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Sausage, Egg and Cheese Sliders for a Crowd

Sausage, Egg and Cheese Sliders for a Crowd

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Sausage, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches

Peaches and Cream Bars

Move over McDonalds.  These sweet and savory breakfast sliders are perfect for serving a crowd.  They can easily be made the day before and simply heated up when you’re ready to serve.

They will have your house smelling so good your family will be waiting at the table, at least mine was!  A few simple ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen give you a fabulous breakfast.  It’s a real crowd pleaser.

Expect recipe requests!

Family Size

 

Sausage Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American, Cooking for a Crowd
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 2 (16 ounce) roll Pork Sausage - mild
  • 12 King's Hawaiian dinner rolls
  • 8 large eggs - scrambled
  • 6 slices Monterey jack cheese - cut into quarters
  • 6 slices American cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter - melted
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Form sausage into 12 patties, making each slightly larger than a dinner roll. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage patties to skillet and cook until completely cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. While sausages are cooking, cut rolls in half lengthwise (keeping rolls in a sheet if possible). Place bottom half of rolls in a 9 x 13 baking dish.  Set tops aside.

  4. Place a heaping spoonful of scrambled eggs onto each bottom rolls. Top eggs with 2 quarter slices of Monterey jack cheese. Place sausage patty on top of  Monterey jack cheese and top sausage with 2 quarter slices of American cheese.  Place top half of buns on top of bottom buns.

MAKE AHEAD NOTE: Can be made to this point and refrigerated, covered, for up to one day.
  1. Combine melted butter and maple syrup in small bowl. Brush over tops of rolls allowing sauce to drip down sides and into bottom. Use entire amount.
  2. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees or until cheese is bubbly and melted. Serve hot.

  3. MAKE 

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Large Group

 

Sausage Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches for a Crowd
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American, Cooking for a Crowd
Servings: 40 servings
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 4 (16 ounce) rolls Pork Sausage - mild
  • 40 King's Hawaiian Sweet dinner rolls
  • 3 dozen large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk (12 ounces) (Do NOT use sweetened condensed)
  • 1 tablespoon Lawry’s seasoned salt
  • 10 slices Monterey Jack cheese - quartered
  • 10 slices American cheese - quartered
  • 1 cup butter - melted
  • 1 cup maple syrup
Special Equipment
  • 1 (18 x 13 inch) half sheet pan
  • 2 (9 x 13 inch) baking pans
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.  Thoroughly grease two 13x9 baking dishes.  Set aside.

  2. Spread sausage evenly in the bottom of a half sheet pan.  Pat down and set aside.  

  3. Scramble eggs, evaporated milk and seasoned salt in a bowl, then pour into the two 13x9 well greased baking dishes.  Bake eggs and sausage at 350F for 18-20 minutes or until the eggs are set and the sausage is done (170F).  Cover the eggs with a sheet of parchment if necessary to keep the tops from getting brown.

  4. While sausage and eggs are cooking, cut rolls in half lengthwise (keeping in a sheet if possible). 

  5. When done, remove the sausage and eggs from oven (keep oven on), remove sausage from the pan and cut sausage into 40 patties (8 rows by 5 rows).  Pour out sausage grease and wipe down the half baking sheet.  

  6. Place bottom half of rolls in the half sheet baking pan.  Place 1 sausage patty on each roll bottom.  Slice each dish of eggs into 20 pieces. Place 1 egg slice on each sausage patty.  

  7. Top eggs with 1 quarter slice of Monterey Jack cheese and 1 quarter slice of American cheese. Carefully place top half of buns on top.

MAKE AHEAD NOTE: Can be made to this point and refrigerated, covered, for up to one day.
  1. Combine melted butter and maple syrup in small bowl. Brush over tops of rolls allowing sauce to drip down sides and into bottom. Use entire amount.
  2. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and melted. Serve hot.

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and Cheese Sliders

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Little Ham & Cheese Sliders

Peaches and Cream Bars

So I have to tell you, when I finally served these to the young men at church last Sunday after playing with modifications to this recipe for weeks …

Peaches and Cream Bars

… they squealed like little girls.

Peaches and Cream Bars

I knew these little sliders were great, but I figured I needed to see what all the excitement was about.  So since I wasn’t really hungry, after eating a full breakfast, I sampled 3 or maybe 4 of them.

Peaches and Cream Bars

And when it was time to head to the rest of our meetings, a huge problem presented itself.  After eating 3 or maybe 5, I (a) didn’t want to stop and (b) see a.

