Happy New Year's Eve

Today, Mana foods will be open regular hours, 8 am - 8:30pm. Tomorrow, New Year's Day, Sunday, January 1st, we will be open 10am - 6pm.

Merry Christmas!

Mana Foods is closed today. Enjoy the day with family and north shore waves!

Last minute gift ideas

To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. - Oren Arnold

Holiday hours

Wishing you and your ohana a happy holiday season.
Christmas Eve: Saturday, December 24th, regular hours 8 am - 8:30pm
Christmas Day: Sunday, December 25th, closed
New Year's Eve: Saturday, December 31st, regular hours 8 am - 8:30pm
New Year's Day: Sunday, January 1st, 10am - 6pm

Holiday sweets & stocking stuffers

Our wall of chocolate is legendary, and it is always exciting to see new items and limited edition holiday sweets. Cute Gingerbread Boys and Peppermint Snowmen from Nikki's Cookies & Confections, Peppermint Buttercream chocolates from B.T. McElrath, festive chocolate squares from Lake Champlain, Voges Gingerbread Toffee Chocolate bar and salted caramels made with goat milk from Happy Goat.

Hanukkah recipe: Sweet Kugel

There is both sweet and savory varieties of kugel. A savory kugel is a great option for a vegetarian Hanukkah feast. Below is a sweet kugel recipe:

Ingredients:
1 lb package of uncooked broad egg noodles
4 Tbsp (1/2 stick) butter, melted
16oz cottage cheese
16oz sour cream
4 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. vanilla extract

topping:
1 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
2 tsp. cinnamon powder
1/4 C sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F
Cook egg noodles in boiling water according to package directions.
Drain and rinse quickly with cold water.
Melt the butter, set aside.
Beat eggs in a small bowl, set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles with the melted butter, cheeses, eggs, sugar and vanilla.
Pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornflakes, cinnamon and sugar.
Sprinkle the cornflake mixture on top of the noodle mixture in the pan.
Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is brown.

How To Talk To Someone You Don't Want To - But Have To

Meet Maui author Wave Bannister, who will be signing his book "How To Talk To Someone You Don't Want To - But Have To." at Mana Foods, Saturday December 17th 10:30am - 1pm.

From Wave:
As a renaissance man who has had many careers and more than 40 jobs—from warehouse worker to office professional, fisherman to trucker, salesman to executive, and musician to therapist—I have discovered some fundamentals to solving confrontations among people from varied backgrounds.

Drawing on these fundamentals, I wrote this book for real people who have to deal with other real people on a day-to-day basis. It provides proven field skills for communication that can be used with a family member who’s upset, a frustrated employee you want something from, and anyone with whom you interact.
Just as computers regularly need to be cleaned of files that slow them down, people need to conduct periodic maintenance checks on themselves before they end up having to see a therapist for expensive repair.

Learn more at his website www.wavebannister.com

Gluten Freedom: Egg Nog

NOG!
Both So Delicious Nog (made of coconut milk) and Silk nog (made of soy) are gluten and dairy free. Rum is made with out the use of grains and generally does not contain gluten. Please contact the manufacturer to verify the GF status. Often it’s flavored rum and drink mixes that will get you into trouble. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and enjoy!

Green gifting: Holiday baking

Baking is such a fun way to treat your friends and family this time of year. We have all the usual ingredients you would expect to find, like organic flour, sugar, butter and eggs.

In addition to these baking staples, we also have gluten free flours and mixes, sugar free sweeteners like stevia and vegan ingredients (like egg replacer) available.

Gluten Feedom: Bagel Bar

Bagel Bar- perfect for a holiday brunch
Kinnikinnick makes GFNY Style and cinnamon raisin bagels. Udis also makes a GF multi grain bagel.

Serve with: Echo Falls smoked salmon (the package does not say GF, but I verified it with the co)
Veggies like tomato, red onion, spouts, cucumber.Cream cheese/ Neufchatel: Nancy’s and Organic Valley.
You can add honey, roasted red peppers, herbs and spices to the cream cheese to make different varieties of spreads.

