Aelan Cook-Off!

As one of our medical/nutrition sessions during training, we were all invited over to Nurse Brenda’s beautiful abode to have a team cook-off.

The catch? We could only use island kakae that we drew. And we also had to draw for using gas stove or open fire.

My teammates were Gene and Eric, and we drew Kumala and Open Fire.

I got right to work, being a complete Kitchen Nazi (I did NOT win the award for Ms. Congenial that night- yes there was indeed one.

I had the idea to make the same kumala cakes that I made on my island for Thanksgiving, only fancying them up with an island fruit sauce.

We wound up going against some fantastic curry, steak, and a tropical salad. In the end we took home Best Presentation, which I feel good about considering I took the time to carve out a passion fruit.

Passion Kumala Cakes

4-5 kumalas, peeled and boiled until soft

1 can tin tuna (or less if you don’t like it)

2 eggs

green onions

garlic

salt and pepper or cajun seasoning to taste

around 6 Wheat Bix or 10 Breakfast Crackers, crushed

Mash kumalas, stir in egg, onions, garlic, or whatever seasonings and herbs you like best.

Create small patties with kumala mixture. If it is not sticking together, add more egg.

Pat cake in to the crushed crackers. I prefer Wheat Bix.

Heat oil in a pan on high, fry until golden brown on both sides.

For sauce:

Mash one Paw-Paw with fork (puree)

Add fruits/seeds of 2-3 passion fruit

can add mango or other fruits

squeeze one lime

add brown sugar if you’d like it a bit sweeter

Serve kumala cakes with sauce. (also good on their own or with ketchup)

Me and my bouillon prize, oh-so-proud (and sweaty)!