Stinky Fruit

Every year, my friend Patty goes to Hawaii to get her "stinky fruit" or Durian-it's real name.  This is a very fragrant fruit, that is eaten outdoors.  Once peeled, the odor is incredible and if eaten inside, it would permeate the house.  But I am told it is fresh, sweet and wonderful.

Which leads to my book choice for today.  Out of print, it reads like a travel book "Hawaii Cookbook and Backyard Luau" by Elizabeth Ahn Toupin.  It sells on my Amazon storefront www.amazon.com/stores/oneofakindcookbooks for $39.99.  Now that's a lot of money, but if you are a caterer or chef-this book is invaluable.  I even considered doing my own luau with roasted pig, because it is so well written, that even a non-Hawaiian could do this. This book includes pupu platters, backyard luau, Hawaiian Luau, complete Hawaiian Dinners with menus and recipes and Christmas in Hawaii. Here is the recipe I selected from this book:

Chicken Luau

2 chicken fryers, cut up and weighing at least 6 pounds

4 tbsp butter

1 1/2 tbsp salt

1 1/2 cups water

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/4 tsp monosodium glutamate (keep in mind, this book was published in 1964-I'm sure this is optional now)

3 pounds taro leaves or fresh spinach

3 cups coconut milk

Brown chicken in butter.  Add salt and water.  Simmer till chicken is tender.  Drain chicken.  Season broth with salt, pepper and monosodium glutamate.

Wash spinach and break into large pieces.  Cook without additional water in covered saucepan over low heat till tender.  Add 2 cups of hot-but-not boiling coconut milk to the spinach and simmer for 2 minutes.

Arrange chicken pieces in the center of a large deep dish.  Arrange the spinach in coconut milk around the chicken pieces.  Heat the remaining cup of coconut milk with chicken broth and pour over chicken and spinach.

To prepare ahead: Follow instructions and cook chicken and spinach in the morning.  Make coconut milk.  Refrigerate chicken in its seasoned broth; the spinach in coconut milk.  Reheat separately.  Arrange and serve as instructed.

Happy Cooking!