Green Gifting: Donations

The gift that keeps on giving, literally! Government & private funding for your favorite non-profit or community group has probably been cut this year. Donating money to a great cause leaves a small carbon foot print, contributes in a meaningful way to your community and is usually tax deductible. If you are short of cash, consider donating time or services.

Some of my favorite causes are the Paia Youth and Cultural Center and the Maui Food Bank.

Tonight! 4th Friday Benefit

November 25th, 6-8pm
Mana Foods to host a plate lunch benefit for the Haiku Elementary School. We will be serving venison chili and rice, vegetarian curry and rice, kalua pork and stir fry cabbage. All plates are $6 and are served with a beverage. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Haiku Elementary School.

The whole town is celebrating from 6 - 9.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. "
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Mana Foods wishes you and your ohana a very Happy Thanksgiving, filled with abundance and laughter.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving pt2

I feel like the vegetarian Thanksgiving feast deserves a beautiful hearty entree. You can buy premade vegetarian mains like Tofurky Roast, Quorn Turk'y Roast, Gardein Stuffed Turk'y and Field Roast Suffed Celebration Roast.

My all time favorite veggie main I ever made was this Tofu ring with Apple Sage Stuffing. I also have had great success with non tofu dishes like this Lentil Nut Loaf or this gluten free Pumpkin Risotto.

Pumpkin Risotto
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1 cooking/pie pumpkin (3/4-1 lb), peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces

3 Cups low sodium vegetable broth, plus 1 Cup vegetable broth
1 1/2 Cups arborio rice
3 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
1 Tbsp butter
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pumpkin Puree: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onions and gently fry until soft and translucent.
Add the pumpkin chunks, bay leaf and 1 cup of the vegetable broth.
Bring to a simmer and cover. Steam over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
Add a Tablespoon of broth to the pumpkin base and mash it down into a puree using the back of a wooden spoon or potato masher.

Risotto: In a large pan, heat some olive oil and add the Arborio rice.
Add the remaining broth (nearly 3 cups) and cook for 12 minutes with the lid on until the broth has been absorbed, the rice is al dente, and has a lovely creamy consistency.
Add the pumpkin puree into the risotto pan and stir together.
Turn off the heat and let sit, covered for 5- 10 minutes.
Finally, add freshly grated Parmesan and butter to the pan and stir well.
Season with sea salt and pepper.

Free Parking in Paia

Last April, Mana Foods leased a new gravel parking lot for it's employees and the community to park in free of charge. The parking lot is below the Patsy Mink Post Office, about a block up from Mana Foods on Baldwin Avenue. Thanksgiving week is a busy time of year at Mana Foods. It is also the kick off for peak visitor season, so in general, Paia is jumping!

Rosemary Yams

Rosemary Yams

3lbs yams, cut into ½ inch rounds

1/4 Cup olive oil

1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, minced

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp. cayenne powder (optional)

Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450.

In a large bowl, toss potatoes, olive oil, fresh rosemary, garlic, optional cayenne, salt and pepper to taste. Spread potatoes in a single layer onto a lightly oiled baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender and crusty, stirring once or twice.

How to make your own pumpkin pie spice

Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/8 tsp of ground allspice

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg.

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl, blending well.

Use immediately or store in an airtight container

Makes 2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice

Fourth Friday Fundraiser 11/25

Next week, November 25th, 6-8pm
Mana Foods to host a plate lunch benefit for the Haiku Elementary School. We will be serving venison chili and rice, vegetarian curry and rice, kalua pork and stir fry cabbage. All plates are $6 and are served with a beverage. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Haiku Elementary School.

The whole town is celebrating from 6 - 9.

Thanksgiving Turkey cooking times

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place the whole turkey on a rack in a roasting pan
Cook times are based on weight of the bird and whether is is stuffed or not.

Turkey is 10 to 18 pounds
Unstuffed: 3 to 3-1/2 hours
Stuffed: 3-3/4 to 4-1/2 hours

Turkey is 18 to 22 pounds
Unstuffed:3-1/2 to 4 hours
Stuffed: 4-1/2 to 5 hours

Turkey is 22 to 24 pounds
Unstuffed: 4 to 4-1/2 hours
Stuffed: 5 to 5-1/2 hours

Turkey is 24 to 29 pounds
Unstuffed: 4-1/2 to 5 hours
Stuffed: 5-1/2 to 6-1/4 hours


The only safe test for doneness is the temperature of the meat. When the thigh meat reaches an internal temperature of 180 degrees F, the turkey is done and safe to eat. In order to get a correct reading, the thermometer cannot be touching the bone. If your turkey has been stuffed, it is important to check the temperature of the dressing; it should be 165 degrees F.

