I am so honored to be contributing for Joy of Kosher. My name is Samantha and I write and cook for the vastly cultural blog The Little Ferraro Kitchen. I grew up as your typical Brooklyn Jewish girl next door, watching my mother roll grape leaves and living off of all the wonders that New York delis and Chinese take-out has to offer. When I was a teenager, my mother thought it would be fun (to say the least) to move to Hawaii and start a new adventure there. Now as an only child growing up with a single-parent, who wouldn’t take on such an amazing opportunity? So we packed our Hula-gear and coconut shells and whisked away to the tropical islands of Aloha…or as many Jewish people also call it, Shaloha!
I am now living in Southern California (can’t complain too much about that as well) and mom still lives on the islands. She has passion fruit trees and pineapples at her doorstep and we often hunt for guavas and papayas when I am visiting. As you can tell, Hawaii has been such a huge and powerful influence in my life. Aloha taught me peace, love, culture and appreciation.
I want to introduce you to the beautiful world of Hawaii, how the locals do it. We thought it would be a fun idea to create a “Shabbat Luau”, so here we have 2 recipes that are dear to my Hawaii soul-they are all about comfort and ease.
The first is “Shoyu Chicken”. Just like Hawaii, Shoyu chicken has influences from Asia, hence calling it “shoyu” which is Asia’s term for soy sauce. You will always find shoyu chicken simmering away on “Aunties” stove or at any given luau-it’s just a given. Boneless chicken thighs are simmered with flavors of soy, ginger and brown sugar, just long enough to fall apart at forks touch. You need to enjoy this with rice, as this is a typical staple of the islands.
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More Love
A Simchat Torah Hawaiian Luau
Shaloha (Shalom + Aloha) and Chag Sameach! In Hawaii, tropical flavors are year round so …
For dessert, there is nothing better than classic malasadas. Oh my mouth is watering at the thought of these typed words. Malasadas are Portuguese fried doughnuts and are a favorite for both the locals and tourists. This recipe is given by my favorite Malasadas spot on the Big Island, called Tex Drive-In. Light and dense doughnut pillows with a filling if wanted. You won’t be able to stop at just one.
I hope these recipes bring you to the Islands as much as they bring me back home.
Shabbat Shalom and Aloha!
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I’ve never tried Hawaiian food to be perfectly honest. Still wanna win!
My brother is about to be stationed in Hawaii so I really hope to be able to go on vacation there sometime!
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
we are planning a trip to hawaii we just started looking at hotels and flights and can’t wait to go!
I went to Hawaii last year and saw the black beach
i love li hing mui powder or whatever. it is sooo good on hawaiian shave ice!
ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love pineapples, chicken and teriyaki sauce.
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii but haven’t had a chance to go there.
I am not familiar with the food of Hawaii but I’m sure with the the different cultures there is a rich variety. I would love to hear about food that is served at a luaou. [email protected]
I’ve always dreamed on going to Hawaii (CoreyOlomon at gmail dot com)
We love the beaches of Hawaii
Hawaii is a goal vacation of mine- cannot wait until I get there!
I have always waanted to visit hawaii but im sure i never will because im afraid to fly
Hawaii is my dream trip! I so want to go and see it all and taste the food there!
jagar0047 at yahoo dot com
I agree, was thinking of saving this recipe for chanukah.
I love a luau!
[email protected]
I don’t know much about Hawaii. My parent’s honeymooned there and they loved it.
I’m not a fan having sweets (sugar or fruits) in with my meat dishes and that seems to me what a lot of Hawaiian dishes have. Those doughnuts looked yummy!
I am going to Hawaii in 2013 and couldn’t be more excited about my first trip there 🙂
vac 924 at gmail dot com
I guess if you can;t be there, you can at least enjoy the cuisine. Sounds like a good Shabbos Chanukah menu also with the dessert!
I’ve never been to Hawaii but I really hope to go someday. I love pineapples and coconut
The Shabbos meals I most enjoy always incorporate one or two dishes from cuisines or with ingredients I wouldn’t have thought to try. What a terrific way to see (taste?) Hashem’s abundance, especially on Shabbos ( or Yom Tov!). Thanks.
I always wanted to travel to Hawaii. The water always looked so fake and absolutely breathtaking!!
Shoyu Chicken looks amazing!! Never been to Hawaii but would loooooove to
oh man. I miss Hawaii. Plate lunch with shoyu chicken and 2 scoop rice 1 scoop macaroni please!