Hawaiian Mac Salad

For one of my monthly group rotation dinners, the food theme was "Hawaii 5-0." 

I decided to make a Hawaiian macaroni salad. Anytime I order a local plate lunch in Hawaii, it comes with mac salad. Yum! There are so many versions that I wasn't sure which one I wanted to make. 

I found a recipe on youtube, which I thought the recipe sounded ono (delicious); but also Janice Morimoto was halarious!! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUnt1ViYZiI 

I followed her recipe but made a much larger batch, so the quantities of the ingredients are mine. 

Hawaiian Style Mac Salad 
2 C cabbage, uncooked sliced very thin 
3 T onions, finely diced 
3 small potatoes, boiled peeled, cubed small 
1 Lb macaroni (I used 25 oz. cooked) 
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 can tuna, drained 
6-7 T Best (Hellman's)Mayonnaise - do not use low fat!! 

Boil potatoes with skin on. Cool, peel off the skin, and cube. 

Boil the macaroni with oil and salt in the pot. Cook until it's just beyond al dente. You want to keep the macaroni soft enough for it to soak in the dressing. 

Rinse the macaroni in cold water and drain well. 

In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, onion, and tuna, breaking up the tuna. 

Add 4 T. mayonnaise and salt/pepper; mix together. 

Add the macaroni and potatoes and combine. 

Add the rest of the mayonnaise until very creamy. 

Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours. 

Check again to see if any additional mayonnaise is needed.

Mike Lewis’ Texas Chili

This recipe will make a stock pot full – so if you want less, adjust accordingly.

5 lbs. ground beef

28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

2 – 40 oz. cans of Redskin (or any type) kidney beans

6 oz. can tomato paste

2 cans beer (any kind)

2 T. olive oil

4 garlic cloves minced

3 t. salt

3 t. ground black pepper

3 t. dried oregano

2 T. cumin

10 T. chili powder (medium hot) (we use Penzey’s brand)

3 t. crushed dried chili’s – seeds and all (about 6 chili’s)

2 T. sugar

Slice and chop onions.  Sauté in olive oil until soft, but do not brown.  

Add beef.  Stir occasionally until brown.  

Add all dry ingredients.  Stir and cook about 2 minutes.  

Add crushed tomatoes, paste, and beer and bring to boil.  

Cook 5 minutes on low boil.  Add beans.  Bring to boil.  

Simmer for 1 hour with lid on.  

Turn off heat – leave overnight or at least 4 hours.  Reheat to serve and eat.

Frosted Cashew Cookies

½ cup butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup sour cream
2 cups flour
½ tsp. vanilla
¾ tsp. each baking powder, baking soda and salt
1 ¾ cups salted cashew halves

Browned Butter Frosting

½ cup butter (No substitutes)
3 T. light cream
¼ tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
Additional cashew halves, optional

Cream butter and brown sugar.

Beat in egg, sour cream and vanilla; mix well.

Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Mix well.

Fold in cashews.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 min. until light brown. Cool.

Frosting:

Lightly brown butter in saucepan.

Remove from heat and add vanilla and light cream.

Beat in sugar until smooth and thick.

Frost cookies and top with cashew half.

Makes 3 doz.