Gluten Freedom: Garlic Breadsticks

Garlic Onion Breadsticks
1 box of Chebe GF Garlic Onion Breadstick mix,
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil,
1 cup shredded cheese
2 large eggs
¼ Cup milk

Preheat oven to 375° F. Blend dry mix with 2 tbsp. olive oil, 1 cup shredded cheese* (optional; sharp or hard cheeses work best) and 2 large eggs. Slowly blend in exactly 1/4 cup milk..Knead dough with hands until it is smooth. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces, rolling each into 7" sticks. Place 1-2" apart on an ungreased baking sheet (line with parchment if available). Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm and enjoy.

Thanksgiving traffic

The weeks before Thanksgiving are the busiest time of year at Mana Foods. It is also the kick off for peak visitor season. In the past, parking has been scarce in Paia, but now there is plenty of free parking. Last April, Mana Foods leased a new gravel parking lot for it's employees and the community to park in free of charge. The parking lot is below the Patsy Mink Post Office, about a block up from Mana Foods on Baldwin Avenue.

Another thing to be thankful for!!

Mahalo for supporting the Pacific Cancer Foundation

Congratulations to Luisa Ascensao, the winner of the Tokyo Citizen 6 speed folding bike raffle. A big thanks to her and all of the people who generously donated to the Pacific Cancer Foundation for a chance to win the bike, generously donated by Honest Tea. Together we raised awareness and $323!

We love our customers!

It was so nice to get the following handwritten comment in our suggestion box. Thank you! You are awesome too!!

Aloha,
If it weren't for you, making Maui our home since 2007 wouldn't have worked.
You are all awesome. I wish I had said so sooner. Customer service is always super. We appreciate your friendly faces and the excellence you all bring to every part of our grocery acquisition experience. :)
From special ordering to sweet samples in produce. You are all so pono.
Mahalo!

Gluten Freedom: Cranberry Sauce

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

1 Cup sugar,

1 Cup water,

4 Cups fresh cranberries,

Zest of one orange.

In a saucepan bring to a boil water and sugar, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add cranberries, return to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes or until cranberries pop. Add orange zest and remove from heat. Cool completely at room temperature and then chill in refrigerator. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.

Tonight! Bring the Keiki to Paia for tricks & treats

Happy Halloween! Bring the keiki to Paia for trick or treating & festive fun for the whole ohana. Today, we will be passing out treats in front of the store from 4-7pm.

Irish Barmbrack recipe

In Ireland, this Halloween bread traditionally contained various objects baked into it and was used as a sort of divination game. Here is a recipe without the choking hazzards.

Ingredients:
2 C black tea
1 C raisins
1 C currrants
1 C lukewarm milk
1 (1/4-ounce) package of active dry yeast
2 tsp sugar
3 to 3 1/2 C white flour
1/4 C sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp clove powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 egg, beaten
1/3 C butter, softened

Directions:
Soak the tea, raisins and currants for at least one hour but, preferably overnight. This will get them nice and plump.
Mix the yeast, warm milk and the 2 tsp of sugar together in a small bowl. Set aside for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt and spices). Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast mixture, beaten egg and butter.
Stir to mix the ingredients and bring the dough together. Add a little more flour if the dough is too wet or a little more milk if it is too dry.
Remove the dough to a floured work surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth but still a little sticky.
Drain the dried fruit and knead a little at a time into the dough until all the fruit has been incorporated.
Remove the dough to a large, lightly buttered bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set in a warm corner until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Remove the dough to a lightly floured work surface and punch down to deflate. Knead lightly for 2-3 minutes. Form into a ball and placed in a buttered 8-inch cake pan. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise again until doubled in size, 30-60 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until top is browned and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove to a rack and cool.

