I want to preserve the essence of Old Hawaii through its cuisine and cherished memories. Since moving to Central Texas in 2015, I've found that this region closely resembles my childhood home in Waianae, Hawaii, minus the beaches. I enjoy discovering which Hawaiian plants can withstand the Texas heat, playing tennis under the sunny skies, and delving into the world of Texas BBQ. I'm always eager to learn, whether it's new culinary techniques, improving my tennis game, or stumbling upon a small family restaurant that serves amazing food. The people of Texas remind me of the 'Uncles' and 'Aunties' back in Hawaii—though not related by blood, we form a familial bond through the enjoyment of simple food and shared stories.
The home-cooked recipes Mom and Dad made are not only flavorful but also makes great leftovers. They've been slightly modified for healthier options, such as using monk fruit instead of sugar and substituting butter with tallow made from brisket trimmings—embodying my mother's principle of 'waste not, want not.' Mom and Dad would have loved the flavors Texas putting their Hawaii spin on it.
If you've tried these recipes or infused them with your personal touch, I'd love to hear about it. Let's use this space to share our aloha spirit.