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• Hawaii Chocolate Festival

• A celebration of all things chocolate and highlights locally produced chocolate products

• Hawaii is the only state to grow Cacao

• Other tasty offerings will include Eat Honolulu’s Chocolate Bacon, Chocolate Shop Wine, Pinnacle Chocolate Vodka and Kona Brewing Company’s specially brewed chocolate beer.

• Between bites, one can browse vendor booths and shop for everything from chocolate pearls to chocolate orchids and visit the Chocolate Inspired Spa

• A Chocolate Garden featuring cacao trees (from which chocolate is grown), chocolate orchids and chocolate mint plants, plus the Coco Café & Tea House.

• Guest speakers and educational displays will share information about locally grown cacao and how it is transformed into chocolate. 

• There will be live musical entertainment by the Hot Club of Hulaville and hula performances.

• Event is February 25th, Saturday, from Noon to 5 p.m.

• Location: Dole Cannery Shops

• Price: Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door

• For Tickets & More info: www.hawaiichocolatefestival.com

Visit the Made in Hawaii Festival this year, and be sure to see Ronnie Nasuti, of Tiki's Grill & Bar, cook the following dish during a live cooking demonstration.

Grilled Hawaiian Fish, Luau Leaf Palu Sami, Confit of Saffron Scented Hauula Tomatoes

Description: Palu Sami is a Samoan dish consisting of young luau leaves, coconut milk and onions baked or steamed until tender and custard-like. It sometimes has corned beef and can be eaten as a pupu or entree.

For 4 people:

• Luau leaves (young/tender) 20 leaves
• Onion (½ inch dice) ¾ c.
• Coconut milk 3-4 c.
• Hauula tomatoes (peeled, seeded & diced) 2
• Shallots (sliced) ½ c.
• Virgin olive oil as needed
• Fresh local lemon as needed
• Fresh local limes as needed
• Hawaiian fish filets (7oz.) 4
• Saffron threads 1 pinch
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Palu Sami:

1. Cut 4 squares of tin foil 12” square and lay them out.
2. Layer the leaves–large to small–5 pieces for each portion.
3. Bend foil into a bowl-like shape and fit luau leaves inside.
4. Divide diced onions into each luau foil bowl.
5. Add ¾ to 1 cup of coconut milk. (Amount of coconut milk could vary depending on the size of the leaves.)
6. Fold two opposite foil corners over each other in the middle. Take the other two opposite corners and twist together like a Hershey’s Kiss bundle in the middle.
7. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.

For the Tomato Confit:

1. Add the tomatoes, shallots and saffron in a non-reactive, ovenproof pan or casserole dish.
2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and barely submerge with virgin olive oil.
3. Bake in the oven with the Paul Sami for 1 hour or until tomatoes lightly dehydrate in the oil. (There will be almost no bubbles in the pan.)

To complete the dish:

1. When the first two components are finished baking, remove from the oven and allow the Palu Sami to set.
2. Now grill your fish filets with a little bit of salt and pepper and some of the oil from the confit.
3. Unwrap Palu Sami and plate with fresh grilled fish and tomato confit.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon over fish and serve!

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - On Sunday, May 22nd, the Arthritis Foundation hosts the 2011 Hawaii Arthritis Walk at Ala Moana's Magic Island. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. The event features a one-mile or three-mile course with activities for the entire family, a Keiki Zone, live entertainment, food, beverages and arthritis information.

The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation's annual nationwide signature event that raises funds and awareness to find a cure for the nation's leading cause of disability. Participants walk as individuals or in teams in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis. People with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action in taking control of their condition.

Watch the video to see Ronnie Nasuti, executive chef of Tiki's Grill & Bar demonstrate how to prepare tapenade-crusted fish filet seared and served atop, whole wheat pasta, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.

Recipe courtesy of Ronnie Nasuti, Executive Chef, Tiki's Grill & Bar

The Benefits of Eating Healthy

Hawaii Swordfish
Hawaii Swordfish is an excellent source of lean protein. It is rich in niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus and selenium and it is also low in sodium. Hawaii Swordfish is a good source of vitamin B6 and iodine. Hawaii Swordfish also provides about 1200 mg of omega-3's (DHA and EPA) per 4 ounce serving of fresh fish.

Olives
The Vitamin E contained in olives is the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Antioxidants help to strengthen the body's immune system; reducing the severity of asthma, cancer, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, premature aging, as well as delaying the effects of aging. Olives contain compounds called polyphenols that appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. The juice of the olive, otherwise known as olive oil, is a delicious source of antioxidants. This oil is monounsaturated, and it has a positive effect on the cholesterol level in our blood streams, by helping to reduce it. Monounsaturated fats are an important part of our diets. These oils act to keep cholesterol from sticking to our artery walls, and thus combating against diseases such as heart disease and strokes. Not only that, but they help to control blood sugar, a big plus in offering protection against diabetes.

Artichokes
Most rheumatism and arthritis problems are linked to liver function. This is why artichokes, with choleretic and cholagogic properties, accelerate the transportation and elimination of bile, and considerably increase diuresis, thus removing excess congestants from tissues and joints. Artichokes are therefore recommended for cases of rheumatism and arthritis, in general, given the importance of liver function in the development of these illnesses.

Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar contains all mentioned nutrients. This is the reason why it can prevent stroke. Balsamic vinegar should be consumed regularly in order to balance cholesterol in blood. Another important thing is that it lowers high blood pressure. It helps people who suffer from osteoporosis since it is healthy for our bones. It can ease headaches and prevent occurrence of new headaches. It can help in digestion process and it can boost metabolism. However, it can suppress appetite in a natural way. Amino acids from it help in reducing aging symptoms. It is rich not only in amino acids but also minerals and thus can help treating anemia, chronic tiredness etc.

Lemon
The incredible, amazing lemon may help with wrist arthritis, knee arthritis, or arthritis in any joint. Lemon is a popular fruit when it comes to therapeutic properties.

Recipe courtesy of Ronnie Nasuti, Executive Chef, Tiki's Grill & Bar

May 22 is also National Gout Awareness Day. Gout is one of 120 different forms of arthritis. Hawaii has one of the highest percentage of people who suffer from gout in the United States.

For more information about the Arthritis Foundation, visit www.arthritis.org.
Copyright 2011 by Hawaii News Now. All Rights Reserved.