Did you know?

Eating pumpkin seeds were once considered a homeopathic cure for freckles.

Tonight! Fourth Friday in Paia

Paia Fourth Friday October 28, 2011
6-9pm

Mana Foods – Collapsible Bike up for raffle on Fourth Friday. We'll be displaying the bike inside and selling $1.00 tickets starting a week in advance. The money will go to the Pacific Cancer Foundation. No need to be present to win.
From 5:30 - 8:30, The Breadfruit Institute will be raising awareness and fundraising with delicious foods all made out of breadfruit: chips, hummus, salad and frozen pops.
49 Baldwin Ave (579-8078)


Paia Inn Hotel - Wine, Sushi, and Live Music 7-9pm. 93 Hana Hwy (579-6000)

Maui Crafts Guild – Guild Artist Jennifer Throne will have her opening night party from 6:30 to 9:00 with live music, free food and drink. Come by for a chance to meet the artist and view her latest whimsical creations of cats, dogs, mermaids and witches that start out in life as hard shell gourds. 69 Hana Hwy (579-9697)
Maui Hands – Live Artist Demonstration, savory pupus, and wine. 84 Hana Hwy (579-9245)
Turnbull Fine Art - Anna Good will demonstrating her impressionist work. Poni Brendan and the Troublemakers playing in the courtyard. 137 Hana Hwy (579-9385)

Grace Beauty – Irene Ryding is playing electric harp. Free acupuncture demonstrations and refreshments. 62 Baldwin Ave (579-9779)
Thee Salon -We at Thee Salon are so excited about this month's Fourth Friday!! On October 28th, we are hosting our Freaky Friday costume party from 6pm to 10pm. There will be DJs, performers and a fashion show. 109 Baldwin Ave (579-6333)

Agua De Flora – A performance by “The Mill” –great folk/bluegrass. 161 B Hana Hwy (579-3339)
Biasa Rose - Store Sale and Trunk Show Friday October 28th, 4-9pm.Sip wine and enjoy homemade desserts while shopping. You'll love our featured jewelry artist Nina Kuna. 104 Hana Hwy (579-8602)
Nuage Bleu - In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we will be donating proceeds from selected sale items to benefit a special community non-profit, Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, which provides free mammograms to uninsured women. Pink champagne and sweets will be served from 5 to 8pm. - 76 Hana Hwy (579-9792)
Paia Trading Company – Refreshments. 106 Hana Hwy (579-9472)
Tamara Catz Boutique - live music and a jewelry trunk show with Adelina A Mare 83 Hana Hwy (579-9184)

Indigo – Monster Mash! DJ and refreshments.149 Hana Hwy (579-9199)

Charley’s – At 9pm, check out The Kryptones featuring Danni Girl. 142 Hana Hwy (579-9453)


Paia Tattoo Parlor - Day of the Dead themed art show/party, costumes encouraged. Party starts at 7 pm. 120 Hana Hwy (upstairs) (579-8515)

Equity One - Godzilla movies and popcorn 40 Baldwin Ave (579-1111)

Sailboards Maui - buy 1 housebrand T-shirt get second one half price."
22 Baldwin Ave (579-8431)

Did you know?

Bobbing for apples is thought to have originated from the roman harvest festival that honors Pamona, the goddess of fruit trees. Her name comes from the Latin word pomum, "fruit," specifically orchard fruit.

Trick or Treat!

Check out these Organic Treats for your keiki.
And if you're looking for other ideas, try Agave or Honey stix, Chocolate Bites, fruit leather, fruit chews, juice boxes, barrettes, cookie cutters, toothbrushes, etc.

Did you know

There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange?

Halloween fun for the family 10/31

On Halloween, we will be passing out treats in front of the store from 4-7pm. Bring the keiki to Paia for trick or treating & festive fun for the whole ohana.

Sustainable Halloween

Halloween is second only to Christmas in spending. Consumers spend over $2.5 Billion during Halloween. That's a whole lot of candy, costumes, decorations, and party goods.
Ideas for a sustainable Halloween celebration include: buying your costume at a thrift store, having a costume swap with other parents, making your own decorations out of pumpkins, popcorn, decorated cardboard, sheets for ghost etc.
For more green ideas, visit Sustainable Baby Steps.

