The Hawaii Council on Portuguese Heritage presents its 31st annual Portuguese Festa, featuring the music, costumes and crafts of the Portuguese in Hawaii — not to mention the food. Dine on mainstays such as Portuguese bean soup, malassadas, vinha d'alhos pork, codfish stew and Portuguese sausage hot dogs on sweet-bread buns.

There's truly something for everyone. Live entertainment includes longtime local comedian Frank De Lima (of course), and a particularly interesting booth will offer multiethnic genealogical consultations.

In the meantime, get in the spirit of the festa with these tasty recipes.

Portuguese Beef and Onions

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound beef, thinly sliced
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 pound tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chinese parsley, chopped, for garnish

In a large skillet, heat oil. Add beef and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes to brown on all sides. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Uncover and continue to boil rapidly for about 5 minutes to reduce liquid. Garnish with Chinese parsley before serving. Serves 4.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving (not including salt to taste): 270 calories, 13 g total fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 70 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 26 g protein

Creme Laranja (Portuguese Orange Custard)

6 egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups milk
Juice and finely grated zest of 4 oranges
Whipped cream for garnish

In a heavy saucepan, combine egg yolks, cornstarch, and sugar; mix well.

Place over medium heat and gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick cream is formed. Be careful not to allow the mixture to boil.

Remove from heat, gently stir in orange juice and zest. Pour into individual serving dishes; cool.

Chill for at least 2 hours. Garnish with whipped cream. Serves 6.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving (assumes 2 tablespoons whipped cream garnish): 250 calories, 12 g total fat, 6 g saturated fat, 230 mg cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 22 g sugar, 7 g protein

Lavadores (Washboard Cookies)

1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
4 eggs
Grated zest of 1 lemon
4 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

In large bowl of electric mixer, cream butter and 1 cup of the sugar for about 1 minute. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each, until batter is fluffy and pale yellow, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in lemon zest.

In medium bowl, stir together flour and baking powder, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.

Using wooden spoon, fold flour into egg mixture; mix well. Gently knead dough in bowl for about 5 minutes.

Place remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in shallow dish.

Shape pieces of dough into 1-1/2-inch balls; roll in sugar and place on prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Flatten gently with tines of fork to make horizontal lines.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or to a light golden color. Yields 4-1/2 to 5 dozen cookies.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per 2-cookie serving (based on 5 dozen): 120 calories, 4 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 70 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 7 g sugar, 3 g protein

Portuguese festa 2009

» Where: Ala Moana Beach Park, McCoy Pavilion
» When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
» Admission: $3, free for children 10 and under
» Call: 845-1616