Looking for a WOW Response?

Seems like everyone has a version of these delightful little ham and cheese sliders in their virtual recipe box and there’s a reason for that. I’ve never seen anyone not happily dive into them.  They taste fantastic, can be assembled in no time and trust me, your family will LOVE them (and you) if you serve them for dinner.  I first found this wonderful recipe from ourrecipeclub.blogspot.com.  I liked it a lot, but I wanted even more of a WOW response – so I tweaked it.  And once it got even better, I tweaked it again!

If you’re looking for a wonderful quick and easy dish to serve for dinner this week or at your next party – this is it!

Peaches and Cream Bars

Great Make Ahead Dish

You already know how much I like to have folks over for dinner, but sometimes I’m so beat by the time they arrive, I can’t even enjoy their company.  These little sliders offer the perfect solution.   You can make them ahead of time, and then when your guests arrive, just brush on the butter mixture and pop ’em in the oven!   Done.

It’s really easy.  Here’s how.

Start by cutting one or more sheets of Kings Hawaiian rolls in half, while keeping the sheet together, like this.  (Keeping the sheets together makes it easier when working with larger batches.)

Peaches and Cream Bars

Next, just stack your cheese and cut it in quarters.  Like this.

Peaches and Cream Bars

Liberally slather the cut side of each roll sheet (top and bottom) with the Miracle Whip/Mayonnaise mixture.   Then place about ¾ ounces of ham on each roll.

Peaches and Cream Bars

You can certainly increase the ham if you wish, but if you’re on a budget – this amount is fine.

Peaches and Cream Bars

Then add 2 of the quarter-slices of cheese like so.

Peaches and Cream Bars

If you’re not serving immediately, you can refrigerate or freeze them at this point.  Otherwise, if you’re ready to serve, slap on the bun tops, pour on this wonderful butter sauce…

Peaches and Cream Bars

… and pop ’em in the oven for 12 – 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  And you’re rewarded with this…

Peaches and Cream Bars

I ask you, who wouldn’t squeal like a little girl when confronted with that??

Great Large Group Recipe

These are also the perfect large group recipe to feed a crowd.  Everyone goes wild for them at youth activities, graduation parties or family reunions.   When cooking for a crowd, it’s important to rely on recipes that can be made in advance.  These babies can be assembled (without the dressing and before baking), wrapped well with plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 24 hours.  Or, if you’re planning further in advance, they can be frozen (without the dressing and before baking), wrapped well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 weeks.  When you’re ready to serve, just whip up a batch of the dressing, pour it on and bake for about 15 minutes.  This should be done right before serving as they are best hot and gooey from the oven.

I would normally call a recipe, like the one serving 60 below, a Crowd-sized version, except I truly believe that Jeff and I and our 4 dinner club friends (or perhaps just me) could polish them all off with little effort.   They are really that good.

Peaches and Cream Bars
Peaches and Cream Bars
Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Family Size

 

4.5 from 2 votes
Ham and Cheese Sliders for a Crowd
Ham & Cheese Sliders
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Serves 12 mini sliders Source: adapted from ourrecipeclub.blogspot.com 

Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 sliders
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 12 small white dinner rolls (I use Kings Hawaiian, sweet rolls)
  • 4 tablespoons butter - softened
  • 1 pound deli sliced ham
  • 6 slices Monterey Jack or Baby Swiss cheese - you can use regular Swiss too
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Miracle Whip
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Dressing to drizzle
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) – melted for 30 seconds on high in microwave
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Special Equipment
  • 1 (9 x 13) baking pan
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  2. Cut each Swiss cheese slice into quarters. Set aside.

  3. Keeping rolls in single sheets, using a long serrated bread knife, slice rolls in half from side to side. Keep sheets intact as much as possible.  Spread cut side of each half sheet of rolls with 4 tablespoons butter total.  Toast sheets, butter side down, in non-stick pan until cut side is golden brown and crunchy.  Set roll sheets aside.

  4. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Miracle Whip and garlic powder. Spread mixture on both cut sides of each roll sheet (top and bottom halves).  Keeping the rolls in sheets enables this to go much quicker.  Divide ham between sandwiches and place 2 quarters of of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each roll. Close rolls and place them in the baking pan. 

  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.

  6. Pour dressing evenly over all of the sandwiches, using all of the dressing and covering all of the sandwich tops.  Let sit 10 minutes or until butter sets slightly. Bake, covered lightly with aluminum foil, at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for 2 additional minutes or until tops are slightly brown and crispy. Serve warm.

MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Sandwiches can be assembled, but not drizzled with dressing, wrapped well with plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen, wrapped will with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 weeks.   Defrost several hours in the refrigerator.   In either case, don't add the drizzle before refrigerating or freezing.  Dressing can be made in advance and refrigerated separately up to 2 days.  

Large Group

 

4.5 from 2 votes
Ham and Cheese Sliders for a Crowd
Ham and Cheese Sliders for a Crowd
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Serves 60 mini sliders.  Source: adapted from ourrecipeclub.blogspot.com 

An AlohaDreams.com Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cooking for a Crowd
Servings: 60 sliders
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 60 small white dinner rolls I use Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (2 (24 ct) and 1 (12 ct) packs
  • 1 cup butter 2 sticks - softened
  • 3 - 4 pounds deli sliced ham
  • 30 slices Baby Swiss cheese - you can use regular Swiss too
  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard Country Style preferred
  • 2 cups butter 4 sticks – melted for 30 seconds on high in microwave
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/4 cup poppy seeds
Special Equipment
  • 2 half sheet baking pans - 40 rolls will fit per pan
Instructions
  1. If serving immediately, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  2. Cut each Swiss cheese slice into quarters. Set aside.

  3. Keeping rolls in single sheets, using a long serrated bread knife, slice rolls in half from side to side. Keep sheets intact as much as possible.  Spread cut side of each half sheet of rolls with the 2 sticks of softened butter total. Toast sheets, butter side down, in non-stick pan until cut side is golden brown and crunchy. Set roll sheets aside.

  4. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Miracle Whip and garlic powder. Spread mixture on both cut sides of each roll sheet (top and bottom halves). Keeping the rolls in sheets enables this to go much quicker. Divide ham between sandwiches and place 2 quarters of of Swiss cheese on top of ham on each roll section. Cover rolls with roll tops and place them in the baking pan.

  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.
  6. Pour dressing evenly over all of the sandwiches, using all of the dressing and covering all of the sandwich tops. Let sit 10 minutes or until butter sets slightly. Bake, covered lightly with aluminum foil, at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for 2 additional minutes or until tops are slightly brown and crispy. Serve warm.
MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Sandwiches can be assembled with out drizzling on the dressing, wrapped well with plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen, wrapped will with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 weeks. Defrost several hours in the refrigerator. In either case, don't add the drizzle before refrigerating or freezing. Dressing can be made in advance and refrigerated separately up to 2 days.

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Best-Ever Chunky Chicken Salad

Best-Ever Chunky Chicken Salad

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Best-Ever Chunky Chicken Salad

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

We just had a thoroughly enjoyable day.   Our good friends invited us to the Symphony in the Flint Hills.  What a marvelous event.  It’s a fund raiser to heighten the appreciation and knowledge of the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie.   The Flint Hills are a region in eastern Kansas and northern Oklahoma renowned for their prime cattle grazing.   The Flint Hills got their name from the abundant deposits of flint lying near or on the surface of the land.   Aren’t they lovely?

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

Started in 2006, the Symphony in the Flint Hills become a Kansas tradition that now attracts approximately 7,000 attendees from all over the world.  There are a variety of speakers in multiple tents scattered across the prairie, talking about topics as diverse as The Kanza Indians in the Flint Hills to The Tallgrass Prairie and Cattle Ranching.

I really enjoyed learning all about the challenges of running a profitable cow-calf operation.  (And I sometimes think I have it tough…)  We had a fantastic dinner of pulled pork and BBQ beans and then settled in for some great music.  One year they even staged a cattle drive on the hills behind the orchestra.  Outstanding!

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

It’s one of my favorite places in the world.

I grew up not far from there.  I used to love it most of all when a mega storm would blow up!

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

Best-Ever Chunky Chicken Salad

So what, you may ask, does all this have to do with Chicken Salad?   Not a darn thing.  I just thought you’d find it interesting.  Although, now that I think about it this would make an great recipe for a picnic.

There are a lot of good chicken salad recipes out there.  I think this is one of the great ones.  Here’s why:   The cool sweetness of the red grapes with a hint of garlic takes this chicken salad to a whole new level. Combining sour cream with the mayo adds a wonderful savory element.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.   Your whole family will love it!  This Best-Ever Chunky Chicken Salad recipe is hands down the perfect go-to chicken salad for sandwiches (think flaky croissants).   Jeff also likes to sometimes eat it on top of a bed of lettuce (when I remind him he’s on a diet).

