Coconut Cupcakes and A Call For Help For Haiti
This month the Martha Stewart Cupcake Club is taking a stab at Martha’s coconut cupcakes. When I first learned about this pick I was psyched. After baking these little beauties, I could not believe how incredibly delicious they were; so much so that both my husband and I agreed that there was absolutely no need to slather them in sugary frosting. In their naked state, they are light, fluffy, not too sweet, and full of wonderful coconut flavor. If you’re a coconut fanatic like me, you are going to fall in love with these guys.
But these cupcakes almost didn’t make it to the oven. By now all of you know of the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti. As I watch the images on my TV and read the stories on the internet, I can’t help but feel like my day-to-day activities, especially baking, are so trivial compared to the hardships that the Haitian community is facing and will continue to face for a long, long time. And beneath all of that I can’t help but think of what would have happened if the plates that shook underneath Haiti would have also shook underneath Dominican Republic. I can’t help but think about the “what ifs” like ‘what if my family had felt more than just a dozen after shocks’. Luckily, they are all safe.
Every time I eat anything coconut flavored, I think of my summer vacations to the Dominican Republic and the plethora of coconuts that were brought to my grandparents house for me and my sisters to enjoy. I’m not sure what we loved most – seeing my grandpa pull out his mashedi to break a hole into the top of the coconut, drinking the coconut water or seeing my how much of a treasure lied beneath the shell.
Although my grandpa is no longer with us, I hope to one day take my kids to the island to introduce them to the joys of coconut. But to think that all of this could be gone in a fraction of a second and that it indeed happened to my neighbors has really taken me for a ride; a ride where I search to find something that I can do to help these people that have lost everything.
Sure, most of us don’t have $500,000 to donate like the Yankees did. But if everyone did their part, just a little bit at a time, it would add up to way, way more than that. Last night, after seeing how other fellow foodie bloggers are helping, I decided that through A Chica Bakes I could help too.
So, I am pledging to donate $1 (up to $500) for every comment left on my blog from now until Sunday to Haitian relief efforts. In this time of need, we all need to look outside of ourselves and figure out a way to help. Figure out how you can do YOUR part to help. There is no better time to put your New Year’s resolutions to work. Resolve to help someone that desperately needs it.
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Manz — January 14, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
Great sounding recipe and great idea. Haiti needs a little help from everyone. Let's all send some love from our kitchens & computers. Here's my post to get the ball rolling, chica!
Jenn R — January 14, 2010 @ 9:43 pm
What a great idea! My thoughts are with everyone in Haiti and their families here in the US too…
Anonymous — January 14, 2010 @ 9:49 pm
You are so kind. Good inspirstion for the rest of us!
Shandy — January 14, 2010 @ 10:02 pm
What a great idea! Your family felt the after shocks in the Domicain Republic? Very scary but a relief for you to know that your family is safe. So many here in the U.S. are mourning or have not yet heard about loved ones in Haiti and my heart goes out to all of them! You have a big heart Eliana, and I am proud of you.This next part feels so insignificant now. You blogged earlier about using up pumpkin puree because your storage space is small and you needed the space. Well, you inspired me along with an article I just read discussing how much money gets wasted each year on food thrown out. So, I opened my cupboard (because I have limited space and I have also thrown expired food out lately), reached for the first item in my way and started my new goal. I feel better about me already . . .except for the slight deviation for the less sweets thing in the house. My first item I pulled out was a jar of Nutella. The recipe I found for this jar is a thick chocolate brownie and half of the jar of Nutella is spread over the top, as a frosting, then toasted and crushed pecans are sprinkled over all. Where's the Milk?
Anonymous — January 14, 2010 @ 10:11 pm
Good job Eliana! xxxooo Suzanne
hungrysofia — January 14, 2010 @ 10:23 pm
What an incredible idea! Having been to the Dominican Republic as a child, I wasn't surprised that they've immediately gone into action to provide aid for their neighbors. Thanks for doing this!
Anonymous — January 14, 2010 @ 10:39 pm
Eliana, I am proud of what you are doing, it only takes one person , if we all do something, it would make a difference.Your thoughts about your Family in the Dominican have been the same ones for me… I live in Canada, but all my family is there; seeing all the devastation , the faces, the hardship has brought many tears.Te doy muchas gracias por lo que estas haciendo..Suerte siempre.Diala
The Food Librarian — January 14, 2010 @ 10:42 pm
Eliana, You are awesome. I too am reflecting on my complaints of bad hair days, and stressing about making baking deadlines…so trivial compared to needing water and shelter, and perhaps losing your family. I am heartbroken for the people of Haiti. I am contributing to Partners in Health, and I hope it is of a little help. Thank you for doing this. – mary the food librarian
biz319 — January 14, 2010 @ 10:43 pm
Wow, that is a very generous offer! I agree, it takes things like that to happen to realize how lucky our daily lives are – we have food to eat and cameras to take pictures of our food – and family to eat it.Thanks! I'll try to remember to give you a shout out in my post tomorrow morning!!
