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Aloha from the Mainland! Traveling to Roanoke to visit my mom is always fun. I found a few cool things and places along the way. Image: Traveling to Roanoke Road sign driving 9 hours to Roanoke, shaka tea found at a gas station along the way, Sun Noodles I brought for my mom from Whole Foods in Albany, NY During my journey from Albany, NY to Roanoke, VA, I stumbled upon a taste of Hawaii delightful surprise: Hawaiian Mamaki Tea from the renowned Hilo company, Shaka Tea. As I made a pit stop at a couple of gas stations along the way, my eyes were drawn to the vibrant packaging adorned with tropical imagery and the unmistakable logo of Shaka Tea. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. With the first sip, I was transported to the lush landscapes of Hawaii. The distinct flavor of Mamaki, a native Hawaiian plant, filled my senses with its earthy notes and subtle sweetness. Savoring each sip, I couldn’t help but appreciate the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that Shaka Tea brings to the mainland. This unexpected encounter with Hawaiian Mamaki Tea was a delightful reminder that the essence of Hawaii can be found in unexpected places, adding a touch of aloha to my cross-country journey. During my time exploring Roanoke and its surrounding areas, I embarked on a quest to find poke bowl restaurants that could satisfy my cravings for this Hawaiian delicacy. While the experience didn’t quite reach the heights of the poke bowls found in Hawaii, I was pleased to discover a couple of establishments that offered their own interpretation of this beloved dish. These local eateries infused their poke creations with a fusion of flavors, incorporating elements of the region’s culinary traditions. Though the authenticity of the ingredients and the vibrant taste of the ocean might not have rivaled those found in Hawaii, the poke bowls I enjoyed in Roanoke were still able to satiate my longing for this delectable dish. The experience served as a reminder that even though the poke in Roanoke might not be on par with its Hawaiian counterpart, it provided a unique and satisfying culinary experience in its own right, offering a glimpse into the local flavors and creativity of the area. At the end of my stay, I stumbled upon a charming little place called Hang 10 Hawaiian Ice and Cream. Intrigued by its name and the promise of Hawaiian-style shaved ice, I decided to delve deeper into this hidden gem. As I walked through the doors, I was greeted by a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere, instantly transporting me to the shores of the Hawaiian islands. The menu was a delightful array of flavors, featuring an impressive selection of shaved ice creations that ranged from classic tropical flavors to unique combinations. The Dole Whip was the start of the show! From the moment I took my first spoonful, I was captivated by the refreshing flavors on the islands. The team at Hang 10 Hawaiian Ice and Cream had certainly mastered the art of crafting these great treats. I couldn’t resist capturing my experience on video for my YouTube channel (video below), as I wanted to share this hidden gem with my audience. Hang 10 Hawaiian Ice and Cream proved to be a delightful haven for anyone seeking a taste of Hawaii in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia. Traveling to Roanoke was so fun because I love to see that parts of the Hawaiian culture is found everywhere!

Don’t knock it til you try it! Spam and cream cheese wontons are a delicious and easy appetizer that is perfect for parties or a quick snack. They are made with wonton wrappers, cream cheese, spam, and green onions. They can be fried, baked, or air-fried. Bringing a taste of Hawaii to any Spam-loving household! Although this is not a Hawaiian dish, it sure counts as a local favorite. Growing up in Hawaii, there were not many households without Spam in their pantry.  Why are Spam and Cream Cheese Wontons So Popular? There are many reasons why Spam and cream cheese wontons are so popular. They are: How to Make Spam and Cream Cheese Wontons Ingredients: Instructions: Tips: Spam and cream cheese wontons are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. They are a fun and unique way to enjoy Spam, and they are sure to please everyone at your next party. What is your party favorite appetizer that reminds you of growing up in Hawaii?

