Why travel when you can have a taste of the tropics at home??? Well, yes, I agree -- a vacation would be better, but this is a close runner up. Don't mind my lack of photography skills...these two dishes are out of this world good and will impress just about anyone. Give it a try this weekend!

Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashews

2 C. rice (basmati works well)
1 13.5 oz. can coconut milk
​2 1/4 C. water
3 chicken bouillon cubes (or equivalent granules)
1 8 oz. can pineapple tidbits in juice, drained and juice reserved
1 white onion, minced
1 C. diced ham
4-5 green onions, sliced
vegetable oil
1/3 C. cashews
​Salt and pepper
​

1. Begin with the rice. In a rice cooker, whisk together the rice, coconut milk, and water. Cook according to white rice settings, then allow to cool. 
2. In a microwave safe bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the pineapple juice and bouillon. Microwave for a few minutes to help ensure the bouillon dissolves. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, saute the onion with a little bit of vegetable oil until translucent. Add in the ham and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly browned. Remove from heat. and set aside.
4. Add a 1-2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil to the empty skillet and turn the heat to medium-high. Add a 1/3 of the cooked rice and allow to cook untouched for 2-3 minutes or until rice begins to brown (imagine it as if you were cooking hashbrowns -- the more golden, the better). Once the rice is browned/stir-fried to your liking, remove from the pan and start with the next batch of rice.
5. Once the rice is browned, add it all back to the large skillet. Quickly and evenly, pour the bouillon mixture over the rice stir until combined. Then add the onion and ham, green onions, cashews, and salt and pepper to taste.

Luau Pork

If there are leftovers, which is a big if, try out this recipe for BBQ Hawaiian Pork Wonton Tacos.

1 4-5 lb. pork shoulder roast
1 Tbsp. Hawaiian sea salt (smoked, Himalayan, etc. will work too)
8 slices bacon
1/3 C. guava or pineapple juice

1. Sprinkle the pork roast with the salt, then wrap with the bacon.
   
2. Place in a slow cooker and carefully pour the juice into the bottom of the pot trying not to wash the salt off the roast.
   
3. Cover, and cook on low for 12-18 hours. I started the roast on low before bed and then turned to "warm" in the morning up until ready to serve. It will all depend on how aggressive your slow cooker is!
   
4. About 30-60 minutes prior to serving, shred the pork (and bacon) and keep warm in the juices of the crock pot. Serve plain or on Hawaiian rolls.

Chicken Filling:
2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast (about 3)
1/4 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tomatillos, diced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 chipotle peppers, diced
2 tsp. adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
Juice of 1 lime

Pickled Vegetables:
2 carrots, peeled and sliced thin
1 bunch radishes, sliced thin
1/2 jalapeño, sliced thin
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
1/4 C. white vinegar
1/4 C.. apple cider vinegar
1/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. salt

Avocado Sauce:
1 avocado
Juice of 1 lime

Corn Tortillas

Place all chicken filling ingredients in a slow cooker, stir to combine, cover, and set to low..

Prepare the pickled vegetables. Place the carrots, radishes, jalapeños, and cilantro in a large mason jar (or similar container). In a small saucepan, combine the vinegars, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil or just until sugar and salt is dissolved. Pour over vegetables, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Cook chicken for 4-6 hours on low heat and shred with a fork about an hour before serving. Just before serving, mash together the avocado and lime juice. Place chicken on corn tortillas, top with vegetable mixture and avocado sauce. Enjoy!

Adapted from this recipe

Serves 6
2-3 lb. beef round roast (I used round tip roast)
4-5 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 small can beef broth
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. honey
1/2 C. balsamic vinegar
1 medium onion, sliced
Buns
Blue cheese and horseradish cream sauce (recipe below)

Combine the garlic, broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire, honey, and vinegar together in a bowl. Place roast in a slow cooker and pour sauce over. Cover, and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Remove from slow cooker, wrap in tinfoil and let rest for 10 minutes. Keep the broth for au jus dipping! When ready to serve, remove foil, and pull apart using a fork.  Spread blue cheese horseradish sauce on the bun, top with beef and caramelized onions. Be sure to use the leftover broth -- drizzle on top of the sandwich or dip. Enjoy!


Blue Cheese and Horseradish Cream Sauce

1 (8oz.) small container sour cream
2-4 Tbsp. horseradish (to taste)
2-3 Tbsp. blue cheese crumbles

Combine all ingredients together. Add horseradish to taste - depending on how hot you like it. Be careful not to add too much cheese as it can be overpowering.