Leah L Harbottle
Gregory HarbottleBeyond a Box of Chocolates
Beyond a Box of Chocolates
As we roll into February, it looks like island life on Maui is starting 2023 off on the right foot. Thanks to the gift of a few extra rain showers the West Maui Mountains are now shimmering green. The height of whale season is underway as the great Humpbacks once again frolic in the warm Maui waters. February’s favored sentiment stretches into the real estate community as pending escrows are on the rise, Sellers are continuing to capture 98% above pre-pandemic sales prices and Buyers are finally starting to see an increase in inventory. With an overall sense of happiness in the air and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s easy to see how February is truly the month of love. If you’re “feeling the love” here on Maui, here’s our top 5 list of out of the box ideas to share with your special someone all month long.
1. Stop and Smell the Lavender. Head up to the Kula Lavender Farms, peruse the tranquil gardens and enjoy a cup of freshly made Lavender Tea.
2. Rooftop Stargazing w/ your Main Squeeze. Take the “Tour of the Stars” through the giant telescopes on the rooftop of the Hyatt in Ka’anapali. For a special touch, schedule the 10pm tour that includes champagne & chocolate covered strawberries.
3. Skip the Box of Chocolates & Go for the Whole Farm. Visit Lahaina’s own Ku’ia Estate Cocoa farm to learn about the harvesting process then head back to the factory to finish out the excursion with a delectable tasting tour.
4. Take a Cooking Class w/ your Main Dish. There are a few options here, but our favorite is Chez Klio, offering hands-on cooking classes in your own kitchen with your choice of traditional Hawaiian, Chinese, or Thai Cuisine. (ChezKlio.com)
5. Catch a Love Boat to Lana’i for the Day. Hop on the Expeditions Ferry from the Lahaina Harbor to the Island of Lana’i for a variety of adventures, lunch at local eateries or treat yourself to brunch at The Four Seasons Resort.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Aloha, Greg & Leah
This Hawaiian Monkey bread is a tropical treat with macadamia nuts, coconut, and pineapple. It’s an easy, delicious crowd-pleasing sweet bread dessert that’s also perfect for brunch!
Hawaiian Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- 18 Rhodes Frozen rolls partially thawed and quartered
- 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Leah’s Baking Tip: To give this recipe a little something extra, I added a Tsp. of cinnamon to the sauce and extra pineapple, shredded coconut and chopped mac nuts to the layered mixture.
Instructions
1. Lightly spray a bundt pan with cooking spray.
2. Begin by layering macadamia nuts, coconut, pineapple, and rolls. Repeat several times until all the ingredients (except the butter and brown sugar) have been used.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter and sugar over medium-high heat. Once the mixture comes to a boil, stir and boil for one minute, and then remove from heat. Pour it over the top of your dough with nuts, coconut, and pineapple.
4. Let mixture rise until it reaches the top of the pan, 1-2 hours.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
6. Once removed from oven, let sit for 10 minutes. Then invert onto serving plate, and let sit another ten minutes with the pan on top. Then carefully remove the pan.
ENJOY!