Anonymous — January 14, 2010 @ 11:35 pm
What a wonderful thing you are doing, Eliana. You are always so mindful of all the important things in life. We are also doing a fundraising campaign at my hospital. We have many employees whose families are still unaccountef for. To all those affected, you are in my prayers. The naked coconut cookies look scrumptous!! Dawn Manzetti
Anonymous — January 14, 2010 @ 11:57 pm
great post!
Nina — January 14, 2010 @ 11:59 pm
Wow Eliana this is so awesome. I have to admit that I also feel kind of thankful that I can fuss over the meanial details of my life and not only that, my parents are so great with everything regarding college. Some love to you!
Katrina — January 15, 2010 @ 12:03 am
Such a horrible thing and I will try to do whatever I can. You're awesome, Eliana!
Anonymous — January 15, 2010 @ 12:23 am
Wish I could bake! Thanks for doing this!
Anonymous — January 15, 2010 @ 12:36 am
Sooooo many people will benefit from your generosity!
Anonymous — January 15, 2010 @ 1:10 am
What a wonderful thing you are doing!
camia3 — January 15, 2010 @ 1:51 am
thank you for doing this!
amanda @ fake ginger — January 15, 2010 @ 1:51 am
Amazing idea! Your a lovely person for doing such a thing. <3
AshleyOhio — January 15, 2010 @ 1:56 am
I love finding a new food blog, and especially baking!! Wonderful donation you are making for the people of Haiti!
Sinful Southern Sweets — January 15, 2010 @ 2:57 am
Great Blog! So nice to hear some relief finally making its way to Haiti. Awesome of you to donate!
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction — January 15, 2010 @ 3:43 am
So awesome of you to make a donation like that. I've been really touched by all of the bloggers who are reaching out, and my hubs and I made a donation.
Anonymous — January 15, 2010 @ 4:45 am
This is awesome of you to do! I, like you, am a Dominicanita (de pura sepa! ) and am devastated by what our neighboring brothers & sisters are going through
I am also going through the "what if's" if it would have happened on the other end of Hispaniola…I have added my little grain of sand and hope it will ease the pain a bit. My prayers are with Haiti in these turbulent times. Rocio
Megan — January 15, 2010 @ 5:06 am
It does feel rather trivial to be discussing cakes when there are people without food or water – you are doing a wonderful thing indeed.
Anonymous — January 15, 2010 @ 6:20 am
You are doing a wonderful thing, and thank you for the reminder, I need to be doing some donating too.
shiningeyes — January 15, 2010 @ 11:33 am
Love your idea to help Haiti. Thank you for making a donation like that.(And those coconut cupcakes sound amazing!)
Donna-FFW — January 15, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
You are so very kind and generous to be doing this, Eliana. How special you are! XXXOOO!!PS Cupcakes sound awesome!
The Cooking Ninja — January 15, 2010 @ 1:32 pm
Glad to see another fellow blogger chipping in to help Haiti.
I'm doing the same on my blog.
Anonymous — January 15, 2010 @ 1:36 pm
What a great idea! Thank you for being so generous. I'm passing this on to all of my friends. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering in Haiti.
Islandia Lane — January 15, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
When Jenn told me your idea of this post – I thought that is so great! (and I may have to copy you) Amazing way to think of making a contribution and great post remembering fresh coconuts – that is one of my favorite memories of the islands too! But for me – my Dad would be the one opening the coconuts – loved it! I would love to try these cupcakes one day… Keep on inspiring us all
Anonymous — January 15, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
This is trully something incredible that you are doing!
5 Star Foodie — January 15, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
Great idea for a wonderful cause! And I love the coconut cupcakes – scrumptious!
Anonymous — January 15, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
I really like the theme of your effort to help out those in need in Haiti. I enjoyed reading how you embraced the beauty of small and simple things about life such as delicious coconut cupcakes. I am sure that these souvenirs are precious to you and your sisters. I know for a fact that no matter how poor and unfortunate Haitians are, they are also able to find hope and comfort in their lives through small and simple things that feed their souls. So thank you for your support and kindness to the people of Haiti and to all that are helping to make a difference in other people lives.
