Maui Made Gifts for the Holiday Season

Its that time of year again when we are all rushing about trying to find the perfect gift. Here on Maui we are blessed with some amazing local business that create some awesome products. If you'd like to gift someone a piece of paradise this season here are my top recommendations:

Ocean Vodka 

 

Ocean Vodka is an incredible spirit distilled on Maui from Organic cane sugar and deep sea mineral water. It works by itself or in mixed drinks and their new sea float inspired bottle is really beautiful. 

Adobo Loco 

 

Adobo Loco is a really cool little family run hot sauce company that sources from local farmers on the island. All of their sauces are delicious and we always keep a bottle of their Pineapple Habanero sauce in the fridge.

Maui Babe 

 

Maui Babe sun products are made using local Hawaiian ingredients and work really well. I have to say that as a very fair girl who does not tan easily their Browning Lotion works quick and well. The fact that its not a stain or dye but just stimulates natural tanning factors in the skin is a big bonus.

Maui Gold Pineapple 

 

Nothing says Hawaii like Pineapple, and Maui Gold is the sweetest pineapple I've ever tasted. You can taste these super sweet fruits for yourself by ordering from their website if you can't find them locally. Maui Gold uses Fedex 2 day air to get your pineapple to you as quick as possible and all prices include shipping. 

Island Essence Bath and Spa 

  

Island Essence spa products are a luxurious line of products made with local ingredients such as sea kelp, kukui nut oil, and noni extract. I am particularly in love with their body butters, especially in the Passionfruit Lime scent. It is sweet, light, and really unique. 

Maui Brewing Co 

 

Maui Brewing Co is our award winning local micro brewery here on the island. Their creations all use local ingredients giving them a truly unique taste. You can find their products near you using their handy Beer Finder

Maui Girl & Co

 

Maui Girl & Co is an amazing swimwear company based on Maui's North shore in Paia. They have some incredible designs and have been featured several times in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition. 

Maui Soap Company 

 

Maui Soap Company makes a lovely line of handmade vegan bath products using Coconut oil. The scents are very true to life and really bring the scents of island home. 

Pandeia Sundial Watches 

 

Now I don't own one these myself because they are a bit pricey, but they are so so awesome. Each piece is handcrafted and numbered. The pieces incorporate a compass and sundial with instructions engraved on the back. I really hope these catch on and think they would make a truly unique gift for any watch lover. 

Surfer Girl Jewelry 

 

Surfer Girl Jewelry is based right in my little town of Kihei and makes some really beautiful pieces. Each piece is handcrafted and really captures the spirit of the islands. 

So I hope if you are looking to give a bit of paradise this season my list has helped. I love giving out of the box gifts that people aren't expecting, especially things from far away places. Until next time Aloha from Maui. 

Tropical Holiday Recipes: Appetizers, Drinks, and Sides

On this weeks edition of Tropical Holiday Recipes I'll be giving you a collection of my favorite appetizer, drink, and side recipes. I love green beans so there are several recipes for them, also if you look back to my early posts on the blog you'll find an additional recipe for sweet potatoes fried with cinnamon and coconut milk. Now on to the recipes:

1) Hoisin Green Bean Salad 

 

This recipe calls for agave but if you don't have that on hand honey will work fine

2) Sriracha and Wasabi Deviled Eggs 

 

3) Creamy Coconut Eggnog 

 

4) Coconut Almond Green Beans 

 

This is a super quick and simple recipe with just 4 ingredients and 2 steps. 

5) Guava Lime Coolers 

 

6) Pumpkin Butter 

 

This is great on lots of things but is particularly good on the famous Kings Hawaiian Rolls. 

7) Ohana Green Beans 

 

This is a Disney recipe from their Polynesian resort and popular with kids. 

8) Pumpkin Sangria 

 

9) Pumpkin Spice Plantain Chips 

If you don't have the palm sugar the recipe calls for organic or light brown sugar is fine. 

