It is my annual holiday tradition to round up my favorite recipes of the year and hand them out in return for donations for the needy.
Usually the recipes come from “By Request,” but in this unusual year I’m turning to other writers to join me in coming up with a Crave Top 5.
How it works: You send me $5 and I send you the recipes. All the money goes to the Good Neighbor Fund, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s holiday charity, which is in greater need than ever this year. To order:
>> Cost is $5 for each set of five recipes. If you want four sets, send $20. You can’t cherry pick one recipe for $1; it’s an all-for-one deal. If you would like to donate more, feel free, we’ll pass it on. Just be clear about how many sets you want.
>> Make checks payable to the Good Neighbor Fund.
>> For each set include a self-addressed, stamped, legal-sized envelope (4-by-9 inches). If you want four sets, send four envelopes. A standard 55-cent stamp per envelope is adequate.
>> Mail to: “By Request Top 5,” Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Deadline to order is Dec. 18.
>> This is strictly a snail-mail offer. No fax, phone or email orders.
1. Spam Rice Pancake
From “By Request”: Just when I thought I’d seen every idea for using Hawaii’s favorite canned meat, along came this easy but tasty — and attention-grabbing — Spam specialty.
2. Popo’s Char Siu Bao
From “Back in the Day” columnist Lynette Lo Tom, here’s a recipe that requires an investment of time and care, but brings rewards that justify the effort spent. It comes from Maui’s Jane Akitake, and like all “Back in the Day” recipes, it’s a legacy — a family favorite that spans generations.
3. Ulu Chowder
From Food Editor Joleen Oshiro, a recipe for breadfruit created by Kealakehe High School culinary students.
4. Veggie Empanadas
From Mariko Jackson of “The Little Foodie,” a personal take on the little hand pies, using squash, potatoes and Tokyo negi.
5. ‘Frozen’ mocktails
From Chandra Lucariello of “Spirited Conversations,” a pair of kid-friendly drinks inspired by the chilly movie franchise.
Nutritional analysis by Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S.
