Palama Settlement is celebrating its third annual Malama Palama Gala, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s Monarch Ballroom.

This year’s event will honor longtime supporters, veteran broadcaster Emme Tomimbang and former Honolulu Police Chief Francis Keala. Proceeds benefit the agency’s programs for keiki, teens, kupuna and families.

Tickets are $250; corporate tables start at $2,500. Call 848-2533, email info@palamasettlement.org or visit palamasettlement.org/malamapalama2015.

This week, enjoy recipes from Palama Settlement youth cooking class students.

Chicken Thighs With Pear Leek Sauce

» 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
» 5 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs
» 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
» 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, divided
» 1-1/2 large leeks, sliced
» 1-1/2 large firm ripe pears, peeled and diced
» 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
» 2 teaspoons cornstarch
» 1-1/2 tablespoons currant jelly (or flavor of choice)
» 1/4 cup toasted, chopped walnuts

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in pan. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and cook until brown (no pink in center). Transfer to plate and cover.

Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to pan, add leeks and saute until beginning to brown. Add pears and 1/2 cup broth. Simmer until pears are soft and broth evaporates.

In small bowl, whisk remaining 1/2 cup broth and cornstarch. Add jelly to pan and cook, stirring until melted. Add cornstarch mixture and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring and cooking until thickened.

Return chicken and any juices to pan and turn to coat with sauce. Serve sprinkled with walnuts. Serves 5.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 350 calories, 19 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 90 mg cholesterol, 650 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 14 g sugar, 20 g protein

Lemon Garlic Asparagus

» 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
» 1 tablespoon olive oil
» 1 clove minced garlic
» 1 medium minced shallot
» 1-1/2 bunches asparagus spears, cleaned and trimmed
» 1/4 lime, juiced
» Salt and pepper, to taste

Heat butter and olive oil in pan; stir in garlic and shallots. Stir in asparagus and cook until tender. Squeeze lime over asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Serves 5.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt to taste): 35 calories, 1 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, no cholesterol or sodium, 5 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 3 g protein

More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes: hawaiianelectric.com