Don’t miss the opening night of Honolulu City Lights at 6 p.m. Saturday, featuring the Electric Light parade. Hawaiian Electric is again partnering with the Friends of Honolulu City Lights to bring this joyful family event for the holidays. Look for the Hawaiian Electric float at these other events:
» 4 p.m. Dec. 4: Pearl City Christmas Parade
» 6 p.m. Dec. 10: West Oahu (Kapolei) Holiday Electric Light Parade
Also, the Friends of Honolulu City Lights have created two new collectible ornaments this year: a jolly Shaka Santa in front of Honolulu Hale and at Waikiki Beach. Proceeds from sales support future Honolulu City Lights. Find ornaments at Macy’s or by visiting www.honolulucitylights.org.
To get the holidays started, here are festive treats to give as gifts or share at any gathering.
Sweet Chili Pepper Jelly
2 small bell peppers (green & yellow), finely chopped
10 Hawaiian red chili peppers, diced
2 cans apple juice concentrate
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 (5-pound) bag of white granulated sugar
3 (3-ounce) packages of liquid pectin
In large saucepot on medium heat, combine peppers, apple juice and vinegar.
Slowly stir in bag of sugar and stir constantly until completely dissolved.
Turn heat to high and bring mixture to rolling boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Lower heat back to medium. Add pectin (following package directions) and stir until incorporated.
Remove from heat, skim off foam with metal spoon and cool jelly until slightly gelled (about 10 minutes). Pour into prepared jars; seal (see note).
Best served over cream cheese and eaten with crackers or used as a sauce for chicken wings or fresh corned beef.
Note: Because of possible mold contamination, the National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend paraffin or wax seals To prevent growth of molds and loss of flavor and color, fill products hot into sterile Mason jars, leaving 1/4-inch head space, seal with self-sealing lids and process 5 minutes in boiling water canner.
Approximate nutritional information, per tablespoon: 50 calories, no fat, no saturated fat, no cholesterol, no sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 8 g sugar, no protein
Cranberry & Pumpkin Popcorn Balls
6 cups unsalted popcorn, popped
3/4 cup mini marshmallows
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons dried cranberries, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted pumpkin seeds, shelled and toasted (optional)
Place popcorn in large mixing bowl; set aside.
In saucepan over low heat, place marshmallows and honey, stirring until melted. Add pumpkin and cranberries. Stir until well mixed.
Pour mixture over popcorn and allow to cool for 3 or 4 minutes.
Grease hands with cooking oil or nonstick cooking spray and form into large balls. Serves 6.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 150 calories, 6 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, no cholesterol, 5 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 3 g protein
Hearty Chocolate Chip Cranberry Walnut Cookies
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
3 large egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
2-1/4 cups walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease large cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
In large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
In medium bowl, combine brown sugar, oil, egg whites and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth. Fold in cranberries, walnuts and chocolate chips.
Gradually fold in flour mixture and stir until incorporated.
Drop batter by tablespoons onto cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until cookies are golden brown. Transfer onto wire rack to cool completely. Makes 3 dozen cookies.
Approximate nutritional information, per cookie: 150 calories, 10 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, no cholesterol, 50 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 2 g protein
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More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at www.heco.com.