10) Tropical Sweet Potato Bake 

 

Well there they are to inspire you. As I said if you check out this earlier entry Adventures in Island life you'll find my personal favorite sweet potato recipe where they are fried with cinnamon and coconut milk. Sweet Potatoes with a tropical twist.  Next week will be the last in the series and contain a collection of tropical dessert recipes, until then Aloha from Maui. 

Tropical Holiday Recipes: Main Dishes

Here is the second installment in my Topical Holiday Recipes series. These recipes work well for not just winter holidays, but spring or even summer as well. The recipes that are glazes can also be adapted not just for other proteins as well. I can also say from experience that the leftovers from these recipes are awesome. Without further ado here they are.

1) Soy Sauce and Honey Glazed Turkey 

 

2) Hawaiian Style Pineapple Guava Glazed Ham 

 

3) Hawaiian Portuguese Smoked Turkey 

 

4) Pit Fired Ham Glazed with Pineapple and Mango Maple Syrup 

 

I don't have a picture for this, but its awesome and can be prepared in a BBQ pit or oven. 

5) Hawaiian Roast Beef 

 

6) Turkey with Port Wine Guava Glaze 

 

I can say from personal experience that this turkey is addictive its so good. 

7) Char Siu Glazed Ham 

 

Leftovers from this make a fantastic fried rice. 

8) Teriyaki Glazed Turkey with Shallot Gravy 

 

Sorry no pic for this one either, but as a tip just use a good quality store bought stock if you don't want to make the rich turkey stock in the recipe. 

9) Honey Glazed Turkey Breast with Roasted Pineapple 

 

This is great for smaller gatherings. 

10) Hawaiian Kalua Turkey 

 

This is probably the most authentic Hawaiian recipe on the list. 

Well there they are. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family has. Next post in the series will be on Stuffing. Aloha from Maui

Tropical Holiday Recipes: Pies, Tarts, and Cheesecakes

As October comes to an end I start planning my holiday meals. This post is the first in a series I will be doing over the next month containing recipes that will add a tropical twist to your typical holiday fare. Even before we moved to Maui I would try to include at least one tropical element in my holiday meals to make my husband feel more at home. I'm starting this series with my personal favorite element of any holiday meal pie, or in this case Pies, Tarts, and Cheesecakes. In my quest for tropical holiday recipes over the years these are some of the best I've come across, they are great any time and are sure to make your meal one to remember.


1)Hawaiian Lilikoi Tart 

 

Lilikoi, or passion fruit, is a favorite in the islands. If you can't find fresh passion fruit puree is fine, just make sure you have 2/3cup when combined with the lime juice. It can usually be found in either the frozen section or in places like Whole Foods or Trader Joes. 

2) Mango Coconut Cheesecake 

 

3)Pineapple Pie with Coconut Cream 

Make sure you are using full fat coconut milk for the whipped cream in this recipe. Lite or fat free won't give you the nice solids you need to make the whip. 

4)Coconut Sweet Potato Cheesecake 

Now this recipe calls for using red skinned sweet potatoes or yams, but if you are lucky enough to be in Maui or somewhere else they are available the purple Molokai sweet potatoes that we grow here in the islands makes this really stand out. 

5)Tropical Mango Tarte Tatin with Coconut Cream 

6)Hawaiian Millionaire Pie 

 

This recipe calls for pecans but for an even more tropical twist I like to use Macadamia Nuts. 

7)Macadamia Nut Pie 

This is a fun twist on traditional pecan pie simply replacing the pecans with macadamia nuts. 

8)Tropical Pumpkin Pie 

9)Kimos Hula Pie 

 

This recipe calls for macadamia nut ice cream which can be hard to find. I've found that both coconut ice cream and plain old fashioned vanilla turn out quite good as well. 

10)Coconut Custard Pie 

So there you are, some tropical recipes to get you started on your holiday meal planning. Check back next week when I post a collection of tropical main dish ideas for the holidays. Aloha from Maui.