Paia is throwing a party! 10/28

Paia Fourth Friday October 28, 2011
6-9pm

Mana Foods – Collapsible Bike up for raffle on Fourth Friday. We'll be displaying the bike inside and selling $1.00 tickets starting a week in advance. The money will go to the Pacific Cancer Foundation. No need to be present to win.
From 5:30 - 8:30, The Breadfruit Institute will be raising awareness and fundraising with delicious foods all made out of breadfruit: chips, hummus, salad and frozen pops.
49 Baldwin Ave (579-8078)


Paia Inn Hotel - Wine, Sushi, and Live Music 7-9pm. 93 Hana Hwy (579-6000)

Maui Crafts Guild – Guild Artist Jennifer Throne will have her opening night party from 6:30 to 9:00 with live music, free food and drink. Come by for a chance to meet the artist and view her latest whimsical creations of cats, dogs, mermaids and witches that start out in life as hard shell gourds. 69 Hana Hwy (579-9697)
Maui Hands – Live Artist Demonstration, savory pupus, and wine. 84 Hana Hwy (579-9245)
Turnbull Fine Art - Anna Good will demonstrating her impressionist work. Poni Brendan and the Troublemakers playing in the courtyard. 137 Hana Hwy (579-9385)

Grace Beauty – Irene Ryding is playing electric harp. Free acupuncture demonstrations and refreshments. 62 Baldwin Ave (579-9779)
Thee Salon -We at Thee Salon are so excited about this month's Fourth Friday!! On October 28th, we are hosting our Freaky Friday costume party from 6pm to 10pm. There will be DJs, performers and a fashion show. 109 Baldwin Ave (579-6333)

Agua De Flora – A performance by “The Mill” –great folk/bluegrass. 161 B Hana Hwy (579-3339)
Biasa Rose - Store Sale and Trunk Show Friday October 28th, 4-9pm.Sip wine and enjoy homemade desserts while shopping. You'll love our featured jewelry artist Nina Kuna. 104 Hana Hwy (579-8602)
Nuage Bleu - In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we will be donating proceeds from selected sale items to benefit a special community non-profit, Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation, which provides free mammograms to uninsured women. Pink champagne and sweets will be served from 5 to 8pm. - 76 Hana Hwy (579-9792)
Paia Trading Company – Refreshments. 106 Hana Hwy (579-9472)
Tamara Catz Boutique - live music and a jewelry trunk show with Adelina A Mare 83 Hana Hwy (579-9184)

Indigo – Monster Mash! DJ and refreshments.149 Hana Hwy (579-9199)

Charley’s – At 9pm, check out The Kryptones featuring Danni Girl. 142 Hana Hwy (579-9453)


Paia Tattoo Parlor - Day of the Dead themed art show/party, costumes encouraged. Party starts at 7 pm. 120 Hana Hwy (upstairs) (579-8515)

Equity One - Godzilla movies and popcorn 40 Baldwin Ave (579-1111)

Sailboards Maui - buy 1 housebrand T-shirt get second one half price."
22 Baldwin Ave (579-8431)

Bike Raffle to benefit the Pacific Cancer Foundation

Buy a $1.00 raffle ticket for a chance to win a cool folding bike, donated by Honest Tea. 100% of proceeds go to the Pacific Cancer Foundation.

Ulumania: How do you cook breadfruit?

When properly prepared, breadfruit is a delicious food. Think of a firm, mature breadfruit as a potato. It can be baked, steamed, boiled, microwaved, grilled, or barbecued and more.

Complete instructions on how to cook a breadfruit, courtesy of the Breadfruit Institute.

Ulumania: Feed the world!

Breadfruit is one of the highest-yielding food plants. An average-sized tree with a canopy cover of 25m2 will conservatively produce 100 fruit (100 kg) while larger trees can yield 400-600 fruit. Check out the Breadfruit Institute's Hunger Initiative.

Ulu Mania: Nutritious & Delicious

From a nutritional perspective, breadfruit is high in energy from carbohydrates and low in fat. It is a good source of fiber, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, thiamine, and niacin. Some varieties are good sources of anti-oxidants and carotenoids.

