Hawaii

Yes! The perfect excuse for a luau in rural Ontario:) We landed on Hawaii in summer, how perfect. We've been so busy, it was nice to have an evening to relax and build a dinner around a tropical theme. But what is a luau without people?! So we invited the country neighbours down.  We briefly talked about a pig roast, but decided against it. Instead, we picked up some pork shoulder, and fired up the smoker, which we probably only use once or twice a year.We ended up with lots of leftovers that found it's way into the freezer for future enjoyment. 

For the rest of the feast we served Coconut Lime Shrimp Skewers, Aloha Sweet Potatoes, Hawaiin Rice Pilaf with fresh fruit and banana bread for dessert. For the banana bread, I used my family recipe, and added  crushed pineapple and shredded coconut.

To drink? We started with Mai Tai's (in the punch bowl my Grandma bought me for Christmas a number of yeas ago, saying that every "housewife" should have one. It was it's first appearance at my table.....Now I agree, everyone should own a punch bowl, something about a bowl of drink is wonderful!) At first, I thought that there was too much....then we ran out and had to make Blue Hawaii's

Hawaiin Rice Pilaf

 The macadamia nuts ($7 worth!) gave it a really great flavour. 

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 cups white rice (I used basmati)
• 2 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 each diced red & yellow pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2  cup raisins
• 1/2 cup roasted macadamia nuts
• 1/4 tsp sage
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1/4 cup parsley

Melt butter in oven-proof casserole dish with lid. Add rice & garlic, stir to coat. Stir in peppers and broth, cover & bring to a boil. Stir in raisin, nuts and sage. Cover and place in 375 F oven for about 2 minutes. When it is finished, gently stir in pineapple & parsely. Serve and enjoy.

The Aloha Sweet Potaoes

• 4-5 sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Boil potatoes in their jackets until just tende, about 20 minutes. Let cool, then peel and cut into 1 1/2 inch slices. In a large skillet melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and water and cook for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat, add sweet potatoes. Heat gently until warm, sprinkle with coconut to serve.