Hawaii Books - Page 3

Hawaii's Best Local Desserts

Jean Hee

Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 2 to 3 weeks By: Mutual Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 17 new & used starting at $8.88

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking -> Cakes
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking -> Desserts
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking -> Pies

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great local desserts! 4 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Don't be apprehensive because you can't see the cover! This book is full of delicious results that are ultimately simple. A few recipes include store bought packaged products such as cake or brownie mix, but the majority of recipes are based on "from scratch" recipes that have been passed along and shared between close family and friends through generations in Hawai'i. If you've lived in Hawaii or have visited Hawai'i and long for the desserts you so easily remember, this book is a must. Recipes like Pineapple Delight (ready in under half an hour) and Pumpkin Crunch (you HAVE to try this one!) are extremely delicious - having made both with excellent results and ease of preparation. The Hawaiian Jell-o Dessert also got rave reviews from family and friends and is very delicious with a macadamia shortbread crust and 'secret' cream cheese layer (it's mixed with black cherry jell-o and heavy cream) topped off with a layer of lime jell-o. While these desserts are very tempting and easy to make, I couldn't give a five star rating because the recipe listed "2 loaf pans" for the recipe and did not indicate that it was necessary to use 9 in. loaf pans or else you would end up with leftover cream cheese and jell-o. Other than that, this is the book I bake from most often. Some recipes might seem a bit exotic, such as Okinawan Sweet Potato pie with Haupia Topping, Coconut Custard Mochi, or Macadamia Cream Pie, but I'm fairly sure you should be able to find all ingredients at your local grocer. There are four pages of color photographs.

Hawaiian Cookbook

Roana and Gene Schindler

Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $7.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Dover Publications Amazon Marketplace: 63 new & used starting at $0.01

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> General AAS
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> Hawaii
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> West

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Hawaiian Cook Book Review 4 out of 5 stars.
21 of 21 people found this review helpful.

This book was really easy to use and didn't have a lot ofterminology or technique's that we're too "foreign" for usregular people. I have made at least a half a dozen different recipies out of this book so far. They have all turned out pretty well and had a lot of flavor. I am not a master chef by any means so I recommend this book to the simple cook!

well written but out of date 3 out of 5 stars.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful.

This cookbook written by the mainland-american manager of the now-defunct Hawaii Kai restaurant in New York City represents the epitome of fine Tiki Restaurant Dining in the 1970s.

This style of cooking is perhaps best characterized as take-out Chinese food served with a slice of pineapple in a hollowed-out pineapple-shell used as a container, eaten in a restaurant decorated with carved wooden tikis, bamboo struts and thatched huts.

Half of this book is dedicated to this genre, where the actual recipes are very similar or even identical (soy sauce, sherry, ginger, garlic) but the presentations are elaborately different with an emphasis on outlandish (flambee recipes etc). Since the average reader scarcely have time to cook dinner, the advice on food presentation hardly seems relevant.

In the time since this book was written, the chinese tiki restaurant cuisine has evolved to Modern French or American cuisine with Asian ingredients, and these are the books that you can buy from the likes of Sam Choy et al, and these are the dishes that you will encounter in the fine dining hawaiian restaurants today.

Yet, what has always appealed to me about Hawaiian Cooking, is the more humble homecooking (today known as "plate lunches") that evolved from the simple traditional dishes that the plantation laborers from Asia and their Hawaiian polynesian spouses would make. This included grilled meats with asian marinade, japanese style fried cutlets, some chinese style noodle soups, and sadly only a small number of "real" polynesian dishes like laulau, kahlua pig, lomi salmon, haupia, and poi (perhaps less than a dozen of such traditional unadulterated polynesian recipes have survived).

Half of this book does try to address this wealth of simple but authentic home cooked dishes. But that is clearly not the strength or emphasis of this book, and in fact I'm not aware of ANY hawaiian cookbooks that seem to do these dishes any justice, and your best bet at the moment is to search for recipes on the internet.

I think that in emphasizing the "new" and "high class" restaurant style cooking be it from the 70s or today's contemporary cuisine, the cookbook authors have missed out on the true wealth of home cooked hawaiian cuisine that people in Hawaii eat everyday and perhaps take for granted, but for the rest of us living outside of Hawaii, it would be a priviledge to learn those recipes.

Editorial Review:

Nearly 300 easy-to-prepare exotic recipes with tips on shortcuts, preparing ahead, substitutions, etc. Recipes include: sea bass with pine nuts, Lomi Lomi salmon, passion fruit soup, watercress soup, stuffed chicken breasts in pineapple sauce, chestnut duck, island shrimp salad, Maui tangy sauce, Polynesian meatloaf, ko ko nut balls, much more. Also, clever ideas for table decorations and interesting garnishes.

