Here it is, 2013. How did that happen so fast? As is my custom, I am looking back on recipe requests that have come in through the year. I am sadly behind. How did that happen?
Clearly, I need help. So as is also my custom, I have a list of 2012 requests that I was never able to fulfill. Helpful readers with vast recipe collections usually come up with at least two off the list. I’m hoping we can do at least as well this year.
If you can help, please reply to the address at the end of this column. Those who contribute will receive a cookbook from the Star-Advertiser collection.
» First, I am looking for proven recipes for lilikoi butter and for butter cookies (not just any old butter cookies, but a version you can truly call the best) for readers on a mission to master these dishes. If several cookie responses come in, maybe we can have a bake-off.
» Second, Rachel Kaminaka is trying to reproduce her aunt’s recipe for what her cousins called simply "dango." She describes it as "like mochi with black bean an, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed." A few Filipino desserts are made this way, but Kaminaka says they aren’t the same. More hints: No coconut or coconut milk, and her aunt was from Kauai.
» Next, two readers have called for recipes they found in the newspaper years ago. I cannot find them in our electronic archives, and a deeper search would involve microfilm at the state library, which is hard on the eyes. So I’m hoping someone has the clippings for guava spare ribs (NOT the Hawaiian Electric Co. version called Guavalicious Ribs) or a banana chiffon cake that always baked up light and fluffy.
Now for the harder stuff, from my "hope springs eternal" file of requests for recipes from restaurants long closed. If you can come up with any of these, or with a way of contacting the owners of these restaurants, you will be a recipe hero:
» Brownies from Kapaa Bakery on Kauai
» Salad dressing from Alfred’s in Century Center
» Dipping sauce for tempura from Chaco’s on Old Waialae Road
» Black-bean seafood from the Inn of the Sixth Happiness
» Custard pie from Ted’s Grill on Kapahulu Avenue, circa 1960s. "I knew people who visited Ted’s just to eat their custard pie," writes Cynthia Takushi. "I still remember Ted’s as being second to none."
» Sour-cream lemon pie from Plush Pippin in Kailua, circa 1980s. "Onolicious," Cyndi Chan recalls.
» Hamburger beef patty with teri/miso sauce from Hisago Delicatessen on King Street
» Coconut cream pie from M’s Ranch House, circa 1950s
» Beef curry stew from Kalihi Bakery on Colburn Street, circa 1940s
» Chocolate shortbread cookie from the Aikahi School cafeteria, as made about 20 years ago
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Write "By Request," Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813. Or email bshimabukuro@staradvertiser.com.
