Teddy Bears and Wild Pigs

Aloha Everyone,

I hope this photo will make you smile.

Our younger son Jeff and his wife live in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Kaneohe is the second largest town on the Windward Coast of Oahu. Located at the base of the Koolau Mountains, Kaneohe receives a lots of rain, resulting in lush vegetations, colorful tropical flowers and fruits trees.

This is what Jeff saw on his last evening walk in his neighborhood.  If you zoom in the window, there is a large Teddy Bear. In front of the Teddy Bear is what appears to be an enormous wild pig which according to Jeff nonchalantly left a large present for the homeowner. Juxtaposition of these two animate and inanimate beings are enough to make you smile.

Aloha -- Cathi

Taco Tuesday - Blue Corn Taco Shells

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I first tried the authentic Hopi cultivated blue corn flour when the two of us visited the Hopi Reservation in New Mexico.  

The Blue Corn or Hopi Maize is a staple of New Mexico cuisine. The unadulterated blue corn flours may be purchased online, but the cost is about four times that of regular corn flour. Nutritional value compared to yellow corn is at least 20% more protein, less starch and lower glycemic index. Blue corn flavor is richer, fuller and sweeter. It is a welcome change on our Taco Tuesday tortilla.

Aloha -- Cathi

Brussels Sprouts & Shishito Peppers

Aloha Everyone,

Brussels Sprouts looks like a tiny version of a cabbage. The ones that came in this week’s Farmer’s Basket were about 1 inch. The origin of Brussels Sprouts traces back to Mediterranean region, but because it was popularized in Brussels, Belgium the name stayed.

This vegetable is an acquired taste. When cooked, some find its aroma unpleasant. However, the nutritional value of Brussels Sprouts which is rich in antioxidants; high in fiber; and vitamin K is sufficient for me to add to my vegetable repertoire.

Shishito Peppers is a small and thin finger size pepper that are often served as an appetizer in Japanese Restaurants. The name Shishito means Lion’s Head though one must truly use imagination to see lions.  

High in vitamins A, C and K, some people add Shishito Peppers to their daily diet. One interesting thing about this pepper is that they are mostly mild but one out of 8 can be very hot. I recall on one occasion, my Mother and I were eating newly harvested and quickly pan fried peppers for breakfast. J.J. popped one in his mouth and choked. Some reference eating Shishito Peppers like playing Russian Roulette. If you are the unlucky one, you will get the spicy pepper.

Some of you know that J.J. is a great cook. The plate he made of Brussels Sprouts & Shishito Peppers was fantastic!

Aloha -- Cathi

August Breakfasts

Aloha Everyone,

My breakfasts consist of what is available in the refrigerator as well as how famished I am. Prior to starting my walk, I usually consume about 10 pieces of dried almonds to give me a protein boost.

My August breakfast plates tend to be heavy on fruits and vegetables. Looking at these photos, Jeff commented that I am not consuming sufficient protein. I am, though almond butters and humus spreads appear after I take photos. They taste far better than they look.

Aloha -- Cathi

Let’s Save Africa

Aloha Everyone,

SAIH Norway, established in 1961, is a students and academics organization in Norway. SAIH’s goal is to promote academic freedom.

There are a number of such organizations around the world. What makes SAIH’s video presentation on donation drive unique is that their use of unusual humor to attract potential donors. See what do you think.

Aloha -- Cathi