An Easter basket sent across the miles from Hawaii looks a lot different than the traditional basket of my youth. Instead of chocolate eggs there’s Ling Hi Mui. Rather than jelly beans there’s Wasabi Peas! Here are some suggestions for Hawaiian Food Favorites to send in Easter Care Packages (aka Baskets) to friends and family on the mainland:
Kona Coffee – Domestic coffee from the only State in the US that produces coffee. Whether grown on Maui, Kauai or Kona, everyone seems to agree on Hawaii’s premium beans can’t be beat.
Enjoy - Li Hing Mango
Li Hing Mui Mango – Dried mango slices are great on their own but with the addition of Li Hing Mui powder they turn into a taste-bud stimulating, head-turning treat. Sweet and sour, pungent, salty, sweet and tangy, one mouthful excites all five taste buds.
Mango Pancakes with Coconut Syrup
Mac Nut Pancake Mix – If you can’t be on Maui for Easter Brunch at Gazebo, you can make some humdinger pancakes at home with this simple mix.
Coconut Syrup – To set off the pancake feast you need authentic coconut syrup.
Honey Roasted Mac Nut – What more can we say? Delicious and good for you.
Chocolate Covered Mac Nuts – Try ‘em this way – one dry roasted, one chocolate, dry roasted/chocolate. Repeat until you achieve satisfaction (or the bag’s empty).
Manju – Not many places in upper New England sell Manju, my oldest son’s favorite treat from Maui. The flakey pastry, filled with cool things like bean curd or sweet potato, is seriously delicious.
Mochi Bean Paste
Mochi – Varieties of this treat abound in Hawaii, with the best being ice cream filled versions, which unfortunately are too difficult to ship far away. But try any type of the rice pastry filled snack and you’ll be hooked.
Wasabi Peas – Get ‘em in giant plastic tubs sold at Costco because these go down easy for parties, entertaining friends, watching games on TV… good for any or all the many things people enjoy more fully with snacks in hand.
Iso Peanuts – go great with Wasabi Peas. Crunch coated peanuts with a slight shoyu flavor.
