What's an uku-pile? 

Yes, uku is the Hawaiian word for head lice. NO, our household has not been attacked by head lice. 

Uku-pile is a pidgin English mesh of a Hawaiian language phrase ku ka paila  (pronounced KOO' kah pai' lah) which means a big pile of something, usually work, laundry, dirty dishes...say it really fast and you can hear how this was shortened to uku-pile.

By request, here are some recent recipes and updates that I've added to the site. And Kale Chips and Sweet Po's and Peachy Catsup can be made in time for a 4th of July BBQ.

Kale Chips
30 minutes to satisfy that potato chip craving in a healthier way. With or without parmesan cheese at the end. 

Teenagers were very skeptical, but ended up eating every last bit. Even better, they can make it themselves.

Vietnamese Grilled Potluck Chicken
Great with rice and mac salad as a dinner or as a Vietnamese-style sandwich as a leftover. This is the main part of our 4th of July meal.

A similar Vietnamese Grilled Potluck Pork from our last weekend's potluck.

Sweet Po's and Peachy Catsup
Colleague's recommendation, teenager requested and family approved. We've eaten this several times to test it out.

Co-Worker Kale Salad
Another winner that has been colleague recommended, teenager requested and family approved. Plus, the recipe was requested by a friend who came to our last potluck, who was quite surprised that it was kale. 

Yes T, I really did feed you kale.

Adrienne's Soba Salad, with spaghetti swap
I couldn't bear to see gobs of leftover spaghetti as I contemplated opening a new package of soba. 

Worked out very well as a stir fry with snow peas, red and yellow peppers and a bit of char siu.

Here are two more ridiculously simple yet ono recipes with made with items that are always in your pantry.

Formerly known as "Costco (and Others) Pork Loin." 

This marinade is 5 ingredients and fool-proof. Garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and olive oil. Marinate for as little  15 minutes before grilling. 30 minutes on the grill and you are done.

I made a double batch (4 pork loins) and I'm thinking I'll freeze an uncooked one for "one of those days."

Click here for updated recipe.

With another nod to Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa. 

On Wednesday night, I had one potato, two potato, three potato, four. By Thursday afternoon, no more.

Plain ole' brown potatoes with olive oil Hawaiian salt, pepper and garlic. 40 minutes or so in the oven, with a flip at 20. Crunchy outside, fluffy inside.

Click here for the recipe.

Have a great weekend! Eat Well. Be Well.