Say
Aloha this Graduation Day
(ARA) – The graduation season is a time of year when families from all
over the country celebrate both the academic success and beginning of a
loved one’s long journey. On the islands of Hawaii, this time of year
is extremely significant for native families, with several traditions
that play a significant role.
In Hawaiian culture, giving a flower lei is a rich part of the
graduation tradition as it represents love, friendship and celebration.
With leis being made with as many as 500 flowers each, it is not
uncommon to see a graduate with so many leis that their neck is barely
visible.
In ancient Hawaii, leis were constructed of flowers, leaves, shells,
feathers and even bone and teeth of various animals and represented
wealth, royalty, and rank. Today, there are eight different types of
Hawaiian leis, one symbolically for each major island. Although there
are a myriad of methods to create them, there is one purpose
intended…to spread the “Aloha Spirit.”
To help provide the perfect “island paradise” setting for your
graduation gathering and allow you to stay as calm and cool as the
island breeze, the following are some tips and recipes developed by
King’s Hawaiian to create the aloha-style experience:
Invite early -- With graduation season upon us, many will have
competing parties at the same time before the ceremony. Be sure to send
your invitations out 4 to 5 weeks in advance to allow those that need
to travel long distances to be able to plan accordingly.
Add fruit -- Hawaii is renowned for their pineapples. Sliced, diced or
as a table decoration, this fruit is sure to add the island flair to
your party.
Say aloha -- As if they had just set foot on the island of Oahu,
welcome each guest with a traditional Aloha greeting, a lei and kiss on
the cheek or a big Hawaiian hug.
Take a dip -- Bread bowl dip appetizers provide a hearty buffet recipe
that requires minimal preparation and is a constant crowd pleaser.
King’s Hawaiian offers two varieties of “round loaves” -- Hawaiian
Sweet Bread and Honey Wheat -- which prove ideal for this offering.
Island music -- Hawaii has a rich array of both traditional and popular
music. Make sure to add a few “Hawaiian” style songs to your playlist
for the perfect background music for your party.
Party under the stars -- Utilizing various sized tiki torches on the
tables and around the perimeter is an inexpensive lighting alternative
for any occasion. Place appetizers and refreshments outside and
let your guests enjoy the breeze of the “island” night.
Recipes
Tropical Bruschetta
6 King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Olive oil
1 mango, 1/2-inch dice (about 1 cup)*
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
1 avocado, 1/2-inch dice (about 1 cup)*
1 lime
* select mango and avocado that are ripe but firm
Trim off dome of each roll then cut horizontally into 4 equal layers.
Brush one side of each piece of with olive oil. Bake in a preheated 350
F oven for 7 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool.
Combine next 5 ingredients in bowl. Squeeze juice of 1 lime over
ingredients. Toss to coat well. Chill about 1 hour.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of salsa on each toasted bread square. Serve
immediately.
Makes 24 servings.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