Greetings from Feasog Forest Farm! We’re so excited to welcome you to our little corner of the world as we embark on this incredible journey of homesteading, sustainability, and farming life. Starting an egg farm has been a dream in the making, and with the launch of our LLC, we’re turning that dream into reality. Nestled in the heart of New York, Feasog Forest Farm is more than just a farm—it’s a vision for a self-sufficient lifestyle, rooted in respect for the land, our animals, and the values of homesteading. Building Our Chicken Barn: The First Big Step Every great farm starts with solid foundations, and for us, that means constructing a home for our flock. We’re currently in the early stages of building our chicken barn, and we’ll be sharing every step of the process with you. From planning and materials to construction challenges and triumphs, we hope our experience will inspire others who dream of starting their own farmstead. Why a chicken barn? Our goal is to create a safe, comfortable, and efficient space for our laying hens, ensuring they have the best environment to thrive. Happy, healthy hens lay the most delicious eggs, and we want to provide not only for ourselves but for our local community as well. What to Expect from Our Blog Homesteading is an ever-evolving adventure, and this blog will serve as a place where we document the highs and lows, lessons learned, and successes along the way. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect: Join Us on This Adventure We invite you to be part of our journey! Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader, a backyard chicken enthusiast, or just someone who loves fresh farm eggs, we hope our blog provides inspiration and valuable insight. Follow us on social media for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and plenty of photos of our progress (and, of course, our feathered friends!). Thank you for joining us at the start of this adventure—we can’t wait to share our homesteading story with you! Until next time, Feasog Forest Farm

This recipe for Hawaiian style chicken katsu is easy to make and is sure to please everyone at the table & in everyone’s plate lunch! It is the best chicken katsu recipe! Image: Finished Hawaiian Style Chicken Katsu Plate, Me showing my green onions growing in just water (I’m so proud lol), and my poor husband fixing our well pump while I cooked dinner (he deserves this plate!) Chicken katsu is a Japanese dish of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets. It is a popular dish in Hawaii, where it is often served with rice, macaroni salad, and a creamy katsu sauce. My katsu sauce is a mayo based katsu sauce because I like mine extra creamy. The trick is the Kewpie mayo (japanese mayo) that is a little sweeter and tangier than regular mayo. This creamy katsu sauce is sure to be a favorite! The chicken is first flattened and then coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. It is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Creamy katsu sauce is made with ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. It is the perfect topping for the crispy chicken. You can watch me make it, or skip down to the recipe to start cooking! To make Hawaiian style chicken katsu, you will need the following ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 egg, beaten 2 cups panko breadcrumbs 1 cup vegetable oil For the katsu sauce: 1 cup ketchup 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon garlic powder 4-5 tablespoons Kewpie Mayo (or regular mayo if you prefer) Directions: Pound the chicken breasts to a 1/4-inch thickness. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the panko bread crumbs. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels. To make the katsu sauce, combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. This recipe is for a basic Hawaiian style chicken katsu. You can add your own personal touches to the dish by adding different herbs and spices to the breading or by serving it with different sides. Here are a few ideas: No matter how you make it, Hawaiian style chicken katsu is a delicious and easy dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Every year, I reunite with my two closest companions: my middle school bestie (who’s practically my sister) and my twin cousin (we’re the same age!). For the past three years, Houston, TX, has been our meeting point to explore the state and experience the legendary Houston Rodeo. Year 1: Houston Highlights and Beyond Our first Houston adventure kicked off with a thrilling concert at the Houston Rodeo. We also embarked on an epic exploration, venturing from NASA down to the charming seaside town of Galveston, soaking up everything in between. We embarked on a detour to Waco for a delightful day spent treasure hunting at Magnolia Market. We browsed Joanna Gaines’ signature home decor haven, soaking up the atmosphere of the Silos and indulging in some retail therapy! Year 2: Machine Gun Kelly, River Walk, and Buckee’s Bonanza Year two brought another exciting rodeo experience, this time with a concert featuring the high-energy Machine Gun Kelly. We then headed to the iconic San Antonio River Walk and marveled at the world’s largest convenience store, The Alamo, & Buckee’s, for the first time. Year 3: From Rodeo Rhythms to the Big Apple This year, our adventure took a thrilling turn! After rocking out to Brad Paisley at the Rodeo, the three of us embarked on a spontaneous trip to New York City (where I live!). We explored the historic museums of the Capital Region (Albany area), laughed the night away at a comedy show, and then drove down to the heart of NYC for a whirlwind 24 hours. Embracing NYC Culture (and Food!) We dove headfirst into NYC culture, indulging in authentic local eats. Lunch was a steal at a classic $1.50 pizza place, dinner was a quintessential NYC hot dog from a vintage stand on Broadway, and a chance encounter led us to the most incredible lobster roll I’ve ever tasted near Times Square! Times Square Twinkle Times Square at night was pure magic. We wandered around, soaking in the electrifying atmosphere and savoring delicious cannolis from the famous Carlo’s Bakery. This annual trip with my besties is a highlight of my year. It’s a perfect blend of revisiting cherished traditions (Houston Rodeo) and venturing into new territory (NYC adventure).