On Pause

I will be on a bit of a pause until I wrap up a very busy shoot schedule. As a freelancer, I'm uber happy for the work, but doesn't leave time for much else. I know I'm not alone, out there, in the world of freelancing ;)

Hope you're all doing well! Looking forward to catching up.
janis
x

Baked

I feel like I haven't baked for ages. Still thinking about Maui and, in particular, a little road side stop along the road to Hana that sold coconut pineapple bread. Thought I'd make some, but added mashed bananas to the combo (I had some really dodgy bananas kicking around). Very simple recipe, especially since I didn't hassle with a fresh pineapple, just opened a can instead ;) Wrapped them up for a picnic and that was that!

Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread - makes 6 mini loaves or one large loaf.

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 large ripe bananas
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1/2 cup coconut flakes, and a little extra for sprinkling on top

Preheat oven to 350f/180c. Spray a little vegetable oil into each pan, line with parchment paper, and set aside.

With an electric mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, coconut milk and mashed banana in a medium size bowl. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt, then slowly add to the banana mixture. Fold in the coconut and pineapple. Spoon into pans and top with coconut. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until skewer, inserted in centre, comes out clean. Allow to cool a little on a wire rack, then enjoy!

Have a good day!
janis

Hawaiian Observations

I'm back. That was one relaxing holiday! We did a lot of swimming and snorkelling, and even made a new friend (see above pic). Thanks for all your emails and comments with your tips and suggestions for what to do in Maui. Who else finds it hard to get back into the swing of things after a vacation? 

Here's a bit of what we got up to. It's kind of long, hope that's ok.....

We stayed in Kihei, just across from Kamaole Beach Park III. Kihei Caffe is a great place for breakfast. I loved their very organized chaos. Shave ice from Local Boys is a must as well!

Fruit stands are everywhere. This was my favourite. Such a sweet couple, and I loved the machete action.

Ho'okipa Beach is near the town of Paia (home of Mana, best grocery store). 

Lahaina is a very touristy spot, but fun. Really, I suppose most of Maui is pretty "touristy". A very pretty place. Spotted these dancers preparing for a luau near where we were having dinner. Heaps of shops and restaurants. Didn't really do much shopping, but did spend a fair bit of time in ABC. ;)

Maui is all about beaches, but I really loved the up country too. These pics are of Makawao. Cowboy country. We didn't have much time to spend there (it was a packed day), but we managed to try out Komodo Bakery. Please go there if you find yourself in Maui. It's a family run business that's been around for about 100 years. We loved the donut kabobs and cream puffs.  We also had lunch at Polli's, a Mexican restaurant which was also pretty great and good value too. 

The road to Hana, is a stunning drive, though a slightly daunting. You really do have to start out early, as it's a long jaunt, narrow, twisty roads, and lots to check out. The rainiest part of the island, and so lush. Loved it (even though I felt a touch car sick).

This was one of my favourite spots, and beaches, along the road to Hana. Black Sand Beach is amazing. The bright blue water against the black sand looked so beautiful. I have to say, I was happy to have my "native" shoes (a Vancouver company) on this trip. They're so comfy!

Ahh, Makena Beach. I have new respect for the ocean after I was smashed and dragged by the shore break (note sign). I was happy that, when I emerged, my bathing suit was still on me. Definitely one of the best beaches, in my books. I'd also have to add Slaughter House beach to the list too. Small, quiet and an fantastic spot to snorkel.  

Whew. That is just a tiny portion of the pics I took ;) Now I've got some catching up to do. So many blogs to read! 

Have a great day! 

janis