Foodbuzz 24×24: Ohana Lunch

January 30th, 2011 by justJENN

I know a lot of people from Hawaii who now live here on the Mainland and there’s nothing they miss more than the food back home.

I was selected by Foodbuzz to participate in 24×24 – where 24 bloggers are selected from around the world to eat and blog about their meals all in the same 24 hours. I knew a meal of all local food would be perfect!

So I invited friends and family who miss the taste of Hawaiian food. Not a kitschy Hawaiian party – no, no pineapples or plastic leis here – I’m talking the REAL food from the islands, things you’d find in plate lunches or at a family party.

I made a ton of dishes and um, went overboard with the desserts (as always). Give me a theme and I can’t help myself.

It was a big ol’ Ohana lunch for all my family and friends who miss the taste of home. Comfort food at it’s best.

Kalua Pig
No pit digging here, just made in a crock pot, I stewed this little piggie for over 16 hours to tender perfection.

Mochiko Chicken
Well, you KNOW I love mochi, and anything fried – well, you won’t find a more flavorful, comforting dish.

Chicken Long Rice
Basically noodles, cooked with chicken in a warm broth, the perfect side dish.

Spam + Egg Musubi
A take on the traditional, adding the egg makes you feel like it’s breakfast time.

Fried Poke
For people who may not want totally raw fish, a quick pan fry really brings out the flavor of the poke.

Mac Salad
It wouldn’t be a complete meal unless you had a scoop of rice and a scoop of Mac Salad.

Lomi Lomi Salmon
Yet another side dish, that goes perfect with Kalua Pig.

Poi
Not for everyone, if you DO like it, it goes well with everything on the plate. If you don’t…just move on.

Lilikoi Crunch Cupcakes
I can’t have a party without cupcakes! A light vanilla cake with a lilikoi jelly filling, topped with a mascarpone frosting. A dessert that is light as air and will leave you wanting more, and more, and…

Coco Puffs
The Liliha Bakery makes the best coco puffs in the world. Since I can’t get them easily, now I just make them at home.

Sweet Bread
Ah, what party is complete without King’s Hawaiian sweet bread? So good with butter & Hawaiian Sun Guava jam, but they also taste GREAT filled with yummy Kalua Pig…

Hawaiian Sun
I bought a lot of Hawaii juice to remind folks of home.

Shave Ice
The most fun was putting together the shave ice station. EVERYONE loves shave ice, and since our winter in L.A. means it’s 75 degrees, it actually fit in perfectly. Yes, I own a professional shave ice maker, who…doesnt? Ok, just me.

I put a bunch of syrups out (bubblegum was by far the most popular), as well as a variety of toppings: mochi balls, lychee jelly, condensed milk and ice cream.

The whole menu here:
Kalua Pig
Mochiko Chicken
Chicken Long Rice
Spam and Egg Musubi
Fried Poke
Mac Salad
Lomi Salmon
Lilikoi Crunch Cupcakes
Coco Puffs
Sweet Bread
Hawaiian Sun Juice
Shave Ice

While I usually have some leftovers, not this party – most everything was WIPED OUT. I’d say that’s a success!

It was nice that everyone who came to the party had a connection and also loved to eat. I love throwing parties because I like to bring people together and fill them with happiness…via Coco Puffs, of course.