Born and raised in Hawaii now living in Texas I discovered how similar the 2 states are where people from all walks of life enjoy flavorful food with good conversation or talking story.  I want to share old and new recipes to encourage how simple cooking on a budget taste best when enjoyed with loved ones.  Cooking doesn't have to be complicated or need fancy equipment, just the basics.

Growing up with pantry and frozen foods, Mom would make meals that were always hearty. She was physically disabled due to rheumatoid arthritis and enjoyed seeing how she combined flavors or substituted items.  Mom would love the fresh produce and abundance of proteins and many ways to cook them in Texas. What's better than a big piece of meat smoked low and slow with a bowl of rice and side of pickled veggies and leftovers for days?!

The one ingredient I haven't been able to find on the mainland is Hawaiian Chili Pepper.  Tried a variety of peppers but nothing compares to the sweet heat the little pepper packed.  We had those growing like weeds and tried to grow it here, but the Texas heat is too much for them and I probably didn't give it enough love. 

I enjoy cooking a variety of ethnic flavors and hope these recipes create memories and fellowship in the joy of sharing food with basic ingredients.  With family members watching sugar intake, I have found most recipes work with monk fruit, (without the after taste of earlier artificial sweeteners) from BBQ rubs to sauces and baked goods.  I was raised not to waste and excited when I discovered I could use the fat trimmings from brisket fat and turn it into tallow. I learned to render brisket fat trimmings into this bonus versatile fat and now use it in place of butter. It's easy and do and use the leftover crispy bits become dog treats for well-behaved or spoiled dogs, truly no waste!

Hawaii celebrates graduation with lots of flower leis.  The photos are special as Mom was able to celebrate my high school graduation and able to walk on the unstable grass without a wheelchair, Dad was an avid amateur photographer and cherish our family pictures and especially love the photo taken by his photography club of him using his hat as a shade for the camera.  I am grateful to have a family who raised us to take pride in whatever we did, never make excuses, have a gracious and generous heart to others by showing love & aloha through food.