It's Time for Some Ono Grinds

 

When you think of Hawaiian cuisine, what comes to mind? Poi, laulau, kalua pig, poke, and of course don't forget the Spam!!

The islands of Hawaii now include a diverse demographic of ethnicity's all adding their own flavors.

It’s not just the ambiance but the food through the years that have evolved from simple island flavors to exquisite dining that will give the experience not just of American food but the food of the world. Hawaii is not just the destination for a great vacation it’s also a destination for a superb dining experience.

 

 

 

 

 Charred Mahi-Mahi With a Sesame Crust Topped With Lime Ginger Beurre Blanc

1/2 cup dry white wine
2 slices fresh ginger
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 lime, juiced
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
3-ounce mahi-mahi fillet
1/8 cup white sesame seeds
1 teaspoon corn starch
1/4 teaspoon black sesame seeds

In a skillet, combine the white wine and the fresh slivers of ginger. Simmer on medium heat to reduce by half. Add the heavy cream and reduce again by half. Cut the butter into small cubes; then add them one at a time until each is incorporated into the reduction. Make sure to keep the sauce right under boiling temperature while you incorporate the butter. The sauce will separate if it boils too rapidly or becomes too cold.

Next, pass the reduction through cheesecloth. Put the sauce in a blender and add the minced garlic and the lime juice. Process at medium speed until the ginger and the lime juice are incorporated into the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reserve to the side until fish is ready for serving.

Season the fish with salt and pepper on both sides. Mix together the cornstarch and white sesame seeds. Next, press one side of the fish into the seed mixture. Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or a wok on high heat. After the skillet is really hot, place the fish in the pan with the sesame seed side down. Cook until crispy brown. Turn the fish over and cook an additional 4 to 6 minutes.

Serve on a small bed of stir-fried vegetables. Drizzle the lime ginger butter sauce around the fish and garnish the dish with black sesame seeds.

recipe adapted from A Pacific Café, Kapaa, Hawaii

 

 

 

It's time to move on to dessert.  

 

 



Haupia

 

 

Haupia, is a traditional dessert of Hawaii.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp vanilla (if desired)

Preparation:

Pour one cup of coconut milk into a saucepan. Combine sugar and cornstarch stirring into coconut milk. (Add vanilla is desired) Heat over low stirring consistently until thickened.

Add remainder of coconut milk and whole milk and continue to heat until thickened. Pour into 8 inch square pan and chill until firm.

The recipe can be easily modified for personal taste using more or less sugar and cornstarch.

 

 

 

Yes, I have acquired a taste for Hawaiian food. But I still love the food and recipes from the mainland. I consider my self somewhat of a "Foodie".

I will not only be sharing recipes from Hawaii. I will also share recipes from family and friends living on the mainland. It's time for some ono grinds!!! 

 

E ʻai kākou