Now, 14 years, two kids, and many frequent flier miles later I feel like I too can claim kamaina (that's Hawaiian for local). If you added up all of the time we have spent there, it is almost 6 beautiful months filled with sun, sand, sushi, and adventures. When I first met my husband and he told me he was from Hawaii, it didn't really sink in. I thought he meant Hawaii, Ohio, ...
asian
Garlic Chili Eggplant
Sometimes you accidentally discover that you really love something. A few years ago, I was waiting somewhat patiently for some family members to finish shopping in a chain store and as usual, I was hungry. I knew that we would probably be eating after we left, but I also knew the meal would end up being burgers, pizza, or some other boring American food and I just couldn’t ...
Vegetable Stir Fry
You don’t have to own a wok to do a good job with a stir fry, I often use a cast iron skillet instead. The key is to have everything ready BEFORE you start cooking, cut all ingredients to cook in about the same amount of time, stagger when you add things to the pan, and don’t try to cook too much at once. You can change the recipe to include your favorite vegetables. If you ...
Dragon Chicken in Lettuce Leaves
This dish is not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. Though it is called “dragon chicken”, you don’t have to make it hot. If you like spice, add Siracha* when you assemble your lettuce cups. For extra crunch you can also add fresh mung bean sprouts, chopped macadamia nuts, peanuts, or water chestnuts (that have been rinsed and diced). This will quickly become a family favorite ...
Summer Supper Menu
As the temperatures climb, our desire to spend time in a hot kitchen preparing a heavy meal seems to decline. Lettuce cups have become a popular menu item in many restaurants. Their Asian flavors and refreshing crunch make them satisfying to many. In our home, "lettuce tacos" (as our 6-year-old calls them) are a popular favorite for both dinner, and if any manage to be ...