Full of tender juicy chicken, fresh sliced red grapes, celery, toasted walnuts and crunchy celery, there’s a lot to love here.  In fact, the batch that I made to serve 6 today only has 2 helpings left after my dear husband got done with it.

This makes a great salad for quick delicious lunch or a light supper, and takes hardly any time to mix together.  The sweetness from the grapes always makes it a favorite with kids!

Easy Delicious Poached Chicken Recipe

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

You can either buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it, or make up a batch of my poached chicken.  It cooks up 14 cups of incredibly delicious poached chicken.  All ready for you to shred (quickly and easily in a stand mixer) as the foundation for multiple meals!   This chicken salad recipe uses 4 cups, leaving you 3 cups for Cheesy Chicken Melts and 7 cups left over for this fabulous tortilla soup!

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Great Chicken Salad for a Crowd

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

If you’re hosting a family reunion, pool party or girls camp, you gotta try this Chunky Chicken Salad.   It’s great in a wrap or served on its own.  It’s also delicious served in a croissant for a bridal luncheon or a brunch.   It can be made up to 2 days ahead (it gets even better), serves 25 and is easily doubled or tripled if you’ve said “Yes!” to an even larger crowd.

When served alone, as straight-up chicken salad, the average serving size is 6 – 8 ounces per serving.  For sandwiches or (large flour tortilla) wraps, plan on 5 ounces of chicken salad per wrap.  It’s easy.  Just fill a large flour tortilla with about 10 ounces of chicken salad.  Roll up.  Cut in half (I like to cut it on the diagonal).  And secure each half with a toothpick.  Makes 32 (1/2 tortilla wrap) servings.

Pin for Later

Or Make Now

Family Size

 

Best Ever Chunky Chicken Salad
Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Makes 6 cups.   For the shredded chicken you can poach a couple chicken breasts or buy a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

An AlohaDreams.com recipe

Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless - skinless - cooked and shredded (about 4 cups)
  • 1 pound red seedless grapes - cut in half
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise - I always use Hellman’s or Best
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup English walnut pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large garlic clove - minced
  • 1 stalk celery - chopped
Instructions
  1. Poach and shred the chicken breasts.  Cut the grapes in half.  Slice the celery stalk length-wise, then slice into small slices.

  2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until well combined.
  3. Can serve immediately, however it's even better refrigerated for 30 minutes - 1 hour.
MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Can be made up to 2 days in advance and held in the refrigerator, covered.

Large Group

 

Best Ever Chicken Salad for a Crowd
Prep Time
45 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 

Makes 32 (5 ounce) servings.  For the shredded chicken you can poach several pounds of chicken breasts, using my easy method to poach chicken or buy 4 pre-cooked rotisserie chickens.   Serve alone or fill 1/2 tortilla for a wrap. 

An AlohaDreams.com recipe

Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 8 Chicken breasts - boneless, skinless - cooked and shredded (about 16 cups)
  • 4 pounds red seedless grapes - cut in half
  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise - I always use Hellman’s or Best
  • 1 1/2 cups sour cream
  • 2 cups English walnut peices
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large garlic cloves - minced
  • 4 stalks celery sliced
OPTIONAL FOR WRAPS:
  • 16 large flour tortillas
  • 32 toothpicks
Instructions
  1. Poach and shred the chicken breasts. Cut the grapes in half. Slice the celery stalk length-wise, then slice into small slices.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until well combined.
  3. Can serve immediately, however it's even better refrigerated, covered, for 30 minutes - 1 hour.

MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Can be made up to 2 days in advance and held in the refrigerator, covered.

  2. If serving wraps, lay each tortilla flat and spoon on about 10 ounces chicken salad. Roll tortilla, cut in half and secure with 2 tooth picks to create 2 wraps.

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Maui Road to Hana Banana Bread

Maui Road to Hana Banana Bread

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Maui’s Road to Hana Banana Bread

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

Have you ever been to Maui?

It’s wonderful – but before we go any further, let’s at least get you in a Maui frame of mind with some island music from my favorite Hawaiian group, Hapa

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

 

There.  That’s much better.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Maui’s Road to Hana Banana Bread

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

Have you ever been to Maui?

It’s wonderful – but before we go any further, let’s at least get you in a Maui frame of mind with some island music from my favorite Hawaiian group, Hapa

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

 

There.  That’s much better.

