“My mom and I are Purists,” she continues, “elbow mac, mayo (Best Foods), Italian parsley. For her, minced onion. For me, chopped olives. Pau.” I’m with Wanda, a purist ...
You learn to cook so you don’t have to rely on recipes — Julia Child
Julia is right, of course, but if you didn’t learn to cook when you were a child you have to start somewhere. I began teaching myself to cook when I was six or seven and received my first cookbook for my eighth birthday. I loved the process of cooking at least as much as the final results, and sometimes more so. It was the exploration of ingredients, the alchemy of transforming them, and my growing ability to make foods taste delicious that enchanted me.
If you want to become a good or better cook, my advice is to first become a good eater: savor your food, indulge your curiosity, be brave and daring, eat outside the box—both figuratively and literally. Get to know fresh foods in their own true season, rather than out-of-season foods from far away. Simple cooking will follow naturally and I’m here to help. This section includes the basic recipes every home cook should know by heart, along with techniques, recommendations for equipment, and more, with new posts weekly.
“My mom and I are Purists,” she continues, “elbow mac, mayo (Best Foods), Italian parsley. For her, minced onion. For me, chopped olives. Pau.” I’m with Wanda, a purist ...
Recipe
Octopus is sometimes referred to as squid in Hawaii and if you have it and are comfortable preparing it, you can use it in this recipe. But it is perfectly ...
The most important part of making squid luau is to cook the leaves long enough; if you don't, you will notice an unpleasant prickly sensation on your tongue as you ...
Very small baked purple sweet potatoes are often served with Hawaiian plate lunch. Sometimes they may be mixed with canned pineapple or coconut milk and served almost as a pudding. ...
Hawaiian rice must be somewhat moist, so that the grains cling to each other, but not at all mushy. Calrose, a Japanese variety, is the most common variety used. Most ...
Poke, often called Hawaii’s soul food, is everywhere in the islands, in home kitchens, in delis and supermarkets, at casual bars and high-end restaurants. And its popularity has traveled. ...
Recipe
This recipe is an example of a simple but unusual poke. It is not for the timid but adventurous eaters will enjoy it.
I think this dish should be considered salad instead of poke but I include it here to demonstrate how far the boundaries of the traditional dish have been expanded.
Poke made with cooked squid or octopus is nearly as common as ahi poke; you find it in most Hawaiian markets and delis. Feel free to add red pepper ...
Recipe
