The annual Made in Hawaii Festival returns to the Neal S. Blaisdell Center this weekend, a showcase for food local products from food to books to jewelry and much more.
The three-day festival runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Sunday. Admission is $6. For information go to MadeInHawaiiFestival.com.
In the meantime, enjoy these recipes from three festival exhibitors.
COFFEE- AND COCOA-CRUSTED SIRLOIN
By Merle and Phil Becker, Aikane Plantation Coffee Co.
- 2 tablespoons very finely ground coffee (preferably Aikane Plantation 100 percent Hawaiian)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pound sirloin steak (preferably Kuahiwi Ranch grass-fed), about 1 inch thick, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In a pie plate or glass baking dish, combine coffee, cocoa powder and cinnamon. Set aside.
Rub steak with oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Rub coffee-cocoa mixture into meat.
Grill 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer steak to cutting board; let rest 5 minutes. Thinly slice across grain and serve with collected juices. Serves 2.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 380 calories, 15 g total fat, 6 g saturated fat, 125 mg cholesterol, 450 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 50 g protein.
HAWAIIAN ULU CHIPS
By Loren Shoop, owner/founder, ‘Ulu Mana
- Fresh ulu (breadfruit), skin on and rinsed
- Coconut oil
- Garlic salt, to taste
Cut a fresh ulu into quarters, then cut those pieces in half to make 8 pieces. Align skin side of the ulu toward the blade, then use a mandolin or sharp knife to cut ulu into 1/8-inch-thick slices. You should be left with little triangles.
Fill deep fryer or pot with oil, 1/3 to 1/2 full. Heat oil to 325 degrees, then add ulu slices. Make sure oil temperature stays between 300 and 325 degrees so chips don’t burn.
Once chips are light golden brown and no longer releasing air bubbles, remove from oil with a metal strainer. Shake off excess oil and place on sheet pan lined with paper towels. While still hot, lightly sprinkle with garlic salt.
For long-term storage, keep chips in an air-tight container or sealed plastic bag. Do not refrigerate. They should last at least 1 month in the pantry. Yield will depend on size of breadfruit.
>> Note: Find fresh ulu at farmers markets and some grocery stores. An ulu is ripe when you can see a lot of white sap on the outside of the fruit and the fruit turns a yellow-lime green color. Leave freshly picked fruit in the fridge for 3-4 days before using.
Nutritional information unavailable.
HOT LAVA TOMATO BRUSCHETTA
By Laura Cristobal Andersland, Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts
- 1 large tomato (preferably Hamakua brand), diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped sweet onion, such as Maui onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Spicy seasoned sea salt (preferably Salty Wahine Hot Lava), to taste (see note)
- Diced cucumber and/or fresh local goat cheese, to taste (optional)
- Crackers or bagel chips, for serving
Combine all ingredients except crackers. Mix well. Makes about 1 cup.
To serve, spread mix on crackers; sprinkle with more seasoned salt to add color.
>> Note: Salty Wahine Hawaiian Sea Salts are available at some farmers markets or at saltywahine.com.
Nutritional information unavailable.
MADE IN HAWAII FESTIVAL COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
Guest chefs will demonstrate soup recipes — and serve samples — with free recipe booklets also available.
Friday
>> Noon: James Aptakin, Layers of Flavors
>> 2 p.m.: Curt Nakamura, Koko Head Café
>> 4 p.m.: Jongkol Sucodt, Noi Thai Cuisine
>> 6 p.m.: Ronnie Nasuti, Tiki’s Grill and Bar
Saturday
>> Noon: Nolan West, Moana Surfrider Hotel
>> 2 p.m.: Keaka Lee, The Pig & The Lady
>> 4 p.m.: Rob McDaniel, Harbor Restaurant
>> 6 p.m.: Lawrence Nakamoto, Mariposa, Neiman Marcus
Sunday
>> Noon: JJ Reinhart, Hilton Hawaiian Village
>> 2 p.m.: Sam Choy, “Sam Choy’s in the Kitchen”
More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at hawaiianelectric.com.
