Friends like Margaret-Jean Hansen (with whom I attended classes at the University of Hawaiʻi, often inspired the meals we shared in our homes and alerted me to favorite menu items at the restaurants we patronized. Sadly, some of the restaurants I wish I could recommend to you no longer exist. Happily, others have become even more popular than they were when I lived on the island of Oʻahu, and you may discover some of them in your own travels in Hawaiʻi. When I first moved to Honolulu in 1972, I longed for a few fast-food restaurants and ice cream stores that I had taken for granted on the mainland of the United States. Within a few months however, I had discovered Island delights like scoops of white rice and Hawaiian shaved ice cones to satiate my cravings.

Each of the simple recipes I share will suggest ingredients that are usually available and can be added in portions to suit your palette. Whether you are planning a quiet night for two, or a large gathering that will overfill your lānai, I join Margaret-Jean in wishing you the vital ingredients of friendship and creativity that are included in all Island cooking.​ I'm only sad that she is no longer here to offer more of her delight in life and food...but I hope you will enjoy her Island Potato salad recipe and the story of our friendship…