Hawaiian Sunday Funday

Thanks to Megan, we love a good theme around here, but even the queen of themes wasn’t to thank for this Sunday Funday. I coordinated a play date for Joe with his pal Kennedy, who happens to be my little brother’s fiancé’s niece. Have I told you this wild story yet? My little brother, Michael, is marrying my husband’s childhood best friend/now co-worker’s, sister… I know, it hardly even makes sense to me. But long story short, Laura and Michael got engaged last October in Hawaii and both mine and Laura’s family were there to celebrate the surprise engagement. Sadly, I don’t think we will be going to Maui any time soon so my little brother had the great idea to turn this play date into a Hawaiian themed Sunday Funday.

Back to our love of themes, as an engagement gift, Megan gave Michael and Laura all things Hawaii, including the Aloha Kitchen cook book. Aloha Kitchen is from a Maui native and food blogger with 85 fresh and delicious Hawaiian recipes. So Michael recreated this great meal we had in Hawaii with recipes from Aloha Kitchen, and it was almost like we were back in Maui ;)… but this time the food was even better. From Hawaiian BBQ Luau chips to smoked Kalua Pork and Char Siu chicken on toasted Kings Hawaiian rolls, with homemade Cole-slaw, pickled onion and macaroni salad – everything was SO GOOD. I am still full. BBQ Mike and the Aloha Kitchen recipes did not disappoint.

Michael’s tip to making the best pork you will ever have is the 3-2-1 method. Essentially, the 3-2-1 method goes like this: 3 hours of smoking the meat directly on the grill. 2 hours wrapped in foil, still cooking on the grill. 1 hour of cooking, unwrapped and slathered in the sauce of your choosing. In Michael’s words, roast swine is divine and this is an easy way to experience better than takeout pork at home.

This meal, with good friends and family plus a little sunshine was the perfect end to a long week. We hope you had a great weekend!