Hawaiian Style Macaroni Salad

Many people have tried to make an authentic macaroni salad - the kind you get on a plate lunch in Hawaii. Although this is not my favorite kind of salad, I do remember how the right one tastes, and this is the closest recipe I've found. It will be runny, don't worry. It'll set up a little in the fridge and won't dry out as the macaroni absorbs the mayo. I changed the original recipe a little - especially pulling back on the pepper. Auwe - way too much!

The vinegar amount is for strained HOT noodles. If you're starting off with strained cooked cold macaroni, decrease the vinegar to half the amount. 

It will be a little runny. Decrease the milk by half if you want it thicker. 

Chocolate Shortbread

Shown with stevia flavored chocolate chips, almonds and walnuts (both raw and unsalted).

Here are three to try:

High-Protein Chocolate Shortbread Bars (No-Bake)

This recipe creates a rich, fudgy bar. 

• Base Ingredients: 80g (⅔ cup) oat flour, 60g (⅔ cup) vanilla vegan protein powder, ¼ tsp salt, 28g (2 tbsp) coconut oil (melted), 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp stevia, 1-2 tbsp liquid sweetener (like maple syrup or stevia to taste).
• Chocolate Topping: 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips and 1 tsp coconut oil, melted together.
• Method: Combine all base ingredients, press into a pan, top with melted chocolate, and freeze until set. 

2. 4-Ingredient Vegan Chocolate Shortbread (Baked)

This provides a more traditional, crumbly texture. 

• Ingredients: 1 ½ cups almond flour, 3 tbsp cocoa powder, 3 tbsp melted coconut oil, 3 tbsp maple syrup (use sugar-free syrup for sugar-free).
• Method: Mix ingredients, roll out the dough to 5mm thickness, cut, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-12 minutes. 

3. Protein-Packed Shortbread Bites

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup almond flour, 3 tbsp coconut flour, 4 tbsp protein powder (vanilla or chocolate), 1 tbsp sweetener (maple syrup or sugar-free alternative), 3 tbsp almond milk.
• Method: Mix, press into a mold, and refrigerate or freeze. 

Tips for Success:

• Protein Powder: Vanilla or chocolate-flavored vegan (pea/soy) or whey protein works best.
• Sweetener: To keep it sugar-free, use stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol blends.
• Dairy Alternative: Use coconut oil or refined, unsalted dairy-free buttery sticks.
• Texture: If the dough is too dry, add a tiny amount of almond milk; if too wet, add a teaspoon of coconut flour. 

Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy, flavorful roasted chickpeas from the Pioneer Woman are easy to make and perfect as a snack or salad topping.

I added the spices and share instructions on how to make things truly from scratch. 

Ingredients for Crispy Chickpeas
Instructions

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (*)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 teaspoons each: sea salt; garlic powder; onion powder
• avocado oil cooking spray

  

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and   spray a baking sheet with avocado oil.
2. Dry the chickpeas thoroughly on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels
3. Toss the chickpeas in a medium bowl with olive oil and spices until evenly coated.
4. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, shaking the pan halfway through, until  crunchy.
6. Let cool for at least 1 hour; they will become even crunchier as they cool. Best eaten within 1 day.

OR (*) use an instant pot to cook your own chickpeas. Place 6 c water in pot. Add 1 1/2 c dry chickpeas. Use High Pressure and cook for 10 min with a 20 minute natural release. 

Strain, rinse, pat dry - following the instructions above (step 3).

Tasty Muffins - Applesauce; Oatmeal

 

Charoset - Recipe for Seder Meal

Charoset (Haroset)

2 grated apples (or finely chopped)    1 c finely chopped walnuts        2 T grape juice

1 T lemon (juice of one lemon)            1/2 tsp cinnamon                    1 1/2 tsp sugar

Wash and peel the apples. Remove the apple cores. Grate or cut the apples into small pieces. Sprinkle lemon juice on it and mix well. Add chopped walnuts, cinnamon and grape juice. Stir well. Sprinkle sugar on top and serve on the Seder plate. 

Charoset/Haroset, a paste made of apples and cinnamon, is used to echo the cement and bricks the Jewish people used to build cities in the Exodus story, according to Helfand. 

(https://pepperdine-graphic.com/symbols-in-the-seder-the-passover-dinner/) 

“In the Seder plate, each food is meant to tell the story. You’re supposed to repeat [the significance] and convey the story to the next generation.”

“The first thing recited in a Seder Meal says that anyone who doesn’t have a meal should come join,” Schwarzberg said. “The ability to invite others to table is a sign of freedom.”

https://pepperdine-graphic.com/symbols-in-the-seder-the-passover-dinner/ 

Preparedness - Food Supply Chart for Success

 

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