Courtesy of the Breadfruit Institute

Halloween facts: Jack O'Lanterns

The First Jack O'Lantern:
The Irish carved Turnips and put coals or small candles inside. Then lanterns were placed outside their homes on Samhain, the Celtic new year.

Ulumania: traditions

Traditionally, a breadfruit tree is planted to provide a life-time of food at the birth of a keiki `o ka `aina (a child of the land).

Bike Raffle for Pacific Cancer Foundation

Buy a $1.00 raffle ticket for a chance to win this bike, donated by Honest Tea. All proceeds go to the Pacific Cancer Foundation.

Ulu Mania: harvest

The fruit can be cooked and eaten at all stages of growth; from small and immature, when it is similar to artichoke hearts; to starchy mature; to ripe when it is soft and sweet. It is typically consumed when mature, but still firm, and is a delicious substitute for starchy root crops like potatoes, pasta, or rice.

Courtesy of the Breadfruit Institute

Ritter Sport: Chocolate bars

Their slogan is Quality.Chocolate.Squared.
These delicious German chocolate bars are now available at Mana Foods. Ronie's favorite is the chocolate and whole hazelnut!

Ulu mania: Breadfruit Porridge

Breadfruit Porridge
½ medium size Breadfruit
¼ tsp. Salt
4 Cups Water
2 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 oz. Evaporated Milk
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground Nutmeg
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Bring the water to boil. Remove the skin and core from the breadfruit. Cut the vegetable into small pieces. Puree with a little water.

Add puree to boiling water and then add the salt. Allow the vegetable to boil, occasionally stirring the pot. Cook until thickens to desired consistency and add remaining ingredients.

Organic and Fair Trade Chocolates

Salted Almond milk and dark chocolate bars from Theo are now available at Mana Foods. The dark chocolate bar is made with chunks of almonds and just the right amount of salt! It contains 70% Cacao and is dairy free, gluten Free, soy free and vegan. Theo chocolate is the only Organic, Fair Trade, Bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the United States

Think Local: Chocolate

2 limited edition chocolate bars from Malie Kai, purveyors of single origin Hawaii-grown Cacao. The two varieties are milk and dark chocolate, both made with Hawaiian Cocoa Nibs.

Ulu mania: did you know?

The scientific or Latin name of the breadfruit is derived from Greek (artos = bread, karpos = fruit), and altilis means ‘fat’.

Courtesy of the Breadfruit Institute

Ulu mania: did you know?

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a member of fig family?

Did you know?

A chicken with red earlobes will produce brown eggs, and a chicken with white earlobes will produce white eggs. Wait, chickens have earlobes??

Did you know?

King Tut's tomb contained a shroud adorned with garlands of wild celery, olive leaves, willow, lotus petals, and cornflowers.

Did you know?

Bananas are known for potassium, but good amounts of potassium are found in most fruits and vegetables., including the avocado, which has twice the amount of potassium than a banana.

Did you know?

Rice has more varieties than any other fruit or vegetable, almost 15,000!

Rave: favorite travel food

Tanka Bites: Buffalo Cranberry Bites are gluten free and 100% natural, with no nitrates or MSG.

Did you know?

There is only one fruit in the world with its seeds on the outside, the delicious strawberry.

Hummus Recipe

Spinach Hummus
(Makes about 4 cups)

3 cups cooked garbanzo beans, or about 2 cans beans (30 ounces total)
2 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
½ cup sesame tahini
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ to ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 -3 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
1-2 teaspoons sea salt
¼ cup water for desired consistency

Drain beans and set aside. Place garlic, lemon juice and olive oil and sea salt in a food processor and blend until creamy. Add sesame tahini and blend. Add ½ the beans and ½ the spinach and blend. Add the other ½ of the beans and spinach and blend until desired consistency is achieved. If you like a very creamy hummus you may need to add a little water or a bit more lemon juice or olive oil. More water will provide a thinner consistency.

Tip: Hummus freezes very well, so you can make a large batch in advance.

Did you know?

Kiwis are packed full of Beta-Carotene and contain twice as much Vitamin C as an orange.

