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Happy cake

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Happy cake
Happy cake 1967
TypeCake
Place of originUnited States
Region or stateHawaii
Created byDick Rodby
Main ingredientsPineapple, macadamia nuts, coconut

Happy cake is a tropical cake made in Hawaii. It is often referred to as Hawaii's version of a fruit cake.[1] The Happy Cake is made from pineapple, macadamia nuts, and coconut. The happy cake debuted in 1967.

History

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The happy cake was invented at Kemo'o Farms Restaurant in Wahiawa, Hawaii in 1967 by Dick Rodby,[2] owner of the restaurant famous for live Hawaiian music.[3] The restaurant was also featured as "Choys" tavern in the Frank Sinatra film From Here to Eternity.

Surrounded by pineapple fields, Rodby was inspired to create his own version of a Hawaiian fruit cake and named it the "happy cake" registering the trademark Happy Cake in September 1969.[4] Cakes were ordered from all over the country as gifts and were popular in Hawaiian themed parties.[5][6]

Ingredients

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The happy cake is a dense cake, made from local pineapple, macadamia nuts, and coconut.[7]

Fame

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  • Over the years customers have included presidents[8] and Hollywood elite.[9][10][11]
  • Rodby opened a sister restaurant in California in 1982 to also promote and sell the Hawaiian happy cake.[12]
  • Baked in Honolulu, the happy cake still remains popular with local Hawaiians.[13][14]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Kasher, Robert (2005). Tropical Bob's Where to Eat in Hawaii. Perpetual Summer Publishing. P. 86. ISBN 0-9734333-2-9
  2. ^ "Richard Rodby Obituary: View Obituary for Richard Rodby by Borthwick Mortuary, Honolulu, HI". Obits.dignitymemorial.com. Retrieved 2012-03-22.
  3. ^ "Hall of Fame Photo Gallery". Hmhof.org. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  4. ^ "TESS -- Error". Archived from the original on 2013-11-25. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  5. ^ ”Benefit Features Polynesian Theme” The Daily Register, Red Bank – Middleton, New Jersey. August 1st, 1972. P. 11. Retrieved 2012-02-13.
  6. ^ "Luau Cake Ideas". Enjoyhawaiivacations.com. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  7. ^ "Happy Cakes Live Up To Their Name". Govisithawaii.com. 2009-11-13. Retrieved 2012-03-22.
  8. ^ "Field Guide: Samsung Plaza - Honolulu Magazine - March 2011 - Hawaii". Honolulu Magazine. 21 April 2011. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  9. ^ "The Magazine of Hawaiian Airlines - Current Issue". Hana Hou. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  10. ^ "Hawaiian Happy Cakes". Reallyhawaiian.com. Archived from the original on 2013-11-03. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  11. ^ "Frank Sinatra Cake Designs, Decorating Ides and Pictures". Cakechannel.com. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  12. ^ Lodi News Sentinel, November 10, 1982. P. 11. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  13. ^ "StarBulletin.com | Features | /2005/12/14/". Archives.starbulletin.com. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  14. ^ Taketa, Mari (February 19, 2010). "The new Keeaumoku". The Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
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