Like the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui has many moods.  From the high-end resort feeling of the south shore…

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

…to the laid-back rural feel of the beautiful upcountry area…

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

Maui both excites and soothes.   We just got back from a wonderful vacation to Maui.   We snorkeled (no diving this trip), boogie boarded (what a blast!) and enjoyed many fantastic meals (more on those in the future).   And of all the fabulous things we ate on Maui, one of my favorite things was the Road to Hana Banana Bread.

The Road to Hana is 64 miles long, following the shoreline with 620 curves.  Besides being windy, the highway is very narrow and passes over 59 bridges, 46 of which are only one lane wide.  It takes almost 3 hours one-way, and that’s IF you don’t stop anywhere.  Granted, it’s lovely…

… and it winds through some of the most lush tropical rain forest and offers some of the most amazing waterfalls and you’ve ever seen…

… and there are certainly even some gorgeous beaches…

But driving the entire 6 hour round trip sounded like WAY more work than I wanted to sign (Jeff) up for.  

However, there IS one thing not to be missed from the road to Hana (besides not driving it) – the Banana Bread stands.  I suspect these sprung up over the years to keep the captive audience from revolting at the very thought of the drive.  But they are worth the trip alone.

Like this one…

Or this one…

And the most famous of all, Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread Stand.

The good news is you can get various versions of this wonderful banana bread at Farmer’s Markets throughout the island.  After trying several slices (alright loaves!), I knew I wanted to recreate it. 

Here’s what I learned about how to make the very best banana bread.

I started by modifying my base recipe with some fantastic suggestions from Stella Parks over at one of my favorite food sites, Seriouseats.com.  Stella is a world-class baker and knows a thing or ten about the science of baking.  I was already incorporating buttermilk for moisture in my basic banana bread recipe and on her suggestion, I swapped it for plain Greek yogurt.   Because it’s thicker than buttermilk, yogurt (whether full-fat or skim) thickens the batter, enabling it to peak more in the oven, coming out nicely domed instead of flat.

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

Next, if at all possible, use a scale to weight the flour.  I always do when baking.  The scale is the best kitchen investment I’ve made.  You want 240 grams of flour.  My second recommendation is to get an instant-read thermometer.  It’s the second-best kitchen investment I’ve made.  Your bread is done at 206 degrees.  No more guess-work!! Yea!!!

Stella also recommends coconut oil.  According to her, the reason most banana bread recipes call for oil instead of butter, is because oil contains more fat per ounce.  That produces a loaf that’s especially rich and moist.   The problem with oil is that it can sometimes make banana bread feel heavy and wet, or just a touch greasy.   Instead coconut oil makes banana bread as rich and moist as butter, but without the heavy, wet greasiness of oil.  Here’s what you’re looking for.

Some other tips I would offer you for banana bread as good as what you can get on the Road to Hana are to use bananas with a sprinkling of brown spots, like the ones below – this avoids a dense, gummy loaf which can be caused by bananas that are completely or even mostly black.

Macadamia Nut Banana Bread

Also, make sure you toast the nuts.  It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the bread.  I like to use pecan, but macadamia nuts will work great too, for a true island twist.

I used to have a tough time in the past knowing when my bread was done.  There’s a simple cure for that.  Your bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of around 206°F.   If you don’t already have one, buy yourself an instant read digital thermometer.   No more guessing and you’ll have bread that is spot-on perfect every time.

Finally, I like a bit of sugary crunch on the top of my banana bread, so I sprinkle it with a bit of sanding sugar.

I know you’ll enjoy eating this Road to Hana Banana Bread recipe as much as I did.  It’s a great addition to a family breakfast or weekend BBQ.  Enjoy and aloha!

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4.58 from 21 votes
Maui Road to Hana Banana Bread
Maui Road to Hana Banana Bread
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
 
Adapted from the wonderful Stella Parks over at Seriouseats.com 

While the coconut oil is not strictly necessary, it makes the banana bread as rich and moist as oil. And because it's solid at room temperature, it provides the slow-melting richness of butter without making the loaf heavy and wet, or greasy. 

An AlohaDreams.com recipe

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 17 slices
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 4 medium bananas , ripe
  • 4 ounces plain Greek yogurt , preferably nonfat
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (that's 9 ounces or 240 grams)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 5 1/4 ounces coconut oil - virgin or refined (3/4 cup)(Can substitute 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter)
  • 4 ounces toasted pecan or macadamia nuts - chopped
Instructions
  1. Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Line one 10 1/2– by 5 1/2–inch OR two 9- by 5-inch loaf pans loaf pan with enough parchment paper that it drapes over each side several inches.
  3. Peel 4 bananas (you should have about 12 ounces) and in a medium bowl mash bananas with 4 ounces yogurt, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons water and 1 teaspoon vanilla. NOTE: If bananas are under-ripe, cover bowl with plastic and let mixture stand 30 minutes.

