Little Treats from Childhood

One of the things I miss most about Hawaii is the food. I don't necessarily mean Hawaiian food, but rather food that instantly takes me back to childhood. There are certain things I miss- "fast food" sushi (as I refer to it) from Kozo, rainbow shaved ice from the little stand in Nuuanu, and even Zippy's saimin and mac salad. All of these remind me of home. Another place I miss in Hawaii is Shirokiya, a Japanese department store that sells everything from electronics to food products to Hello Kitty. It also has a french bakery that sells some of the best sweets in town- including my favorite palmiers. Palmiers are so simple to make and very versatile. You can make them sweet or savory just by adding different seasonings and spices. The ones I made below are cinnamon and sugar, which were my favorite as a keiki (child).



Palmiers (easy version)

1 sheet of puff pastry
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cinnamon
1 egg, beaten

Spread the sheet out. Brush egg wash on one side and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Turn over and do the same to the other side. Take one side of the puff pastry and roll it to the center. Take the other side and roll it to the center. Wrap in parchment paper and put in the freezer for about 10 minutes to harden. Don't unravel, but cut the log into 1/2 inch heart-shaped pieces. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle again with sugar and cinnamon. Bake according to puff pastry box directions. Keep an eye on them so they brown and don't burn!

**This can easily be savory by swiping pesto instead of egg and adding Parmesan cheese to the inside and on top of the cookies (before you bake). Really, add anything you think could taste yummy!