Avocados

My next door neighbor's trees are producing giant, delicious avocados right now, and she shared some with me!  For the past few days I've enjoyed avocado and turkey wraps, bacon stuffed avocados, fresh guacamole...I'm sure you get the picture :)  At our previous house here we had our own tree, and I've decided it's time to plant one at our new house too. 

MMMM.....Malasadas!

I love Malasadas - Hawaii's version of a doughnut without the hole (only way better).  My favorites?  A six-pack of plain sugar ones from Leonard's Bakery in the signature pink box!  You may notice there are only five in my photo - that's because I have to eat one in the car on the way home while they are still hot :)  For more 'M' photos please visit ABC Wednesday.

I: Ice, Hawaiian Style

Shave ice is a local treat, not to be confused with "snow cones" and not to be pronounced "shaved ice".  It has a much more velvety texture than a snow cone, and is doused in a variety of syrup flavors.  Ice cream or azuki beans can be added to the bottom of the cup before the ice is piled on.  The best shave ice spots are on the North Shore - I like Aoki's - where this photo was taken - better than the more famous one a couple of doors down for a number of reasons:  their syrups are made right there in the store, their syrups are chilled (which I think makes them taste even better!) and best of all, the line is always shorter!  It's ABC Wednesday, so click HERE to see more 'I' photos.

Red. Velvet. Pancakes. Mmmm...

I went to breakfast at Cinnamon's in Kailua today, and had the red velvet pancakes that they are so well known for (and ironically, they aren't even on the menu).  They started as a limited-time special but became so wildly popular that they're still serving them all these months later.  I LOVE them - they are the only thing I ever order, and the sauce is heavenly.  Other good eats which are on the menu include guava chiffon pancakes, portuguese sausage, and a Hawaiian omelette filled with kalua pork.