Kauai-An Unforgettable Trip

Well we have been to the North, South, East and West shore. Each shore is distinctive in its own way with climate and land formations. And yes, each side has its share of crowing roosters, which I will not miss. The West side is a semi-dry climate much like Arizona with hills and canyons. 

Contrast that with the North side with lots of rain,taro ponds and lush vegetation. 
Imagine playing mini golf in the middle of a botanical garden. Not only was it a fun way to spend a few hours but we learned a lot about Hawaiian native plants.
Mini-Golf:First hole 

  

These are pineapple plants growing through a porous material with holes cut out much like mulch.

A waterfall with pond plants.

Jade plant

Taro plant

Ohi'a'ai Mountain Apple tree

Sugar cane

I would like you to know it is still possible to enjoy Kauai without zip-lining through the rain forest, kayaking the Wailua River or helicoptering over the island. The breathtaking scenery untouched by mankind, temperate weather and lush vegetation were the star attractions for me. And adding the Hula Pie to all this was just the piece de resistance.  

Cook's notes:The Hula Pie is a Hawaiian favorite that originally came from the famous restaurant Dukes on Waikiki Beach. The good news is this decadent dessert can be recreated in your kitchen without even having to take a trip to one of the islands to get a piece. And no baking is involved.

If Macadamia Ice Cream is not available make you own with vanilla ice cream. Fold in 1 cup chopped Macadamia nuts. 

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared chocolate cookie crust (Oreo cookie crumbs 1/1/2 cups, 1 tsp. sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter) 
• 1/2 gallon Macadamia Nut ice cream (should be out of freezer for 30 minutes so its easy to work with) 
• 4 oz. chocolate fudge topping
• 1 shot of espresso or strong coffee
• 3 Tb.Kahlua
• 6 oz. Macadamia nuts chopped 

Directions:

• Use a 9 inch pie pan
• Mix cookie crumbs, sugar and melted butter
• Press in pan and put in freezer for 20 minutes
• Add softened ice cream to cookie crust and freeze covered with foil
• To serve bring fudge topping to room temperature, add in coffee and Kahlua stir to make sauce smooth
• Microwave chocolate to warm it up
• For each pie serving, drizzle chocolate over ice cream, then add whip cream, chopped nuts with toasted coconut   

  Sunset over Poipu Beach-South Shore

Mahalo