Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hopital celebrates 50 years of volunteerism with the publication of “More Treasured Recipes.” The hospital’s auxiliary compiled hundreds of recipes for this dense volume packed with not only island recipes reflecting Kaua‘i’s heritage and culture, but sprinkled
Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hopital celebrates 50 years of volunteerism with the publication of “More Treasured Recipes.” The hospital’s auxiliary compiled hundreds of recipes for this dense volume packed with not only island recipes reflecting Kaua‘i’s heritage and culture, but sprinkled between the pages are inspirational quotes, culinary wisdom and a glimpse into the lives of the book’s contributors. Bernice Masaki Okino’s stuffed cabbage, Gareth Ueno’s chicken hekka or Joyce Thomason’s tofu loaf — these recipes and many more convey the story of those who’ve contributed their time and attention to West Kaua‘i Medical Center.
Henry David Thoreau’s quote on page 7 captures the spirit of the cookbook: One is not born into the world to do everything, but to do something.
In the president’s message that opens this spiral-bound collection, Joy Tamaribuchi states: “This cookbook edition is dedicated to the spirit of volunteerism … We estimate that more than 50,000 hours of time have been donated to the hospital by our volunteers since the hospital’s opening (in 1957).”
The book is broken into seven well-organized sections — from beverages to main course, with even a small section called “Dis & Dat” that includes cookies for four-legged family members. There are blank pages for notes and the spiral-bound pages allow the book to lay flat for ease in reading while preparing a recipe.
The first KVMH auxiliary was born of a group of women seeking to create a more comfortable environment for patients by dropping in for a visit, bringing flowers or providing magazines. Violet Hee, Ruth Seto, Marion Wade, Elsie Okada, Jo Ann Hedges, Myrtle Fernandez, Rosemary Newsome, Mabel Badua and Nathalie Gushikuma were among the founding members.
In 1978 the auxiliary expanded its efforts to include fundraising for medical equipment.
“Even with just a small number of volunteers we were able to buy a TV for the emergency room and an ergonomics chair for the staff,” said Auxiliary Vice President Pat Pablo.
Their annual Christmas fair the first Saturday in November fills the hospital corridors with vendors and shoppers. Over the years more then $75,000 has been raised.
“More Treasured Recipes” is the Auxiliary’s second cookbook. All funds go toward buying hospital equipment. The cookbook is available in the hospital gift shop for $10. For more information call the gift shop at 338-9431 or Pat Pablo at 639-4491.
Below is a small sample of recipes that can be found in “More Treasured Recipes.”
Coleslaw
Contributor: Anonymous
16 servings
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
11/2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 cups finely chopped cabbage (about one head)
1/4 cup shredded carrots (one medium carrot)
2 tablespoons minced onion
Mix all ingredients together; chill and serve.
Proverb accompanying
recipe: “Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.”
Tofu Loaf
Contributor: Joyce Thomason
5 servings
1 block tofu (firm)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon iriko dashi (anchovy stock)
2 eggs
1 grated carrot
1 kamabuko (fish cake), diced
1/2 cup green onions
1 can water chestnuts, chopped
4 to 5 shitake mushrooms, sliced
Drain tofu. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into a greased 8X8 baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