Rave: Wasabi seaweed snacka

Annie Chun's Roasted seaweed snacks are my new favorite lunch box treat.
These hot, crispy roasted seaweed snacks are gluten free, vegan and lowfat.

Did you know?

Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying!

Did you know?

The average ear of corn has eight-hundred kernels arranged in sixteen rows.

Did you know?

Two-thirds of the world's eggplant is grown in New Jersey.

Gluten Freedom: Baked Brie

Marie’s Baked Brie
1 mini round of brie cheese
¼ C brown sugar
2 Tbs butter
¼ C walnuts or pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 325. Put brie into a small buttered baking dish.
Coat brie with approximately 2 T. of softened butter.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of brown sugar and ¼ C nuts over the brie.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Serve with gluten free crackers, such as Crunchmaster, Blue Diamond Nut Thins, Schar or Glutino.

Did you know?

The world's first chocolate candy was produced in 1828 by Dutch chocolate-maker Conrad J. Van Houten. He pressed the fat from roasted cacao beans to produce cocoa butter, to which he added cocoa powder and sugar.

Did you know?

Saffron, made from the dried stamens of cultivated crocus flowers, is the most expensive cooking spice.

Okra Recipe: Marie's Spicy Okra Poppers

Marie's Spicy Okra Poppers
3 big handfuls of fresh Okra
6-8 jalapeno peppers
2 Tbs coconut oil, enough to coat the pan

Wash & thoroughly dry okra
Thinly slice okra & peppers into rings.
You can de-seed peppers if you want less heat.
Heat coconut oil in cast iron skillet on medium high heat.
Place rings in single layer, cut side down.
When browned, carefully turn over each ring.
Chopsticks or small tongs are great for this.
Cook until brown & crispy.
Cool & drain on a paper towel. Sprinkle with chunky sea salt.

Okra recipe: Bindi Masala

Wiki Wiki Bindi Masala
Ingredients:
Arora Creations Organic Bhindi Masala spice blend
I lb fresh Okra, halved lengthwise
1/2 C coconut or vegetable oil
1 small onion, sliced
optional diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro to garnish

Wash and dry okra. Trim edges and slice in half lengthwise.
Heat oil over medium heat for 1 minute.
Add Orka and cook for 5 minutes, while stirring.
Add Arora Creations Bhindi Masala Blend, lower heat & cook for 6 more minutes.
Remover Okra from the pan, leaving spiced oil.
Add onions & saute over medium heat for 3 minutes.
Return the okra to the pan and stir in with onion mixture, cooking for 1 more minute.
Remove from heat, garnish with optional tomato & cilantro.

Did you know?

Per capita, the Irish eat more chocolate than Americans, Swedes, Danes, French, and Italians.

Did you know?

Each American eats an average of 51 pounds of chocolate per year.

Did you know?

The mango is native to India from where it spread all over the world and is the most cultivated fruit of the tropical world.

Mana Foods in Glow magazine

Our produce manager, Ryan Earehart, is featured in the August 2011 issue of GLOW, a Japanese magazine. I wish I could read Japanese, anyone want to translate?

Tropical Beauty

You can buy fresh tropical flowers & leis right here at Mana Foods!

Kids Nutrition

A healthy child is a happy child! Check out the new Kid's Kit from Garden of Life, which contains 1 chewable multi and 1 chewable DHA at a super good price!

Green Lunchbox

Lunchopolis: the garbage-free lunchbox, now available at Mana Foods
Help eliminate the 3.5 Billion + pounds of lunch box garbage is generated every year: juice boxes, water bottles, aluminum foil, and plastic bags.

Kerplunk: Kids water botles

Kids just can’t get enough of the bright, colorful designs Kerplunk Kidz™ bottles and sippy cups. They’re fun, durable and most importantly, chemical free so you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals.

Plate lunch benefit for the Paia Youth & Cultural Center

Friday, August 26th from 5pm - 8pm
at Mana Foods, 49 Baldwin Avenue, Paia

Stop by for dinner and support the Paia Youth and Cultural Center. This plate lunch benefit features our award winning Thai Beef salad made from grass fed Molokai Beef, generously donated by Molokai Livestock Cooperative. We will also be serving Tofu Pad Thai, venison chili, rice and a beverage.

