THE ELECTRIC KITCHEN

Gifts show gratitude

THE ELECTRIC KITCHEN
Hawaiian Electric Co.

HOMEMADE gifts from the kitchen are always appreciated, but truth be told, sometimes those holiday goodies can get to be too much of a good thing. Over-abundance makes it hard to appreciate the time and effort expended by the gift giver.

So here's a tip: Give your homemade gifts early in the season so they will be genuinely welcome surprises. These recipes are tasty favorites, require no cooking (saves energy) and are quick to prepare (saves time) -- what could be easier?

Prune-Apricot Mui

5 pounds dried pitted prunes
1-1/2 pounds dried apricots
1/2 pounds dried lemon peel, cut into pieces
1/2 pound li hing mui
1 pound dark brown sugar
1-1/2 cups lemon juice
3 tablespoons whiskey
3 tablespoons Hawaiian salt
1 tablespoon five-spice powder
10 whole cloves

Combine prunes, apricots, lemon peel and li hing mui.

Combine remaining ingredients and pour over fruits, mixing thoroughly. Let stand 2 days. Makes 1 gallon (about 64 servings).

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving (not including salt to taste): 170 calories, no fat or cholesterol, 350 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 20 g sugar, 2 g protein.

Portuguese Pickled Onions

3 pounds onions (preferably Maui onions)
2 green peppers
1-1/2 cups cider vinegar
1-1/2 cups water
3 Hawaiian red chili peppers, chopped
1 heaping tablespoon Hawaiian salt
1 teaspoon sugar
5 whole cloves
1 clove garlic, chopped

Cut onions and green peppers into wedges. Put into jars or 1 large gallon jar.

Combine remaining ingredients. Pour over onions and peppers. Cover and let stand 24 hours, then store in refrigerator. Makes 2 quarts.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving: 25 calories, no or cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 1 g protein.

Aunty's Tomato Salsa

1 can (1 pound, 12 ounces) whole tomatoes, with liquid
1 large fresh tomato, peeled
1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup minced cilantro
1-1/2 teaspoons dried chili flakes or 1 fresh green chili, minced

Dice tomatoes. Combine with all ingredients and mix well. Chill several hours. Makes about 2 cups.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per 1/4 cup serving: 10 calories, no fat or cholesterol, 65 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 1 g protein.

For more recipes from the Hawaiian Electric Co.'s database, visit www.heco.com.