Vanessa — January 15, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
I really like the theme of your effort to help out those in need in Haiti. I enjoyed reading how you embraced the beauty of small and simple things about life such as delicious coconut cupcakes. I am sure that these souvenirs are precious to you and your sisters. I know for a fact that no matter how poor and unfortunate Haitians are, they are also able to find hope and comfort in their lives through small and simple things that feed their souls. So thank you for your support and kindness to the people of Haiti and to all that are helping to make a difference in other people lives.
Vanessa — January 15, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
I really like the theme of your effort to help out those in need in Haiti. I enjoyed reading how you embraced the beauty of small and simple things about life such as delicious coconut cupcakes. I am sure that these souvenirs are precious to you and your sisters. I know for a fact that no matter how poor and unfortunate Haitians are, they are also able to find hope and comfort in their lives through small and simple things that feed their souls. So thank you for your support and kindness to the people of Haiti and to all that are helping to make a difference in other people lives.
Anonymous — January 15, 2010 @ 3:36 pm
This cupcake sounds delicious. While I'm not much of a baker, I definitely feel inspired to take a stab at this recipe.And I commend you on such incredible generousity. More people should follow your lead.
Dawn — January 15, 2010 @ 4:26 pm
you have a good heart my dear.
TeaLady — January 15, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
We found out with Katrina how life can change in a matter of minutes/seconds/hours. Thank you for doing this.BTW these were good cuppys.
Teanna — January 15, 2010 @ 6:13 pm
What a great post! And thank you for helping the effort to help Haiti!
Clivia — January 15, 2010 @ 10:34 pm
Thanks for doing this! Our thoughts are with all the people of Haiti.And I'm glad you did the cup cakes plain. They really were the best that way.
Lisa Smiley — January 16, 2010 @ 12:30 am
Wonderful post. So touching. God bless you!Your cupcakes look yummy, too
sophia — January 16, 2010 @ 6:47 am
Wow, Eliana. You not only make beautiful baked goods, you have a beautiful heart as well. You're amazing!
k.a.r.e.n — January 16, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
Amazing cupcakes!Your post is so inspirational!
Sarah — January 16, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
Beautiful post, Eliana. Good for you for taking it upon yourself to do this. Your cupcakes look delicious. These were one of the first things I posted on my blog (or a variation of them) and I remember loving them. I keep hearing all of the MSC reviews and wanting to make them again!
Stephanie — January 16, 2010 @ 2:55 pm
The cupcakes have been getting great reviews from all the bakers and as a coconut lover myself I am definitely making these this weekend.It's wonderful of you to be helping those in need this way, good job.Also, I believe it's a good thing to focus positive energy on the small things (like baking) and really enjoy life to the fullest, appreciate and be grateful for all of life's blessings! We can all do our part to create a peaceful, loving world.
Stephanie — January 16, 2010 @ 8:34 pm
Beautiful cupcakes!You are doing a great thing by donating. The loss and damage in Haiti is devastating.
Tracey — January 17, 2010 @ 3:47 am
I almost left my cupcakes naked too after trying one plain. They're my new favorite cupcake recipe – so delicious! What a wonderful post and a very nice thing for you to do! I've been glued to the TV and can't believe the images and all of the devastation in Haiti.
Candice — January 17, 2010 @ 9:47 am
First off, i'm so impressed with your pledging idea. It's a clever way to share the lovely flavour of the tropics while helping the cause of Haiti disaster relief. Thank you for doing your part, from me and my family here in the UK.
Oh and i, too, loved these cupcakes "neked"!
Erika from The Pastry Chef At Home — January 17, 2010 @ 7:16 pm
This is a beautifully written post. Your memories of eating coconuts in the Dominican Republic, your wonderful generosity and empathy for the people of Haiti…your love of good food which shows that you appreciate and value the simple things in life (which we all should!)You are doing a wonderful thing with your donation. ps: Some people think a cupcake isn't a cupcake w/o the frosting, so i'm glad you're proving them wrong here!
Anonymous — January 18, 2010 @ 1:36 am
Thank you for your selflessness and inspiration, I like many of you will continue to pray for the people of Haiti.Toya
Ingrid — January 18, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
Awesome post, Eliana! Truth be told it could be anyone at any time.~ingrid
Mary Ann — January 18, 2010 @ 4:57 pm
What a generous donation on your part. I really love that you are doing that. I am also glad that your family is safe. I wish I would have tried one of these, everyone is raving about how great they were.
Dorothy — January 19, 2010 @ 10:33 pm
Wonderful idea; your generosity is astounding! I hope you get tons and tons of comments! Those cupcakes look great. I like cupcakes plain most of the time
Very nice & colorful liners too!
Jaime — January 20, 2010 @ 5:01 am
those cupcakes look just perfect. that is wonderful of you to be helping w/the relief efforts in Haiti