Kenji Matsuda, left, and Erin Chang host "Eazy Grindz," a program that helps teens be more self-sufficient in healthy meal preparation. Dennis Alexio will be one of the special chefs.
"The goal of 'Eazy Grindz' is to provide teens with recipes that they can make easily at home or on their own. It will help teens be more self-sufficient, especially during the summer when their parents may not be around," said Janice Chong, department graphics specialist. "We wanted to create a program for the students that would be fun and entertaining, as well as educational."
"None of the recipes require cooking - which makes them cooler, safer and easier. In fact, a blender is the only piece of equipment needed," Chong said.
Special guest chefs include pro-surfer Sunny Garcia, kick-boxing champion Dennis Alexio and canoe paddlers Cheryl Kauhane and Lehua Kalima. Also stirring up culinary magic from the University of Hawaii are Yuval Katz, Kahinu Lee, Rick Tune, and Kai Kahele (men's volleyball), Nani Cockett and Tania Brunton, (Wahine basketball), and Regina Kaaihilii (Wahine softball).
The show is hosted by two teens - recent Castle graduate Erin Chang and Kalani grad Kenji Matsuda. Their charisma, enthusiasm, warmth and intelligence earned them the parts from a field of more than 30 applicants, Chong said.
For copies of the "Eazy Grindz" recipes, call Janice Chong at 733-4691 or e-mail your request to jchong@kauila.k12.hi.
Here are two "Eazy Grindz" recipes. Spicy "Hell's Bells Dip" from Dennis Alexio will heat up your taste buds. Regina Kaaihilii's "Summer Fruit Salad Sorbet" will cool you off.
1-1/2 pounds taro or 1 16-ounce can refried beansStir together taro (or refried beans), bell pepper, green or round onion, and hot sauce; mix well.
1 small green or red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup of your favorite hot sauce
1/8 cup green or round onions, diced finely
Add water, if necessary, to achieve desired consistency. Serve with crisp tortilla chips or fresh vegetables. Makes about 2 cups.
2 cups watermelon chunksPut fruit in a bowl and top with coconut. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Remove the liquid from the bottom of the bowl and mix with sorbet. Toss fruit with sorbet mixture and serve.
1 cup cantaloupe chunks
1 cup honeydew chunks
1 pint fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup softened sorbet
What: "Eazy Grindz"
Where: Channel 25
When: Through Aug. 3, 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; also at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Saturdays, 8 p.m. Sundays. From Aug. 4, the show will air at 8 p.m. Sundays, 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Information: 733-4691
Send queries along with name and phone number to: Good For You, Honolulu Star-Bulletin Food Section, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802. Or send e-mail to features@starbulletin.com