chinese style boiled peanuts

It was my first time making boiled peanuts the other day.

Previously, I posted a recipe here, which I realized was too tedious, because I found an easier recipe.

So, here is the recipe I used.

Boiled Peanuts, Chinese-style : "Pupu & Potluck" by Jean Watanabe Hee

1 pound raw peanuts
1 to 2 tablespoons salt
2 to 3 star anise

Rinse peanuts several times or until the water is clear.
Cover peanuts with water in a pot.
Add salt and star anise.
Bring to a boil.
Lower heat and simmer, covered for 1 to 2 hours, frequently stirring peanuts.
Taste peanuts for doneness desired.
Do not overcook.

NOTES: Be careful when testing, the peanuts are super hot and if there is liquid inside the peanuts, you could get burned.

To make the peanuts, I used 2 tablespoons of Hawaiian salt, which is a coarse grain. I also used 2-ish star anise, Mom's star anise was broken in pieces.

I didn't cook this for 1 hour, instead, I cooked it for 45 minutes then I turned off the heat and let it "steep" in the pot for 15 more minutes.

I like my boiled peanuts half-cooked, so they have a little "crunch" to them.

They are a little messy because the liquid that seeps into the peanuts dribbles out (sometimes spurts out) when you crack it open.

These were good warm as well as after they were cooled.

Tomorrow, we have a football game-- UH (University of Hawaii) vs. USC (University of Southern Cal) on TV, so you can bet we'll be snacking on these while watching the game (if we have any left by then...).

pot luck

In Hawaii, potluck parties are big. Most times the host/hostess of the party asks the people coming to the party to bring a certain type of dish (like a protein or a salad).

And "Hawaii style" means you usually bring more than one dish and usually more food than the amount of people attending.

In Japan, they call parties in someone's home, a "home party" (I think in English it is called a "house party"?!), the hostess is almost always cooking while the guests are enjoying themselves and you"ll almost never see the hostess eating anything. (gasp!)

Another thing are the conversations...in Hawaii, most people mingle, walk around with their drinks and/or plates of food in their hands, chatting with the other guests.

Kids usually do not bother their parents instead finding somewhere to play.

In Japan, from what I've experienced, everyone gathers around a table, and there are many conversations all at once, competing with each other making their voices louder and louder.

Add to that, kids interrupting their parents conversations, all in all, it makes for one very noisy affair.

As a guest & hostess I've often felt worn out after attending & having these types of parties in Japan.

We just had one of these parties over the weekend and, maybe I'm biased, but I enjoyed the "laid back" feel of our potlucks in the Islands, especially with an awesome sunset like this one.

Do you have potluck parties where you live? How are they "run"?

hawaii sights

Be sure to check out a sunset while in Hawaii.

Most times it'll be bright orange, or fiery red.

Of course it is because there is pollution in the air...but let's not ruin the moment...

hawaii celebrates

Over the weekend we helped celebrate my cousin's marriage.

It was a small affair.

To check out what we had for lunch, click on the photos.

Dessert was an assortment of things.

Their cake was beautiful.

And their favors were lemon (white) & chocolate (pink) cake pops.

It was great seeing my relatives and all the best to the newlyweds!

hawaii sights

Always smile when I see these greetings over the entrances to our McD's in Hawaii..."I'm lovin' it!"

hawaii sights

Some days all you need to do, is just take a look in your side mirror

Or just take a look outside to see a beautiful Hawaiian sunrise...

Hope your day is a happy one.

driver license

As of March 2012, the way we renew our drivers licenses in Hawaii was changed. (I am pretty sure this is for all islands, but check with your island's DMV to be sure)

You now need to show "legal presence". This means you have to show that you belong in the U.S., belong in Hawaii in order to get a license to drive.

What a P.I.T.A. I mean, I've been driving since I was 15...15! and now I need to show legal presence...WT?!

Many women have stood in line (for many hours) to renew only to be turned away. Reason? they got married, changed their name and needed to show proof of that change...a.k.a. marriage certificate.

My parents and I went to the Satellite City Hall in Pearlridge the other day to renew, from filling out the application to standing in line, it took us about 30 minutes total.

The types of I.D. we showed were our Social Security card & a valid passport.

I was shocked that the new fee is US$40 for an 8 year license (25-71 years of age). I think previously it was US$20 for 6 years?!

Plus, they don't accept charge or debit cards, only cash or check...

Satoshi was bummed because he has had a Social Security card and Hawaii drivers license (from the years he worked in Hawaii), but no other valid paperwork for his "legal presence"...boo!

At least I passed without a restriction (no need to have glasses on while driving) and I won't have to renew for another 8 years...whoo!

If you'd like more info, check out this link: http://www1.honolulu.gov/csd/vehicle/dlicense.htm".