I’m one lucky kaikamahine (Hawaiian for “girl”).  My bags are packed and I’m off to Hawaii for our annual family furlough.  I can already smell the plumeria and orchids, I can taste the fresh ahi poke, and I can feel the warmth of the aloha embrace.

The islands have become a friend of sorts, always dependable for a healthy dose of adventure, relaxation, inspiration, and plenty of hearty belly laughs shared with family.  With extraordinary natural set design and a uniquely kitschy soundtrack, I find myself cast as the leading lady in my own tropical fantasy feature.

As you can imagine, I’ve collected thousands of photos, videos, and memories over the years, and the idea of editing them down to something that others might find interesting is a gigantic task.  So, I’ve simply embraced my stream of consciousness and included some random goodies that speak to my Hawaiian experience.

My favorite island foods: coconut, tropical fruit, shaved ice with red beans and mochi, ahi poke, Maui Tacos, traditional plate lunch, Puka Dog, spam sushi, banana mac nut pancakes, malassadas

Satisfy your tummy

I’m the type of person who’s mood dictates what my tummy craves.  For me, anything can serve as a craving stimulus – the familiar smell of the desert, the moist layer of humidity on my skin when a thunderstorm is approaching, the vigorous beat in the chorus of a favorite song, or simply the smell of the salty ocean as a light breeze dusts my cheeks.  I find that I can associate food with almost all of my most favorite memories.  I also find that, by treating myself to that specific food, I can very nearly recreate the yummy memory.

You can imagine my dahlight then, at finding a cooking website that suggests menus and recipes based on the specific ingredients you crave.  CookThink might just be the epicurean magician that will allow you to relive some of your favorite foodie events.  Or at the very least, it can help satisfy any glutinous urges you might have.

My first test for them?  Feta, parsley, beans, onion, and salt.  The ingredients that remind me of a mellow and lazy day of summer shopping in NYC.  If all goes well, tonight I’ll be reliving some couture outings in the big city while I dine on my patio, a stone’s throw from the beach.

Another way I fully intend to put CookThink to work.  Have their gourmet chefs figure out the best use for all the perishable items I stock in the fridge before they have to make an untimely trip to the trash without ever being given the chance to be delicious.  If I use it right, this website might even save me some nice cold cash as I satisfy my cravings and relive happy times.  I really love that.