Going Coconuts

A while ago, I created a post about the uses of the coconut.  As it turns out, this is my most viewed post as of today.  Back by popular demand is "Going Coconuts". Today, we are answering the question "what's for dessert?"

Key Lime Cheesecake

1) 15 shortbread cookies crushed1 cup flaked coconut toasted


 2) tablespoons butter melted

FILLING:

3) 3 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA® 1/3 Less Fat
Cream Cheese



4) Spread 3/4 cup sugar

5) 3/4 cup cream of coconut

6) 3 tablespoons 2% milk

7) 3/4 teaspoon rum extract



8) 3 eggs lightly beaten

TOPPING:

9) 1/2 fresh pineapple peeled and cored

10) 3 tablespoons apple jellyEdible blossoms, optional

Directions

Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.


In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and coconut; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 8-10 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.


In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the cream of coconut, milk and extract. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.


Bake at 325° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.


Thinly slice pineapple; arrange on cheesecake. Warm apple jelly; brush over pineapple. Refrigerate until chilled. Just before serving, garnish with blossoms if desired. Yield: 12 servings.

"If you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain..."

This recipe and more can be found here.

Mulligans of Paradise

"What a day for a daydream...."

Now here's a scene I am all "FORE"!

There is a course in Fiji called Natadola Bay.  Below is a video that describes this featured "Mulligans of Paradise" course.  The line said in the video, "An even-par score card should be cherished as much as the scenery here" is an absolute classic.  This course is full of majestic opportunities to decorate coral reefs with white pellets with 15 out of the 18 holes viewing the Pacific Ocean.  An 18 hole round here is listed at $238 (actual rate may vary). 

Visit course website here for more information
Direct link to a Hole by Hole layout of this course

The Trophy Polo

Before I was into islands, I collected golf balls from the places I visited (Are you starting to see a connection as to why there is a whole section featuring tropical golf courses here called "Mulligans of Paradise"?).  Beginning with the Carnival Freedom cruise, which was mentioned in the previous post, a ritual developed of collecting polo shirts from each island I set foot on.  The following polo I would consider to be the future Pacific Dreamland trophy.

and for even more fun... "The Trophy Golf Ball"

Song Parody

Today, I am once again stretching the limits of this site's motto "Anything tropical is fair game". Two years back, before I really knew much of anything about the Pacific Islands, I wrote the following parody in anticipation for an upcoming cruise on the Carnival Freedom in 2012. Before I get to the parody, however, you must know the song and the original lyrics since it is a rather obscure tune for this day and age.

"Forever and Ever"
Demis Roussos

ORIGINAL LYRICS

Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be the one 
That shines in me like the morning sun. 
Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be my spring, 
My rainbow's end and the song I sing. 

Take me far beyond imagination. 
You're my dream come true, my consolation. 

Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be my dream, 
My symphony, my own lover's theme. 
Ever and ever, forever and ever my destiny 
Will follow you eternally. 

Take me far beyond imagination. 
You're my dream come true, my consolation. 

Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be the one 
That shines in me like the morning sun. 
Ever and ever, forever and ever my destiny 
Will follow you eternally

ON BOARD THE FREEDOM PARODY LYRICS

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom I'll be the one

Snapping kodak shots of the morning sun.

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom the steel drums ring,

and four full plates from the buffet, I bring...

Take me far beyond imagination.

Sailing the vast ocean is my fascination!

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom it is a dream,

The solution to my math proofs it seems.

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom creating memories
that will follow me eternally. 

Take me far beyond imagination.
Sailing the vast ocean is my fascination!

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom give me D.O.D's, wacky contests, and more food please.
On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom creating memories,
that will follow me eternally.

Island Remixes

We have arrived at the final post of this week of island remixes where famous hits of the past and island rhythms unite.  In closing of this week's special tribute to famous artists, I can think of no better song to feature than one by the Everly Brothers.  Dreaming is the visualization of something that is just out of reach.  It is a mentality that, sadly, never makes it past the daydreaming stage for most before being labeled as something derogatory such as "crazy".  This song goes out to all of the dreamers out there trying to make a difference.  Without further ado, here's "All I Have to do is Dream" by Everly Brothers.

LYRICS

Dream, dream, dream, dream

Dream, dream, dream, dream

When I want you in my arms

When I want you and all your charms

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is

Dream, dream, dream, dream

When I feel blue in the night

And I need you to hold me tight

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is Dream

I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine

Anytime night or day

Only trouble is, gee whiz

Im dreamin my life away

I need you so that I could die

I love you so and that is why

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is 

Dream, dream, dream, dream

I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine

Anytime night or day

Only trouble is, gee whiz

Im dreamin my life away

I need you so that I could die

I love you so and that is why

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is

Dream, dream, dream, dream

Dream, dream, dream, dream

ISLAND REMIX TIME!

Introducing another Polynesian reggae artist Pati.  Pati is known by the nickname "The Polynesian Prince".  The album that made him famous is by the name of "Nesian" which was released in 2001.  

From this album, is the Everly Brothers remix "All I Have to do is Dream".

Island Remixes

Name that classic:

"It's late in the evening, she's wondering what clothes to wear..."

You guessed it... this would be none other than "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton.  Eric Clapton is the only artist to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. The first as a solo guitarist, then playing with Yardbirds, and the third time with Cream. The song "Wonderful Tonight" was written while Clapton was waiting to attend a Buddy Holly party (which explains the opening lines.... it must have been a long wait!)

LYRICS

It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear. 

She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair. 
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?" 
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight." 

We go to a party and everyone turns to see 
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me. 
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?" 
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight." 

I feel wonderful because I see 
The love light in your eyes. 

And the wonder of it all 
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you. 
It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head, 
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed. 

And then I tell her, as I turn out the light, 
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight. 
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight."

On that note it's.....

ISLAND REMIX TIME

I don't actually have any information about this song other than that it exists and you can listen to it below.

credit for the remix goes to username Ratu Seru

Island Remixes

"Lonely...I'm Mr. Lonely, I have nobody for my own..."

Island Remixes week continues with a feature of Bobby Vinton's hit Mr. Lonely. Bobby Vinton is most well known for his Blue Velvet cover originally by Tony Bennett in 1951.  The inspiration of the Mr. Lonely (written in 1964) is Vinton's service as a chaplin in the army. 

The classic live:

LYRICS

Lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely

I have nobody for my own

I am so lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely

Wish I had someone to call on the phone

Now I'm a soldier, a lonely soldier

Away from home through no wish of my own

That's why I'm lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely

I wish that I could go back home

Letters, never a letter

I get no letters in the mail

I've been forgotten, yes, forgotten

Oh how I wonder, how is it I failed

Now I'm a soldier, a lonely soldier

Away from home through no wish of my own

That's why I'm lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely
I wish that I could go back home

The loneliness continues with Akon's version of this song.....

ISLAND REMIX TIME!

Introducing the Polynesian reggae artist Norm. Norm has released five albums which are The Best of Norm, I Belong 2 U, Stay With Me, Unforgettable Dream, and Just the Norm. His most recent album was released in 2004(?). Below is Norm's interpretation of Mr. Lonely and you may notice that only the chorus resembles Bobby Vinton's classic. This song does not have any quality videos that I could find....so I made one myself.