August 10, 2024

WEEKLY MENU 08.11.24

Sticking at home during the Weekly Menu 08.11.24 while we pretend to jet to Hawaii~

We’re celebrating Hawaii’s Statehood Day on August 16th, which falls during the Weekly Menu 08.11.24. We’re using that as inspiration for Sunday dinner. Let’s LUAU!

Did you know it took Hawaii over 60 years to agree to become part of the United States? Tis true.

More than 60 years after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, Hawaii (Native spelling: Hawaiʻi) officially became America’s 50^th state on August 21, 1959. The cluster of islands, situated some 2,400 miles off the U.S. mainland in the South Pacific, followed Alaska, the 49^thentry, by just eight months.

Hawaii’s push for statehood had failed repeatedly for more than half a century—due largely, scholars say, to discrimination against the islands’ substantial non-white population. However, savvy political maneuvering, coupled with changing U.S. strategic interests in the Pacific during the Cold War, ultimately turned the tide.

Statehood hasn’t been universally embraced on the islands. For some Native Hawaiians, it reflects an unwelcome legacy of American imperialism, militarism and colonization in the Pacific region.

History.com

During the Spanish-American War in 1898, the United States acquired Hawaii forcefully for strategic purposes. Also, they treated Hawaii as a military command post World War II.

After the war, a majority of the population was in favor of Hawaii becoming a State of the United States. However, many natives were against the illegal acquisition of Hawaii and wanted Hawaiian sovereignty.

There was also some resistance from the southern states of the USA, as they were still segregated, and Hawaii was very ethnically diverse.

Over the years, Hawaii had many statehood bills, the first one being in 1919 by Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole.

It was only in 1959 that Congress approved the statehood bill, after a referendum where 94% of Hawaiian residents voted in favor of Hawaii becoming a state.

Calendarr.com

Sounds like it’s time for a Luau!

Called Aha’aina (gathering for a meal) in ancient times, the term luau came into favor much later in our island history. It refers to the young edible taro leaves that are traditionally used to wrap the food prior to being placed in the imu (underground oven).

With the abolishment of the ancient Hawaiian Kapu (taboo) system in 1819, women and men were able to eat together and to share the same food. Prior to that time, women and men dined apart. Women were forbidden to partake of several foods including pork, bananas, and several species of fish. Since 1819, the ancient feast of Aha’aina, or the luau, that was such an important part of the Hawaiian culture, has become a treasured family custom and continues to play a significant part in family life.

Today, a traditional luau is often used by family and friends to celebrate a baby’s first birthday, or as an important way to raise funds by churches and social groups.

Paradise Cove

Weekly Menu 08.11.24

We’re not digging a hole in the ground (this time). We’re going to press our fabulous crockpot into service instead.

Kalua pork (no relation to Kahlua, a coffee liqueur that originated in Verz Cruz, Mexico) is traditionally made by slow roasting a whole pig in an underground oven called an imu. The recipe we’re using slow cooks a pork shoulder in the crockpot with heavy pink salt and some liquid smoke. Liquid smoke is a pretty cool little addition –

Liquid Smoke is a concentrate that is made by running smoke from a burning wood through a condenser and collecting the droplets that contains the smoke. It’s a highly concentrated product so a little goes a long way when adding it to a recipe.

Wright’s Liquid Smoke

We have some in the cupboard that has been hanging around for a couple of years. A little really does go a long way. This recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons for a 6-pound pork shoulder, which might be the most I’ve ever added to a recipe.

We’re starting with a perennial favorite: Virgin Pina Coladas. Adults can add a dark rum topper to spice it up. There’s nothing like a tropical coconut milkshake. I upgraded to this blender a few months back, I love it, and I’m looking forward to using it for these drinks:

Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender, 1400 Peak Watts, 3 Functions for Smoothies, Frozen Drinks & Ice Cream with Auto IQ, 72-oz.* Total Crushing Pitcher & Lid, Dark Grey

$76.79

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12/02/2024 03:39 am GMT

It’s perfect for smoothies and tropical drinks.

We never did get to the Red Beans and Rice last week, and it sounds good to everyone, so the crock pot will get to work on Monday too. We’ve been loving the turkey sausage lately, so we’re pairing that with the beans. The beans are definitely hearty enough to stand alone, though.