Wednesday, May 10, 2006

my secret weapon


I wanted to share with you my secret weapon to making poke (po-kay). I know, it is a mix, but it is the only way to get ogo (a type of seaweed) here. Poke usually consists of cut up fish, usually ahi (tuna) or tako (octopus), green onions, shoyu and chili pepper.

In Hawaii, you can usually get poke as a pupu (poo-poo) appetizer in restaurants and at most supermarkets in their "deli" sections -it is sold by the pound.

Using this mix makes making poke so easy and fast! Just soak the ogo in water, drain....add your fish and the salt and chili pepper,which is included! Of course, you can add your own touches...like diced tomatoes, sesame oil, whatever!

It is a great thing to eat when having a cold beer, glass of wine or even sake (sa-kay)!

NOH makes all kinds of sauces and seasonings and has been in Hawaii since way back! I also bought their haupia (coconut pudding) mix on a previous trip, but haven't tried it yet!

Here's a link to some info on poke and a contest that is held on the Big Island.

Now, if you are ever in Hawaii and get invited to a pupu party, you'll know what they are talking about and what to bring! :)

I also wanted to show you the azaleas that are in bloom now. So bright and vibrant! The plants here are tall too (some are taller than me!!). Not like the azalea plants we have in our yard in Hawaii.

Well, the weather has turned very muggy and drizzly...I think the weatherman said we may be going into the rainy season (ALREADY??)

10 comments:

bourgogne said...

the azaleas are so pretty and bushy in japan! we always had azaleas in our garden in cal but they were much smaller too.

K and S said...

isn't that weird that they are so small in the U.S.?

thanks for stopping by, bourgogne!

Kat

Anonymous said...

Wow!

I didn't evenknow what poke was ... very interesting!

Anonymous said...

Learning a lot here Kat. Thanks for this cultural food insight. I feel I am travelling to Hawai!!

Journal Actif said...

Ditto Béa, it makes you wish you were in Hawii.
The azaleas are a real treat to the eyes!
Take care.

K and S said...

that's what I enjoy most about blogging. all of us sharing our cultures!

thanks for stopping by Ivonne, Bea & Zoubida!

kat

Anonymous said...

That dried ogo really works, huh? This is the first time I've seen those convenience packets. I imagine if you you're jonesing for poke it scratches that itch.

K and S said...

Definitely helps subside the poke cravings, Alan!

Thanks for stopping by!
Take care.
Kat

Anonymous said...

I LOVE poke! My mother in law sends the same Noh mix to us. I tried their haupia one before and it's pretty good, but my preference is for a stronger coconut flavor in my haupia.

K and S said...

I'm trying the haupia mix today, T. I hope it is good. Aren't NOH mixes the best?

Take care.
Kat