ladies at a blog conference/retreat in Northern Michigan- Sharing by the Shore. So much of the weekend was spent learning and teaching that I often forgot to take my camera out to snap photos, but I managed to grab a few to share a little behind-the-scenes peek.

Preparing Meals Together

When we weren’t in session we were cooking together. you could always find us around the kitchen island preparing meals and enjoying one another’s company while we divided up kitchen tasks.

Starting the Day Together

We also had some serious breakfast fuel- I couldn’t get enough! Dairy is an important protein source to my family so I was excited to learn about local Michigan dairy. All of the food we cooked during our weekend was generously provided by Milk Means More, Door To Door Organics, Sabra and Bob’s Red Mill.

Hitting the Town Together

Somehow between all of our home-cooked meals and sessions we found time to hit the town and see what Traverse City and Suttons Bay had to offer. We enjoyed time at L. Mawby Winery, Cherry Republic, and Aerie.

Learning Together

Some of my favorite times were spent doing what we love- photographing food!

Some of my favorite ladies…

If you aren’t following these lovely bloggers already then you should be!

Rachel from Rachel Cooks
Erin from Well Plated
Deborah from Taste and Tell
Monique from Ambitious Kitchen
Liz from The Lemon Bowl
Krista from Joyful Healthy Eats
Aggie from Aggie’s Kitchen
Kristen from Dine and Dish
Brandy from Nutmeg Nanny

Learn more at MilkMeansMore.org | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest 

Thanks also to – Door to Door Organics, Sabra, Traverse City Tourism, Bob’s Red Mill, Bonne Maman Jam, KitchenIQ, Fair Trade USA, Printable Wisdom, More Sprinkled Joy, KitchenAid and Le Creuset. We were not compensated for attending this retreat, but these lovely brands sent us home with lots of goodies. Check out #SharingByTheShore hashtag on Twitter and Instagram!

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Before this year I was a first time cruiser and I found myself scouting the internet for cruising tips and tricks. Specifically I wanted to know what to pack for my trip with Princess Cruises to the Eastern Caribbean. Here I’m outlining my personal uncommon cruising essentials. I brought lots of things on the trip, but these are the items that I will definitely be bringing again! We’ll start out with the ones that are a bit more obvious and we’ll end with my off the beaten path must-haves. (more…)

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