Tasting Paradise III: Restaurants & Recipes of the Hawaiian Islands, Third Edition

Karen Bacon

Amazon Price: $18.95 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Coastal Impressions Press Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $4.48

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Industries & Professions -> Hospitality, Travel & Tourism
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> Asian -> Pacific Rim
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> Hawaii

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Enjoy over 200 enticing recipes from Hawaii's chefs and discover 70 favorite restaurants across the state with Tasting Paradise III: Restaurants & Recipes of the Hawaiian Islands.

The recipes range from simple to gourmet including tasty appetizers and soups, delectable entrees, mouthwatering desserts and more. (Thai Chicken Coconut Soup, Bouillabaisse, Macadamia Nut Crusted Ahi, Tequila Shrimp with Firecracker Rice, Thai Roasted Rack of Lamb with Sweet Potato Saute, Upside-Down Apple Pecan Pie, Kona Kahlua Cheesecake . . .)

As a restaurant guide with a map for each island, informative write-ups and artistic illustrations for each restaurant location, Tasting Paradise III guides you to an inviting selection of places to dine—from outstanding award-winning restaurants to hidden gems. The variety of cuisines includes: Hawaii Regional, Fresh Island Style, American, Comfort Foods, Euro-Asian, Pacific Rim, Japanese, and Italian.

The third edition features all new recipes and information, plus a bonus section with selected recipes from the sold-out first edition, and a comprehensive index.

An innovative resource while traveling in Hawaii or cooking at home, Tasting Paradise III artfully blends cookbook with dining guide.

The Hawaii Farmers Market Cookbook

Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation

Amazon Price: $13.95 List Price: $13.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Watermark Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $8.95

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> Hawaii
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> West
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Easy-to-follow and so thoroughly 'user friendly' 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Expertly compiled and co-edited by by culinary expert Joan Namkoong and Les Dames d'Escoffier chef Haley Matson-Mathes, "The Hawai'i Farmers Market Cookbook: Fresh Island Products From A To Z" features more than 100 recipes, each of which showcases locally grown produce deftly prepared into appetite satisfying, palate pleasing dishes suitable for every dining occasion from simple family meals to elegant celebratory dining. From Avocado Tampura; Sauteed Broccoli Raab with Pancetta; and Grilled Eggplant; to Hearts of Palm, Avocado and Jicama Salad; Sweet Onion Tartlets; and Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Onion Marmalade, the recipes comprising "The Hawai'i Farmers Market Cookbook" are easy-to-follow and so thoroughly 'user friendly' that even the most novice kitchen cook can lay out a menu that would delight any dedicated gourmet!

Editorial Review:

With the increased availability of fresh local produce, shoppers often wonder, "What is that hairy fruit and what do I do with it?" The Hawaii Farmers Market Cookbook — Fresh Island Products from A to Z provides complete descriptions of products, explains what to look for when purchasing, and how to prepare your finds. Full-color photographs help identify "mystery fruits" and the unprocessed form of foods market visitors may have previously only encountered chopped and cooked. Tips on shopping at farmers' markets, a complete listing of the state's current markets and their hours, and product seasonality charts are also included.

Food Lover's Guide to Honolulu

Joan Namkoong

Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Bess Press Amazon Marketplace: 12 new & used starting at $10.39

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> Hawaii
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> General
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

You need this book before you go 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Anyone visiting Honolulu for either the first time or a repeat trip has to take this book with them. The best foods in Hawaii are the local eats. Both home style or Hawaiin Style cuisine this book will lead you to all the best places. And if you have the luxury of your own kitchen you will also have the best places to buy fish, farmers markets and my favorite Plate lunch and Malassadas.
Informative and interesting to read with the bonus of a few choice recipes.

Editorial Review:

This valuable guide takes the reader on a food lover's tour of Honolulu and reveals the best places to eat and shop. From Hawai'i Kai to Kalihi, Joan Namkoong stops at farmers' markets, supermarkets, and specialty food stores, fine-dining restaurants, cafes, and hole-in-the wall eateries; festivals, and cooking classes. She reveals the sources of the best food available from locally owned businesses that perpetuate the food traditions of the islands and include Hawai'i products on their shelves and menus. A must for both residents and visitors, the "Food Lover's Guide to Honolulu" includes locations, hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, parking tips, a glossary, and indexes.

Chefs of Aloha: Favorite Recipes from the Top Chefs of Hawai'i

Amazon Price: $20.95 List Price: $20.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Island Heritage Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $3.33

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> Hawaii
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Special Occasions -> Gourmet

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Snobby Chefs 1 out of 5 stars.
4 of 10 people found this review helpful.

