cooking around the world: a Hawaiian Luau

For the first few weeks of school, we set sail for Oceania.  Rachel, our favorite cook, came up with these recipes for our family to try.  We're holding on to a couple for a luau themed birthday party in January, but everything here was absolutely delicious.  The recipe commentary is not mine unless in italics, by the way!

Beefy Chili and Rice Hawaiian Style

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage
1 can (7oz) diced green chilies

1 large onion, chopped or diced

1 large bell pepper, chopped or diced

1-2 cloves garlic, pressed, diced, chopped, however you like them

2 pkgs chili mix

{Or to make your own, use the following spices:  Chili powder, cayenne, cumin, paprika, salt,

Pepper, sage & basil. I can't tell you proportions, 'cause I just shake out spice until it 'tastes right'}

1 can (32 oz?) crushed or whole tomatoes

Directions

Get a big pot (Dutch oven should be right size).

Brown beef & sausage (do the pork first!). After it's all browned, add the chili mix/spices (for extra-hot, add more cayenne & a few dashes of Tabasco sauce). Use butter or margarine for browning, NOT OIL!

In separate pan, sauté green chilies, onion, bell pepper & garlic in butter or margarine. (do the bell peppers first for about 3 mins) Add sautéed stuff to the pot with the meat. Add the rest of the ingredients (don't drain out the beans!). Simmer for 3-4 hours, uncovered, stirring occasionally. If the chili is too 'wet', add masa flour or some cornstarch to thicken it up.

Make da rice (you know how!) Put da chili on top da rice & eat 'em up!

Sweet Mango Loaf

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup raisins

3/4 cup vegetable oil

3 eggs

2 chopped ripe mangos

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

Mix all ingredients well. Pour into greased pan. Bake at 325 degrees F. for one hour. Cool for 20 minutes.


Hawaiian Banana Pie

It's not your mom's Banana Cream Pie but this Hawaiian Banana Pie is even better with real slices of banana and tasty Guava nector. It's a very authentic dish to try out at your next Hawaiian Luau.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sliced bananas

1 1/4 cups guava nectar (we had to substitute a tropical juice that had guava as one of the top ingredients, pineapple juice would work well, too)

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons cold water

baked pie shell (I made a graham cracker crust.)

Directions:

Combine guava nectar, lemon juice, sugar and salt. Bring to boil over low heat. Mix cornstarch and water to a smooth paste and stir into mixture. Stir until thickened and clear. Cool. Combine with bananas and pour into baked pie shell. Serve with whipped cream.

Chocolate Fruit Kabobs

A yummy dish for the kids at your Hawaiian party. You'll have to keep an eye on the kids to make sure they don't start poking each other with the skewers. However, this is a fun and easy dessert for that next party.
Ingredients:

10 bananas

10 flat wood skewers

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces

3 tablespoons shortening

Directions:

Peel and cut a small piece off the tip of each banana; insert skewers into cut ends. Place in freezer for 3 hours or longer until frozen. Just before serving, put chocolate and shortening into small mixing bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 2 1/2-4 minutes or until most pieces oare shiny and soft; mix well. Immediately dip bananas into chocolate, turning as necessary until bananas are coated. After serving, wrap and freeze any remaining coated bananas. Makes 10 servings.

Cranberry Pop Punch

A party calls for a zesty drink with some kick to it. This Cranberry Pop Punch is that drink and it will certainly add some spice to your next party event.

Ingredients:
1 can frozen cranberry juice concentrate

1 can frozen lemonade concentrate

2 liters lemon-lime soda

1 bottle sparkling mineral water

1 pkg. frozen raspberries

Directions:

You know how to mix.