Star Wars crochet kit is perfect for crafty fans

Even if you don’t crochet on a regular basis, this Star Wars Crochet kit will get you started making adorable yarn characters — known as amigurumi in Japanese. Created by Lucy Collin, the kit comes with a full-color book with step-by-step instructions for 12 characters, a crochet hook and a needle. Yarn, stuffing and other materials are provided for Yoda and a stormtrooper. I found it at Costco Hawaii Kai for $12.95 (check your local store) but it’s also available on Amazon.com.

—Nina Wu

Delights for gluten-free diet

Thanks to my friend’s sis, who mistakenly bought Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Joe Joe’s instead of the regular version, I was introduced to this delightful Oreo-like treat that I like even better than the original. The chocolate cookie is crisp with a rather adult dark-chocolate flavor while the center is only mildly sweet. With no Trader Joe’s in the isles, good ol’ ­Amazon.com provides access — at a hefty price of $29.99 for three boxes. Or find a friend on the mainland to pick up a stash in store for about $4 per box.

—Joleen Oshiro

Shimmery earrings evoke the ocean

Vanessa Pack’s jewelry is conceived and created on the North Shore. Her hand-formed earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings reflect their ocean-informed setting. I’m partial to her marquis-shaped earrings ($89), made with black mother of pearl and wrapped with gold-fill wire, that shimmer and reflect surrounding colors.

Find Pack’s jewelry online at ­vanessapack.com or shop at V Boutique, part of the Waialua Sugar Mill; 637-1597.

—Elizabeth Kieszkowski

Tommy Bahama cookbook spotlights Hawaii flavors

“Flavors of Aloha” ($40), the first installment in the “Cooking With Tommy Bahama” cookbook series, includes more than 100 recipes, from crab rangoon, Tommy’s Famous Coconut Shrimp, Spam musubi and other pupu to entrees such as Portuguese seafood and sausage stew, mochiko chicken and macadamia nut-crusted mahimahi. There are Hawaii standards, local-style side dishes and tropical cocktails like those served at the restaurant.

Another nice touch are the features on Hawaii fisherman Alan Kiriu, Royce ­Hirayama of Hirayama Farms, whose son Stennis is Tommy Bahama’s executive chef in Hawaii, Keoki Wood of Parker Ranch, Steve Sakala of Honaunau Farm and Tom Greenwell of Greenwell Farms. Pick up a copy at Tommy Bahama Waikiki, 298 Beach Walk; 923-8785.

—Jason Genegabus

Salsa maker adds hot sauce to menu

Andy Doka’s salsa, sold as Andy’s Bueno Salsa, has been a popular item at farmers markets and supermarkets for years, but in fall he expanded his repertoire to hot sauce. Using “as much local product as possible,” Andy’s Bueno Hot Sauce starts with the sweetness of pineapple and papaya, followed quickly by the fire of habanero, ghost and Hawaiian chili peppers. Don’t look for the 5-ounce bottles next to his salsa at Whole Foods or Safeway; it’s available only at the Saturday Kapiolani Community College and Thursday Kailua farmers markets for $8.

—Donica Kaneshiro

A shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.