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Since starting The Sanibel Captiva Guide in 2020 I (Lori) have been taking a deep dive into the history of the islands. I came across a book called “Favorite Recipes From The Island Bake Shop Sanibel Island, Florida”. The Island Bake Shop was started by Jack Van Bell & his friend Doris.

After reading the book, one recipe really stuck out, Lemon Pecten Cakes. According to the book, the islanders ate these cakes as quickly as the bakeshop could make them!

Nick & I decided to re-create these cakes. Full disclosure – we are both terrible cooks :) Watch the video above to see what I mean.

Our finished lemon pecten cakes  – don’t they look good!

Here is the pan we purchased and below is a page out of the book with the recipe & the interesting story of Jack and how he came to the islands! We hope you make them because they are YUMMY!

The original pages from the cookbook.

Lemon pecten shells, aren’t they pretty?

Advertisement from the 1969 Sanibel-Captiva Islander newspaper. The GR is the telephone number :)

LEMON PECTEN CAKE RECIPE

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 cups cake flour – I couldn’t find cake flour so I found this recipe on Google. Measure out two cups of flour. Scoop out 4 tablespoons of flour and replace with 4 tablespoons of cornstarch.
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 small package of lemon gelatin (Jello)
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup light cooking oil
2 tablespoons lemon extract
4 large eggs
3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
3/4 cup lime or lemon juice
Yellow food coloring
Shell shaped baking pan

Directions
Preheat oven to 375
Sift together in a mixing bowl:
1 cup sugar
2 cups cake flour (or substitute the flour recipe in the ingredients list above)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 small package of lemon gelatin (Jello)

Then combine in a small bowl:
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup light cooking oil
2 tablespoons lemon extract (this seems like a lot but according to the recipe this is the correct amount).

Beat the liquids into the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.

Separate 4 large eggs. Place yolks in one bowl and whites in another bowl.
Beat the yolks into the batter one at a time.
Beat the egg whites and 1/4 cup sugar until stiff but not dry.
Fold the beaten egg whites lightly but thoroughly into the batter.

Grease the cake pan with soft vegetable shortening and dust with flour.
Spoon the batter into the pan and bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until the cakes spring back lightly to the touch.
Turn out immediately onto a wire rack.

Make the glaze while the cakes are baking
3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
3/4 cup lime or lemon juice
Yellow food coloring
Heat until very hot in a double boiler.
After the cakes are cooked, carefully spoon glaze over the cakes until absorbed.

Let cool & dust with powdered sugar and ENJOY!
-Lori

P.S. Let us know what you think and send us pics of you enjoying the cakes! Send to thesancapguide@gmail.com

About The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast

The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast is your portal to all things island! Follow us on this fun journey as we discover interesting parts of history, talk about local events and recent island changes, and interview local residents and business owners! We hope to cover major attractions such as the beaches, the museums, the outdoor activities, and more! It is our hope to bring a unique voice and perspective to this wonderful area of South West Florida, building a supportive community foundation where we can all share thoughts and ideas. We would love your feedback and, suggestions for future interviews, questions you may have or, quirky island stories lesser-known!

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If you enjoyed this podcast, check out the following links:

Shopping on Sanibel & Captiva, shopping on the Island is fun and unique, check out all the stores!

Services on Sanibel & Captiva, you never know when you might need a mechanic, a bank, or a realtor!

Dunlop Road, check out the other cool spots on Dunlop Road next to the farmers market!

Sanibel Public Library, explore the library right next to the farmers market!