January, 2023 - Horizon Guest House

Your guide to shopping in Hilo

Posted on January 30, 2023February 18, 2023 by Angus

We check out the best shopping destinations in Hilo. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect gift or souvenir, or just looking to escape a rainy day, we have the best options for retail therapy.

1. Hilo Famers Market

Corner of Mama Street and Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo

The Hilo farmers market is a must-visit attraction. First started in 1988, the Hilo farmers market began with only 4 vendors and grew rapidly. The open market is now held on the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo. Contained within the space of approximately 3 city blocks, the market has free parking nearby. The biggest (and best) days are Wednesday and Sunday. Get there early to get the best of the produce and the freshest flowers.

The market opens at 6am and runs until 4pm. Most of the market is situated under large tents and includes sections with produce, food and flowers, as well as an arts, crafts and retail section. Deal direct with the farmers, the growers, the crafters and the bakers. And don’t miss out on the amazing range of food on offer from the food trucks. There is even an indoor food court

Whether you’re on the look-out for some locally-grown coffee or fresh fruit and vegetables, the market has a huge selection. Find jack fruit, longan, mangos, papayas, pineapples, rambutan, strawberries, white pineapples, dragon fruit, passion fruit, apple bananas, lychee, sapote and much more! Vegetables you’ll encounter include – baby ginger, bok choy, eggplant, taro, avocados, hydroponic lettuce, organic spinach, sweet corn and more.

2. Manono Street Marketplace

681 Manono Street, Hilo

A nice collection of shops catering to locals and tourists. Stores include – Cupcakes, Boom!, The Full 9 Yards (home of the Braddapop and other snacks), Kilauea Kreations II (a fabric store) and Big Island Pearl Tea restaurant, among others.

3. Prince Kūhiō Plaza

111 E. Puainako Street, Hilo

The perfect place to spend a rainy Hilo afternoon! Browse the great selection of stores in the Big Island’s largest enclosed mall. The mall is spread out on one level, and includes Macy’s, Sears, the Hollywood Movie Theaters among the mall’s 72 stores.

For more information www.princekuhioplaza.com

4. Basically Books

334 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo

Basically Books has been in business for over 30 years. Not just a comprehensive book store, they also sell gifts and souvenirs. It’s also a community hub – they often have book readings, Hawaiian live music and other events.

Basically Books specializes in books about Hawaii, both current and classic, including history, mythology, fiction, travel guides, natural history, marine science, children’s books, and much more. There are also plenty of rare and out of print Hawaiiana books.

For more information www.basicallybooks.com

5. Big Island Candies

585 Hunan Street, Hilo

What would a trip to Hilo be without a visit to the famous Big Island Candies location! Baked treats, chocolates and their famous chocolate-dipped shortbread are all available for purchase here. They also have free tours of the factory!

For more information www.bigislandcandies.com

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Walnut Maple Banana Cake

Posted on January 21, 2023March 11, 2023 by Angus

I enjoyed the combination of maple and banana so much in the muffins I made recently that I decided to try this as a cake, although this recipe does have eggs! The original recipe used a baking dish but I rather liked using the more traditional cake tin (if you do decide to use a baking dish it will bake faster, in about 30-35 minutes).

Ingredients

Cake

1 1/2 stick butter (softened)
1 c pure maple syrup
3 lg eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 3/4 c all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 c mashed bananas (2 large or 3 med)
3/4 c buttermilk

Frosting

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 c butter (softened)
3 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 c walnuts (chopped)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Prepare a 9-inch cake tin. Line with baking paper, lightly oil.

In the bowl using a hand beater (or using a stand mixer) cream the butter until soft and light. Gradually add the maple syrup and beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes more, or until light. The butter and maple syrup may separate slightly. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.

In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cute kitchen moment!

On duty during the making of the cake, is assistant chef Cleo – providing helpful and encouraging feedback via many cute poses. More Cleo and Ele

Add to the butter mixture along with the milk and mashed bananas.

Note: Buttermilk can be substituted for a mixture of ½ cup of yoghurt and a quarter cup of milk, adding more milk if the mixture is too thick. See photos below.

Beat all ingredients on low speed just until combined.

Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Wait until the cake is completely cooled. Then in a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter, maple syrup (increasing the amount of maple syrup until the right intensity has been achieved), then add vanilla and beat until smooth.

Frost cake and garnish with walnuts!

Maple is such a great flavor for a cake and is made even better by using it in the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

How did your cake turn out? Let us know in the comments below.

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Eggless Maple and Banana Muffins

Posted on January 15, 2023January 22, 2023 by Angus

This recipe combines maple and banana with great success. The muffins are made without using an egg and produce a light fluffy texture. Originally a cake recipe, this has been adapted for muffins.

Ingredients

2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240 ml) milk (at room temperature)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (180 ml) pure maple syrup
1 ripe banana, mashed (about 90 g)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Using baking spray, generously grease one muffin tray (makes 12 muffins). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Put aside.

In a mixing bowl or jug, combine milk and vinegar. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. When it is ready, the milk will be slightly thickened. You should be able to see small curdled pieces. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy on medium-high speed. Do this for about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula if needed. Next, add maple syrup, mashed banana and vanilla. Beat until combined.

Cute kitchen moment!

On duty during the making of the muffins, is assistant chef Cleo – providing helpful and encouraging feedback via many cute poses. More Cleo and Ele

With the speed on low, add half of the flour mixture. Scrape down the mixing bowl with a spatula and turn the batter over several times to ensure all of the ingredients are well mixed. Add milk mixture – continue beating to mix. Add the remaining flour and beat until just until combined. Do not overmix.

Pour the cake mixture into the muffin tray. You may have some batter left over. Be careful not to overfill the muffin tray – this is something I (Angus) did! You can see in the photo below that I’ve overfilled the tray. Make sure each muffin mold is only filled to about 2/3 full. This is a cake recipe so the mixture will rise quite a lot.

Bake until a skewer comes out clean when poked in the center. Baking times may vary but these muffins should take 20-25 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow muffins to cool before serving. (Optional: serve with whipped cream, adding 2/3 tablespoons of maple to the cream!).

My muffins overflowed and ended up flattening out (they were still delicious though). How did your muffins turn out? Let us know in the comments below.

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