Did you Know?

The peach is a member of the rose family and will have a sweet rosy fragrance when ripe.

Popcorn

Marie likes to put truffle oil on her popcorn! Another office favorite is with a sprinkle of Maui Preserved Hot, Hot sauce.

Did you know?

Americans today consume 17.3 billion quarts of popped popcorn each year! The average American eats about 68 quarts!

We've been imortalized!

"No one cared about your resume in Paia, or that you hadn't brushed your hair all the way through, or that your truck had seen better days. In the town's hub, a ramshackle grocery store called Mana Foods, yoga instructors shopped alongside heavily pierced drifters, and pot farmers mingled with supermodels, and Brazilian kite surfers lined up at the deli counter behind Buddhist priests, and three-hundred-pound Samoan construction workers jostled in the aisles with movie stars, and everyone got along perfectly well."

Excerpt from Sunsan Casey's book, The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks and Giants of the Ocean.
pg. 95

Education is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire. ~William Butler Yeats

Gluten Freedom: Lunchbox snacks

Fruit: bananas, oranges and apples come conveniently in their own easy to open package!
Also try sliced apple & peanut butter or almond butter
Chips (check labels carefully)
Safe Chips are:
Eden Brown Rice Chips
Mary’s Gone Crackers Sticks & Twigs
Late July Organic chips
You get the picture, but READ labels!
Veggies
baby carrots & ranch dressing
Hummus with cucumber slices to dip
Celery & cream cheese
Ants on a log (celery, peanut butter, raisins)

Gluten Freedom: Sandwich ideas

Gluten Free lunch box ideas. Udi’s bread: my new favorite sandwich bread, it doesn’t crumble in your hands at first bite! I always toast it and let it cool completely, so that it holds up better in the cooler.
Deli slices (Turkey, ham, roast beef, pastrami, etc)
Cucumber & cream cheese
Classic BLT
Tuna salad: with celery
Cheese with avocado & tomato
PB & J (can mix it up with almond butter)

Gluten Freedon: August 2011

Back To School: It’s that exciting time of year, when we send our keiki off the school. You now have the daunting task of having to come up with something creative on a daily basis for your child’s lunchbox.

If you’re smart, and they’re old enough, you will designate an area of your fridge that will hold all of your pre-approved lunch items. This way, you let your child make his/her own lunch, with the goal of empowering them to make healthy choices. If your child isn’t old enough to do this, let’s look at some gluten free options!

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. ~Chinese Proverb

Honey Royale Nectarines

"The best nectarine of the year" according to Ryan Earehart, Mana Foods produce manager. This juicy fruit is low-acid, super sweet and something to look forward to every year. They are free stone, which means to pit comes out easily without adhering to the pulp.

Sweetheart Cherries

This is the peak of the cherry season! Enjoy these big heart shaped cherries with your sweetheart! The large bright red cherries have a mild sweet flavor and are super delicious.

Necto-plums are here

Don't miss out, because these won't be here for long. Necto-plums are a delicious cross between a Nectarine and Plum. Grown by Ferrari Farms, an organic 300-acre, family owned and operated farm, located in the heart of California in the San Joaquin Valley.

Summer Safety

Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high-risk occupation. If you call your mother at work thirteen times an hour, she can hurt you. ~Erma Bombeck

Best of Maui: Best Health Food Store

Mahalo Maui Time readers, for voting Mana Foods as the best health food store on the island!
From the July 14, 2011 best if Maui edition of Maui Time:
"Mana is an incredible grocery store serving the North Shore and the rest of Maui from their Baldwin Avenue location. The store is small but it’s a lesson in efficiency. They have so many goods packed in there it’s magical. Mana has been open for the past 25 years and started with the philosophy of selling local produce and fruits way before it was a popular notion. Mana also sells locally manufactured goods, bakes their own bread and pastries, has their own butcher, sells organic clothing lines, and has a great beauty section. Their hot foods bar offers an amazing selection of veggie delights like the spanikopita, teriyaki tofu and more. This is a market for the people by the people, and you voted it best."

Did you know?

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, playing second fiddle only to water.