When you purchase a cookbook like this, most people are hoping that the recipes would be written so that someone with a fair amount of cooking experience can follow the instructions and make the recipes. Not in this cookbook. The chefs often leave out important details so that only experienced cooks can follow and make the recipes. The worst one in the book is Eric Favre. His directions are so unclear it's as if he is being intentionally snobby and put his recipes in the book just for the royalties, not so you can make them. I'm sure there are many good recipes in this cookbook, you're not a chef, I'd strongly recommend buying another book.

Editorial Review:

Volcanic Ahi, Lollipop Shrimp, Toy Box Tomato Salad, Golden Temple Bananas - the recipes in this book are as intriguing as the top Island Chefs who created them. In just a little over a decade, these culinary wizards have become household names among gourmets around the world. They’ve put Hawai‘i on the epicurean map - and have had a great time doing it. In this beautifully photographed book, the acclaimed Chefs of Aloha share some of their favorite recipes, cooking tips and presentation ideas. All ingredients are readily available in Hawai‘i, and most of the dishes are very easy to prepare. Have fun in your kitchen - then savor the fabulous results!

101 Great Tropical Drinks: Cocktails, Coolers, Coffees and Virgin Drinks

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi

Amazon Price: $13.95 List Price: $13.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Island Heritage Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 17 new & used starting at $6.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Bartending
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> Hawaii
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Disappointed by limited scope 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book deals almost exclusively with tropical drinks offered by various Hawaiian resorts and restaurants. I had purchased the book for a Caribbean client and was disappointed that it did not address drinks or fruits of the Caribbean region at all. While the book is very nice, well-illustrated, etc. for Hawaii, I wish I had more carefully researched the contents of this book and not purchased it.

Editorial Review:

101 great recipes, ranging from cocktails and coffee drinks to nonalcoholic beverages and libations, contain unique ingredients such as poi, kava, oatmeal, and chicken broth. Includes intriguing anecdotes, glossary of common cocktail terms, and more!

Pupus to da Max

Douglas Simonson, Pat Sasaki, Ken Sakata

Amazon Price: $9.95 List Price: $9.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Bess Press Amazon Marketplace: 24 new & used starting at $1.94

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking -> General
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking -> General AAS
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Reference

Editorial Review:

A humorous and informative introduction to the foods of Hawaii, featuring definitions, cartoons, and recipes.

Sam Choy's Cooking

Sam Choy

List Price: $35.00 By: Mutual Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $3.44

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> U.S. Regional -> Hawaii
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> General
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A down-to-earth author creates a great cookbook 4 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Back in March 1997, I met the author of this week's cookbook review. Sam Choy a Hawaiian native and down-to-earth chef is the author of The Choy of Cooking published by Mutual Publishing. Choy lives in Kona where he has one of his Sam Choy's Restaurant (others are in Tokyo, Honolulu and Oahu ). This the second book by this author who has many ties to the Philadelphia region. No expense has been spared for this cookbook, with full color pictures on almost every page and printed on a high gloss paper. When I met Sam, I had a few minutes to talk to him and he truly loves what he does. During the dinner that he had prepared, I had an opportunity to sample three of the dishes from this book. Bella Mushroom Salad that featured Arugula and lettuce mounded high with roasted red pepper and scattered slices of Portobello mushrooms. Circling the salad was a dressing based on plum tomatoes and garlic. Topping the entire salad was fresh grated cheese. Then I tried a fabulous Ginger, Ginger Steamed Mussels. The mussels were tender and almost sweet. The juice had flavors of ginger, cilantro and onion giving the soup an almost lime twang, making this an outstanding dish. The last item was a dessert listed in the book as Macadamia Nut Dried Papaya Bread Pudding, a work of art offering a dense but mostly moist piece of bread pudding surrounded by a medley of pineapple and mango chunks as well as strawberry halves with whipped cream almost offering three separate desserts to create one masterpiece. Other items in the cookbook include: Summer 'Ahi (yellowfin tuna) Tartare, Wok Barbecue Shrimp with Pepper-Papaya-Pineapple Chutney, Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Shitake Mushrooms with Béarnaise Sauce, Korean-Style Tako Poke, Bella Mushroom Salad, Gingered Scallops with Colorful Soba Noodles, Sesame Ginger Snap Peas, Pan-Fried Spicy Eggplant, Beef or Pork Lu'au Stew, Baked Whole Opakapaka with Coconut Milk, and Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cheese Pie. The Choy of Cooking truly is a joy to cook with. The recipes are marvelous and tasty bring some flavors that are designed to tempt the palate. In what appears to be an attempt to improve upon his first book, Cooking from the Heart, Sam Choy brought in a new co-writer and book designer while bringing back his incredible photographer and food stylist to create the well conceived and though out cookbook. If you are into Oriental foods and want a unique cookbook on your shelf, this may be another one that you may want on that shelf