  4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add 240 grams flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon table salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3/4 cup solid coconut oil. Mix on low until mixture becomes a mealy powder. Add banana mixture and continue mixing only until no more flour is visible. Fold in nuts and scrape into prepared pan(s), spreading into an even layer.

  5. Bake until risen and golden brown - about about 50 minutes for two smaller loaves (or 70 minutes for a large loaf).  Bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 206°F.

  6. When done, set the loaf, still in the pan, on a wire cooling rack. Let cool for 10 minutes — this helps the loaf solidify and makes it easier to remove from the pan.

  7. Remove from pan and cool another 10 minutes. Grasping the parchment paper sling, lift the loaf out of the pan and place on the on the cooling rack. Cool for another 10 minutes before slicing.
MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Wrapped tightly in foil, banana bread will keep up to 3 days at room temperature or 1 week in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes

To keep this simple, you can substitute 1 stick of butter (salted or unsalted) for the coconut oil and omit the yogurt entirely if you wish.

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Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

White Coconut Texas Sheet Cake

White Coconut Texas Sheet Cake

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White Coconut Texas Sheet Cake

White Texas Sheet Cake

This made-from-scratch white cake is the vanilla version of the original Texas Sheet Cake and is every bit as good as the chocolate version.

This cake gets better the longer it sits, so go ahead and make it a day ahead.  A dear friend introduced this deliciously rich sheet cake to me.  With its creamy frosting and light vanilla flavor, you’ll love it.   It’s a classic cake, moist and easy to make.  Wait to prepare the frosting until the cake is done cooking.  The frosting will set up quickly and will be difficult to spread if made too far in advance.

Instead you pour the frosting over the warm cake, so it kind of works its way into the cake and makes it incredibly moist.  It almost just melts in your mouth.  How great is that?

Every time I serve this I get great reactions. So, so good!

Like it?  Please tell your friends....

I'm hoping this site will really help them.   If you think so too, please take a minute and send them a link.

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White Coconut Texas Sheet Cake

Or Make Now

Let’s get started!

 

White Coconut Texas Sheet Cake
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

This cake is even better the next day.  It's designed to be made in a standard 13 inch by 18 inch half baking sheet to serve a large group, so don't substitute a different pan size. When ready to serve cut in 5 by 8 rows to produce 40 servings.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 40 servings
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
For the Cake
  • 2 cups (8.5 ounces or 240 grams) all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoon coconut extract
For the Frosting
  • 3/4 cup butter softened, but not melted
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • teaspoons coconut extract
For the Topping
  • 7 ounces flake sweetened coconut
Special Equipment
  • 1 (13 x 18 inch) baking pan
Instructions
  1. Place oven shelf at the top position. Set oven to broil and spread shredded coconut on a baking pan. Place baking pan under broiler and toast coconut until it’s golden brown. DO NOT WALK AWAY DURING THIS, it goes from golden brown to burnt very quickly. Remove from oven and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°.  Grease a 13 x 18 inch baking pan.

  3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt, set aside.
  4. In a separate large bowl, stir together sugar, water, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, and coconut extract until combined.

  5. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just incorporated, then pour mixture into greased cake pan.
  6. Place pan in oven and bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 18-22 minutes.
  7. While cake is baking, whisk together all frosting ingredients to a smooth consistency.
  8. Remove cake from oven and let cool 5 minutes, then pour icing over the warm cake. Spread to cover cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Can be made and frosted and kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. Cover it lightly with plastic wrap to protect it from dust, etc.  Cakes both frosted and unfrosted, cut and un-cut, are perfectly fine at room temperature for several days.  Refrigeration is only necessary if your kitchen gets very hot during the day (think bacteria feeding frenzy) or if you're making a cake that won't be served for more than three days.

    To refrigerate, wrap unfrosted cakes in plastic to protect it from absorbing any weird fridge smells and to protect it from drying out, and then unwrap it to warm up on the counter before serving. For frosted cakes, chill the cake uncovered for fifteen minutes to harden the icing, then wrap it in plastic wrap.

 

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Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

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If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

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Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

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