Prune Cake

Not as pruney as it sounds, actually quite lovely with a cup of afternoon tea. The cinnamon, all spice, and nutmeg enhance the flavor of the prunes so that you forget that you're eating nature's laxative.

Get Together at Marlene's

It's been years since we've had time to catch up. It's amazing how food can bring people together. It was a pleasure to spend my Saturday evening with Marlene, Kellie, Leilani and Jos devouring garlic chicken, tempura, and a chantilly cake.

Lumpia

A Filipino version of a spring roll and always a hit! Kellie could not stop herself from munching on these delectable, flavorful appetizers.

Spicy Chicken Tenders with Honey-Mustard

So simple, so tasty and healthy (baked instead of fried) with just the right amount of spice. Substituted cornmeal with panko and tenders turned out flaky and crunchy. Even better the next day served as wraps.

Billy's Vanilla, Vanilla Cupcake

Just purchased tickets to Philadelphia this summer and one stop I will be making is to Billy's Bakery in NYC. A double dose of vanilla extract in the cake and in the buttercream frosting gives these cupcakes a great vanilla taste and just the right amount of sweetness. Yum!

Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Bruschetta

Julie Julia movie was featured last night and all I remembered were the food scenes. The way the character devoured the bruschetta made me want to whip these up in a flash. School bell rang the next day, hopped into my car and dashed to the grocer to purchase a fresh loaf of french bread.
This a great recipe to use up leftover produce and a savory appetizer to feed a hungry family.

Lemon Baby Bundt

Have you noticed the lemon kick I'm on? I was perusing my cookbook collection and found this gem. Nigella Lawson oozes sexy when she cooks and has such a carefree attitude in the kitchen. She frowns upon perfect and encourages one to have fun. I'm all for that!
I'm not a fan of yogurt, any kind of yogurt but these little cakes were so simple to make, lemony and just so yummy!

Fried Smashed Potatoes with Lemons

The idea of smashing potatoes was odd, nonetheless I followed Giada's instructions and smashed them I did! This side dish accompanied roasted chicken and Scott was in heaven. I feel sorry for this guy sometimes with all the Asian inspired dishes I make and all he would be happy with is meat and potatoes. Oh well...
Potatoes were flavorful and fragrant with a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley and thyme leaves. Lemony and yummy.

Panini

A day of shopping can make any girl hungry and in need of a snack. Panini is an Italian sandwich that is regarded as snack food in Italy and the discovery of Panini in the Makai Market at Ala Moana was perfecto! Friendly and efficient service with a wide array of panini to choose from. We settled on the grilled chicken, romanticized about being in Italy, and were ready for more shopping.

Gardening

No...that is not a bear, it's Jack and he's getting bigger and not even 2 years old yet! He's taken over Maili's place by always being by my side when I'm gardening. I enjoy his company.

Summer Rolls 101

Invited some friends to make summer rolls that I learned how to prepare at a night school course. Nutritious, light, and refreshing and just a great way to start off the year! The sauce is just divine!

Tempura

My sister in law Arni prepares tempura for New Year's and I was inspired to try my hand at these yummy appetizers. I scoured my refrigerator for any vegetable that I could dip into the batter and out came sweet potato, zucchini, carrots and of course, shrimp.
One box of tempura mix yields a lot so we decided to bring them to the beach. Surfers, kids, girlfriends and even dog devoured them in minutes.

Happy New Year!

As the fireworks went off at 12:00 midnight and rang in the year of the rabbit, memories of New Year's Eve celebrations with my family came flooding back-food, fireworks, staying up late, and just having the whole family together! I wish all of you a healthy, happy, prosperous and peaceful 2011.