Kau Kau Kitchen October 2008 Issue, "It's a Wrap," The Hawaiian New Year

	Kau Kau Kitchen™ `Okakopa 2008 by Leilehua Yuen Celebrating Hawai`i Foods and Lifestyles for 25 Years
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		It's a Wrap! The Hawaiian year is drawing to a close. Here are some simple recipes and tips to help you get ready for the new year. Makahiki, the Hawaiian New Year, begins this year at nightfall on November 28. The beginning if the Hawaiian New Year is calculated by observing the rising of Makali`i (the Pleiades). When the constellation rises at sunset, November 17 this year, the next night of Hilo (the first visible sliver of the new-born moon), marks the first night of the New Year. As in the Jewish calendar, the Hawaiian 24-hour day-cycle begins at nightfall. At left, Makahiki procession in Kohala, Hawai`i Island. Let's make this coming year the easiest and most comfortable so far. October is a great time to do that. The kids, if any, are back in school and settled into their routine. Vacations are pau. The holiday frenzy has not yet started. It's the perfect time to sit back, take a deep breath, take stock, and get organized.

		One of the best tools I have found for getting organized is the Fly Lady system. In addition to the great stuff on the website, there is also a wonderful forum where you can ask for, and get, real-life advice from some of the nicest folks on the 'net.

		Wrap it up - The forgiving tortilla turns many one-dish meals into a fun and easy next day meal. For a change, instead of wrapping the mix in a tortilla, try stuffing it in pita bread. Barbara's Basic Burrito Our friend Barbara loves her beans, in any way, shape, or form. Here is a dish she recommends as a quickie snack. 1 can refried beans 1 chunk of your favorite cheese 1 stack of tortillas, corn or flour oil Smear a layer of beans over the tortilla. Grate cheese and sprinkle a thin layer evenly over the beans. Roll it up and fry in a lightly oiled pan until hot through and crispy golden-brown. Repeat. I figure two of these per person, with side dishes. Turkey Veggi Wrap My husband likes to make one-dish meals and save the leftovers for making into other dishes over the next few days. This wrap is a family favorite made from his leftover ground turkey and veggies. Leftover ground turkey and veggies 1 chunk sharp cheddar cheese 1 stack of tortillas Grate the cheese and sprinkle a layer over the tortilla. Pour a line of turkey and veggies across the tortilla and roll it up. Fry in a lightly oiled pan. Repeat. I like to top these with mashed avocado or guacamole, and serve with a side of herbed potatoes. Ground Turkey and Veggies Herbed Potatoes Manu's Favorite Wrap 1 tomato 1 cucmber smoked salmon lettuce mayonnaise olive oil small bit butter Mince all ingredients. If the cucumbers have thick skins, peel them first. Include the lettuce stems in the mince. Blend together adding just enough mayonnaise to thinly coat the ingredients and help them hold together. Add alittle oilive oil and butter to a heavy skillet. Bring to medium heat. Lay a tortilla in the skillet and as it heats spread the mix over it. When the tortilla is just starting to toast, roll it up. Brown the rolled tortilla.Serve whole or cut into rounds. Repeat for remaining ingredients. Tutu's Favorite Wrap This refreshing wrap is very simple to make. It was one of my Tutu Man's (grandfather's) favorite TV time snacks. 1 can salmon 1 head Manoa lettuce shoyu Separate and wash the lettuce leaves. Place a spoonful of salmon in each leaf and roll up. Dip in shoyu to eat.