Good Morning Hawaii – the last state to join the union. The most beautiful state to join the union. Today is National Hawaii Day. Hawaii, another word for paradise.
There are a lot of fun facts regarding the 50th state. It’s the most southern state in the union. It has its own time zone. Everyone in Hawaii is a minority since no one race is a majority. And it’s the only state that actually grows coffee. Like most places in this world, Hawaii also has its share of head scratching laws.
Coins are not allowed to be place in one’s ears.
It once was illegal to leave one’s home without knowing where you are going. Nowadays, it’s okay to be lost or choose to wander.
On Kauai, no building can be taller than a palm tree. And in case you didn’t know, a palm tree is about 4 stories high. Just wish that same law applied to Honolulu.
It is illegal for twins to work for the same company. Is that to avoid confusing?
Fishing with poison, dynamite or an electric current is unlawful. While attempting to fish with poison or dynamite might make sense, one really has to question the intelligence of a person dropping a live wire into water. Shockingly stupid!
While visiting any state park in Hawaii, you are not allowed to annoy the birds. However; birds are free to annoy you.
As of 2014, it is illegal for a police officer to have sex with a prostitute during an official investigation. So this was a big problem and not an isolated case?
Finally, if you are planning to marry an Orakama Tribesman, you should know men are not allowed to eat their second wife. However; there is no such restrictions regarding his first wife.
While there’s no law requiring Hawaiians to eat SPAM, you would think it was the law. Walk into any market or sit down to eat at most local spots, and you’ll find SPAM in some form. Hawaiians, like many Pacific Islanders, have an unusual love affair with SPAM. There’s even an entire festival dedicated to SPAM – the SPAM Jam.
SPAM was first introduced to the islands during World War II by American soldiers. Hawaiians quickly embraced the salty pork. It required no refrigeration and was easily adapted to a variety of dishes. And then there’s the flavor. SPAM is unlike any other processed meat. It is extremely salty. For some, SPAM is an acquired taste. I love SPAM. But then again, as a kid I would eat salted ice cubes.
Today is unusual in that Hubby and Kiddo have the day after the 4th of July off. Yeah, it’s a really long weekend. And a really long weekend means more opportunity to share meals together. For Hawaii Day, I had originally planned Kahlúa Pig for this evening. Still have it on the menu. However; having my guys home let’s me cook up a delicious Swiss inspired potato pancake with a definite Hawaiian spin to kick off this beautiful day. Enjoy!
Hawaiian SPAM Rösti
2 large Russet Potatoes
1 can SPAM
5 large Eggs, divided
2 tablespoons Butter
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Thyme garnish
Toast Points, if desired
Peel potato and partly cook by boiling for ten minutes. Let potatoes cool to the touch. Grate potato on bigger side of cheese grater.
While the potatoes cook and cool, cube SPAM into small pieces. Place cubes in a skillet over medium heat and fry until slightly browned.
Add SPAM to the grated potatoes. Lightly beat 1 egg, add to the potato mixture. Stir to blend.
Melt half of the butter over a medium heat. Place a mold ring in the skillet. Pack with potato mixture. Repeat to create four potato-SPAM rounds. Cover and cook until golden, about 6 minutes. Gently flip round, continue to cook another 5 minutes. Transfer to platter, keep warm.
Poach remaining 4 eggs. Top each Rösti with an egg. Garnish with Thyme Sprig. Serve with toast if desired.
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