spamming the globe...

On a recent trip to the supermarket, I was amazed at how many different types of "flavors" of Spam there are out there. (There is even a Spam website, roll your mouse over it, the guy on there talks to you....)

Shelves upon shelves are dedicated to the different varieties (Garlic, Hickory Smoke, Oven Roasted Turkey (I thought we were talking about Spam?...), Spam with Cheese (??), Honey (double ??), Bacon (triple ??))...blah.

If you ask me, the original "flavor" is the best, hands down!

chocolate finds

I wanted to share with you some of the chocolatey goodies that I've picked up so far...

There is Green & Black's Maya Gold Organic Hot Chocolate Drink. I've tried the bar, so I think the drink may taste just like it. Found this one at Down to Earth.

Malie Kai's tropical fruit and nut chocolates. Heard about this from Leigh's site. I was a bit disappointed with this one, the dark percentage seems to be a little lower than what I'm used to and the nuts and fruits are very sparse. I found this one at Executive Chef.

The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory's (OHC) chocolate is my kind of chocolate with a little acidity and nice snap. As their motto on the box says, "Chocolate is Aloha!"

I also picked up some Vosges bars along with the OHC from Honolulu Chocolate Company. The Mo's Bacon Bar was talked about here and here and I wanted to try it for myself. I hope it is good.

And last but not least, I purchased some issues of Cocoaroma magazine. If you love chocolate and love to read about it too, then this magazine maybe for you. My friend, Michael Mischer is featured in the latest issue too. (way to go!)

Are you all chocolated out? Not me, if I find more, I'll be sure to share.

buying local

Are you trying to buy local? Me too, especially when it comes to bringing back omiyage (souvenirs) for family and friends in Japan. Sometimes I want to bring back more than just the "usual" chocolate covered mac nuts or coffee.

I had heard about both of these from Leigh's site, Hapa Hale and found them at Down to Earth recently-- Honey Girl Organics Lip Balm and Bubble Shack soaps. I can't wait to try both products and I hope the people that I give them to will like them also. (UPDATE: the Honey Girl Organics Lip Balm is good but gets hard in cold weather. I guess it takes some warmth from your hands to get it soft before using.)

Another thing I heard about on Leigh's site was Taro Delight. This company makes dips made with taro and other ingredients like olive or sun dried tomatoes. I bought the "taronaise" which tastes like hummus and is great on plain tortilla chips. (I think this would also be good in a sandwich.)

Another thing we tried from the same company was "taro poke". This poke doesn't use fish though, just taro, onions, ogo (seaweed) chili, soy sauce and some sesame seed oil. Both items goes great with beer too. (We had both of them at our Super Bowl party yesterday, sorry the picture doesn't really do it justice.)

I got the taro items at the KCC Farmers Market, it was a rainy day on Saturday, but despite the showers, everyone was out in full force. (and a few minutes later, the rain came down in buckets!)

Despite the rain, there was lots to see, sample and take in. If you have a chance, you should check out this market, parking is free.

meme & a thank you

After seeing, Jaden's posts about vanilla, saffron and her cool julienne gadget (since my knifing skills suck the big one)---I had to get them while I am home. Thanks for the info Jaden! I can't wait to try the gadget out and make some vanilla extract with the beans. (The postage to Hawaii was outrageous, but hopefully worth it.)

On another note, Su-Lin of Tamarind and Thyme tagged me for a meme:

Here are 7 random/weird things about me.
1. I like to wash my dishes in a particular order (cups, dishes, utensils) and stack them to dry so they look neat and organized.

2. I used to save my favorite food to eat last, but have since changed my ways and now eat it first, so I won't be totally full at the end of the meal not to eat it.

3. If I want something, like a cookbook, gadget or book, on the market, I usually cannot sleep and will hunt all over for it until I get it. (OCD? maybe.)

4. Most people think I'm "type A" (in Japan they consider this blood type to have characteristics of be quite controlling and anal) blood type, but I think I'm actually "type B" (in Japan they consider this blood type to be quite relaxed and easy going). (I actually don't know my blood type, do you?)

5. I can usually wake up without an alarm clock at the same time every day.

6. Only when I used to drive my father's Buick did the odometer go backwards.

7. I love tuna with kimchi sandwiches.

If you'd like to participate in this meme, consider yourself tagged! Thanks Su-Lin, this meme was quite interesting.

hey, look back!

Some people may think that looking back on things is not a good thing...I think after a drizzle in Hawaii, it is.

Don't try this while driving and I hope you are having a great weekend.

ba-le

Picked up this plate lunch the other day from Ba-le. Part of a roast chicken banh mi (like a third or fourth of a whole one), 2 crispy lumpia, salad with some of the banh mi veggies on it and the vermicelli noodles. (sorry I don't know all the authentic names) There was a sweet,clear sauce with flecks of chili in it, in a container under the lumpia, which I poured over the veggies and vermicelli....everything was delicious!

Can you believe it? Only US $5 + tax.

p.s. here is the Roselani Haupia and Kona Mud Pie. (sorry but the photo doesn't do the Haupia justice). The haupia is rich and creamy and super white--snow should taste like this! Mom says that they should put some chunks of coconut in there too.

The kona mud pie is a rich coffee ice cream which you can actually see the coffee in it too (or maybe it could be specks of vanilla beans), swirls of chocolate sauce and chunks of oreo cookies....both are heavenly!

Have a great weekend, it is Super Bowl on Sunday!

hawaii eats

Have you ever had a Dreamsicle? You know, orange sorbet and vanilla ice cream combined? I'd never had one, but I have had an Orange Creamsicle, vanilla ice cream with an orange popsicle wrapped around it.

Anyway, no matter which one you've tried, you'll love Roselani's Pauwela Sunrise. The description on the box says that it is an "orange "dreamsicle" ice cream with Maui pineapple chunks".

Haven't tried a Dreamsicle or Creamsicle? Then go out and get yourself some Roselani Pauwela Sunrise. It is way better! (sorry about the pictures being kind of yellow)

Apparently Roselani Ice Cream has been in stores on Oahu since 2003 (gosh, where have I been?) I was under the impression that if you wanted to eat their ice cream you either had to have it in a restaurant that served it on Oahu or go to Maui.

I hope to be able to try Haupia and Kona Mud Pie while I'm home.

update: I wrote this post yesterday and have since picked up a container of Haupia and Kona Mud Pie....stay tuned!