At Pure Joy, we appreciate and cook for our own families the traditional holiday food laden with cinnamon and extra butter, in basically everything. As the days get shorter, darker, and colder (yes, even in Santa Barbara!), we are craving a little extra warmth and something, yes, different.
Founding Chef and Owner, Lynette, Crowned Miss Waikiki, grew up on the beautiful islands of Hawaii and brought with her the cherished traditions and recipes we lovingly use for those custom menus for our clients.
Here we explore switching up that honey-baked ham for something a little more unique and fun (like a delectable Kahlua Pork) for the holiday season. So, Mele Kalikimaka, as we are inspired by the aloha spirit, and, what better time to share that joy than during the holidays?
Drawing from her upbringing on island holidays, we’ve crafted a Hawaiian-Inspired Holiday Feast, perfect for warming up the coldest winter nights.
Beachy Bites
Golden Banana Fritters powdered sugar
Seared Ahi checkerboard of crisp wonton squares ginger wasabi dollop & alternating spicy tuna tartare
Crisp Coconut Shrimp mango chutney
Garlic Ginger Chicken
asian chili peanut dipping sauce
Pork & Pineapple Sliders
slow-roasted Kahlua pork with pineapple napa slaw
Festive Island Style Grill
Teriyaki Glazed Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Hoisin Grilled Flank Steak
Grilled Fresh Ginger Teriyaki Boneless Chicken Breasts
pineapple mango salsa
Mahi Mahi
lemon basil butter
Miso Glazed Sea Bass
frizzled ginger & mango chop chop
Tropical Sides
Brilliant Fresh Tropical Fruit
on Green Bamboo
Coconut or Island Sticky Rice
Classic Hawaiian Potato Salad
in Banana Leaf Cones
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Ramekins of Sweet Butter
Platters of Fresh Grilled Local Vegetables Sweet Sesame Chili Vinaigrette
Chef Manned Poke Station
A great interactive "Hawaiian Fresh Style" station where our chef prepares a couple of different kinds of Poke; Ahi and Salmon deliciously tossed together with Fresh Ginger, Scallions, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Maui Onion, and other Island Flavors presented in Cosmo glasses with Lettuce Cups and Crisp Wonton Chips
Aloha Sweets
Pineapple of My Eye
rum-poached pineapple topped with coconut sorbet toasted coconut
Macadamia Nut Tortes
rich & tiny with Belgian chocolate
Cupcakes
white chocolate, coconut, and lemon cream
Sippin' on Sunshine
Pineapple Mojitos
fresh pineapple, limes & farmer’s market mint
Mai Tai
the original mai tai with house made fresh pineapple gomme
Strawberry Margaritas
local organic strawberries & freshly squeezed citrus
Banana Fritters Recipe
30 pieces
Beat together in a bowl;
1 egg
1/4 c milk
1.5 Tbl brown sugar
½ c flour
.25 Tsp baking soda
3 bananas, peeled & angle cut into 10 slices each
Heat 3 inches of oil in a heavy bottom saucepan or deep fryer to 375 degrees. Add the banana slices 5 or 6 a time to the batter, coating them well.
With a long slotted spoon remove the banana slices a few at a time and place them into the oil. Fry the bananas for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightly browned, turning them once. Drain them on paper towels and transfer them to a serving platter. Repeat the process until all of the bananas have been fried. Sprinkle them with the confectioners' sugar and serve warm.
As the holidays approach and we gather with friends and family to celebrate, we hope you’re inspired to add a tropical twist to your festivities. This year, switch up the usual theme and embrace a Hawaiian Holiday Celebration. Ditch the ugly sweaters and swap them for fun, festive Hawaiian shirts instead!
Let the warmth of the islands fill your home and your heart, creating memories that will last long after the season ends.
Cheers to new traditions and the joy of sharing delicious meals with loved ones –
Aloha~~~~
Written by Shayna Cogan
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