By Request Betty Shimabukuro

---

Recipes cook up cash for charity

NEVER underestimate the power of recipes. This thought occurs to me often, but occasionally the point is driven home in terms of dollars and cents. This holiday season, I was reminded once again.

At Thanksgiving the Top 5 "By Request" recipes of 2006 were made available for a $5 donation to the Star-Bulletin's Good Neighbor Fund. As of yesterday, more than $1,600 has passed through to the fund in exchange for that set of recipes.

One generous, anonymous soul sent in $500 as a donation in exchange for several copies (imagine my shock when I opened that envelope). And the office staff at Kanoelani Elementary School sent in $75, with a note that as part of their gift exchange this season, the whole staff, from the principal on, wanted to share some recipes and pass on some cash to a good cause.

The volume of requests is surprising in this Internet age, when all five of those recipes could be found with a few keystrokes online, but I do believe that a) people appreciate the convenience of a neatly printed copy, and b) they want to help, and the recipes simply provided a means.

Whatever the reason, thanks to all who made donations.

And as we close out the year: The recipes will be available through Dec. 31. Send your $5 check made out to the Good Neighbor Fund, with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the address below.

The recipes: Chinese Tea Cookies (Kong Sui Ban), Korean Black Noodles (Chajiangmyun), Guava Pound Cake, Tuna-Tofu Inari (cone sushi) and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese (one of my personal all-time favorites).

Year-end mysteries

I like to close out each year with a list of requests I haven't been able to meet, in the hope that someone out there can provide:

Crispy Almond Duck: This is a Chinese classic (sometimes called Pressed Duck) and I've found a few recipes, but I'd really like to hear from someone who makes this at home, so we can talk about ingredients and technique.

Dream Cake: Now, I'm sure someone out there knows how to duplicate this light chocolate chiffon cake with its light, creamy frosting and chocolate curls.

Alexander Young Hotel Blueberry Pie: The most frequently requested recipe from that old institution is the Lemon Crunch Cake, and copycat recipes have been published, but last year someone asked for the blueberry pie recipe.

Craig's Bakery: Bread pudding or custard pie -- anyone have a line on Craig, or these recipes?