Autumn is officially here, but no matter the season, cookouts are always a welcome treat in Hawaii. This week we're featuring simple recipes perfect for family gatherings.

Apples are one of the most popular fruits of the season, hence the recipe for Apple Crisp — but the recipe works wonderfully well with peaches, nectarines, pears or a combination of fruits.

Honey Short Ribs

6 to 8 pounds short ribs
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup honey
1 tablespoon whiskey
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 large red pepper, diced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

If short ribs are thick, score on both sides.

In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients; marinate ribs for at least one hour. Grill or broil to desired doneness. Serves 10.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving (based on 6 pounds of ribs): 750 calories, 56 g fat, 23 g saturated fat, 125 mg cholesterol, greater than 1,600 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 29 g sugar, 32 g protein

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving (based on 8 pounds of ribs): 960 calories, 74 g fat, 31 g saturated fat, 165 mg cholesterol, 1,700 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 29 g sugar, 41 g protein

Simple Chinese Chicken Salad

1 medium head lettuce, shredded
1/2 pound chicken, cooked and shredded
1/2 pound char siu, thinly sliced
1 package (3 ounce size) wun ton strips
Chinese Salad Dressing (see recipe below)

In a salad bowl, combine lettuce, chicken, and char siu. Just before serving, add wun ton strips and toss salad with Chinese Salad Dressing. Serves 6.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving: 400 calories, 23 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 700 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 11 g sugar, 24 g protein

Chinese Salad Dressing

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup vegetable oil

In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and add sesame and vegetable oils; cool and pour over salad just before serving. Yields about 1 cup.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per 2 tablespoon serving: 15 calories; 14 g fat; 1.5 g saturated fat; no cholesterol, fiber or protein; 300 mg sodium; 7 g carbohydrate; 8 g sugar

Easy Apple Crisp

6 apples, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup butter, melted
Ice cream or whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place apples in a 9-by-9-inch square baking pan. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of sugar and the cinnamon on top of apples.

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, brown sugar, oatmeal and flour. Add butter and mix together to make a crumbly dough.

Sprinkle dough on top of apples and lightly press down. Bake for 40 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. Serves 9.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving (not including ice cream or whipped topping): 420 calories, 16 g fat, 10 g saturated fat, 40 mg cholesterol, 250 mg sodium, 67 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 39 g sugar, 5 g protein

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