A quick perusal of the names of some of the recipes included in Cooking Hawaiian Style by Lanai Tabura and Frank Abraham (host of the OC16 program of the same name) gives readers an idea of the spirit of the book. Oscar the Grouch Applesauce. Killer Brown Gravy. Crustacean Polynesia. Mom’s Pinakbet. They sound as fun to make as they are good to eat, and they are.
A collection of recipes from dozens of notable Hawaii names, Cooking Hawaiian Style embodies a uniquely island way of preparing and eating food. Recipes come with origin stories and family anecdotes, many of them from well-known local figures. The late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye’s Sweet & Sour Spareribs recipe is included, as well as former Representative Colleen Hanabusa’s Fresh Ahi Pasta and Clam Pasta.
A number of notable Hawaii broadcast journalists also offer up some of their own family recipes in Cooking Hawaiian Style. Mahealani Richardson offers Swamp Juice (and the Oscar the Grouch Applesauce noted above). Malika Dudley contributes her Couscous. Olena Heu bring an ambitious Bombucha Salad with Seared Poke & Lilikoi Vinaigrette.
Several beloved Hawaii entertainers are included as well. Singer Raiatea Helm offers Kahuku Style Garlic Shrimp and her Chicken Luau Stew. The legendary Melveen Leed contributed the Crustacean Polynesia.
Hawaii chefs, ranchers, and growers are also well-represented in Cooking Hawaiian Style. Chef Mavro contributed a Salt Crusted Onaga with Fresh Ogo Sauce. Chef Adam Tabura contributed a handful of recipes, including Opakapaka Soup. Chef Nicole Latorre offers Ahi Carpaccio.
Of course the authors themselves are major contributors to the catalog of recipes included in Cooking Hawaiian Style. Lanai Tabura includes his Snapper Egg Foo Yung, among several other family recipes. Frank Abraham offers some of his own favorites, including Shrimp, Edamame & Corn Tempura Fritters. (The first one we’ll try is his Kalua Luau Lasagna Rolls with Haupia Bechamel Sauce.)
Whichever recipe you try first, you’re sure to experience the ohana spirit with which Cooking Hawaiian Style was put together. It’s about family and friends, and about sharing the warmth and aloha that people coming together around local food creates in Hawaii.
In addition to the new Cooking Hawaiian Style cookbook and television show, the brand also offers recipes and stories on its cookinghawaiianstyle.com website.
