Hawaiian, Sweets, Treats and Eats

Rating:
Summary: Not What I Expected
Review: Don't let the title fool you, this book is not for someone who is looking for a whole bunch of authentic, ethnic Hawaiian food such as lau lau, haupia, breadfruit, and the like.

Having said that, there are some interesting recipes such as Coconut Milk Cake, Welakahao Pineapple Punch, Grandma Chung's Chop Chae, and Island Sweet-Sour Hocks. Mixed in with these type of recipes are some "mainland" style dishes: Frosted Shortbread Squares, Fried Bananas, and Seafood Newburg. And, there are many other ethnic/local dishes like Pork Adobo, Cucumber Namasu, and Ginger Chicken, although if you have a good "local" cookbook from Hawaii (you know, the ones they sell at schools, churches, island bookstores), you can find many of the same recipes.

I guess if you have 7 bucks to spare and want another "Hawaiian" cookbook, you might want to pick this one up. Belshe's aloha spirit and personality come through in the little comments sprinkled throughout the book.