The Demanding Vanilla Orchid
We have visited the Big Island in Hawaii several times and each time as we travel from Hilo to the Kona side of the island we have toyed with doing the Hawaiian Vanilla Luncheon at the Hawaiian Vanilla Company. We finally did and gained a world of interesting facts about vanilla production and were exposed to a great luncheon where everything was made with vanilla.
I have tried to get your typical store bought orchid to rebloom in my bathtub, here in Phoenix, with very limited success. Maybe it’s too dry here and maybe it’s not cool enough but so far I have had success with only one of five plants. Orchids are tricky and everyone seems to know how to get them to blossom, but no orchid compares to the vanilla orchid when it comes to requirements to blossom. Starting with the location on the globe, the south slope of the Big Island just makes it to the growing region of the world. Fertilization requires a FOUR HOUR WINDOW to be successful and must be accomplished manually to make growing vanilla commercially viable. Man that’s some restriction, four hours. Plants take five years to mature.
The luncheon was great and was totally made and flavored with vanilla rubs. I Loved the potatoes and have included the recipe here. If you ever have a shot at stopping at this place … do it ..
Culinarily yours … Shef Greg
Southwest Spice Rub potatoes
Serving Size: 6 People
Ingredients:
– 6 Potatoes
– 3 Tablespoons Hawaiian Vanilla Southwest Spice Rub
– Vegetable Oil ( We use our Vanilla Oil Blend, amount used in recipe is up to the chef)
Tools:
– Knife and Cutting Board
– Pot Large Enough To Hold All Potatoes Plus Water
– Strainer
– Baking Sheet
– Spatula
Method:
Start by rinsing all the potatoes thoroughly. Cut the potatoes into bite size chunks. Place the chunks in your pot and fill till all the spuds are submerged. Place on stove and turn burner on high. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. When water boils in the pot and then cook potatoes until soft when pierced with fork ( potatoes will turn mushy if boiled to long, be observant!). Drain potatoes in sink. Pour potatoes onto a baking sheet. Allow potatoes to steam on baking sheet. Once all steam has been released, pour oil onto potatoes ( be generous) and mix thoroughly with spatula. Sprinkle Southwest Spice Rub over potatoes and mix again. Spread potatoes evenly in pan and place in oven. Roast for 30-45 minutes. After 20 minutes pull the pan and carefully stir the potatoes spreading them evenly once again. Roast for twenty more minutes and test for crispness. Pull potatoes out when crispy, Serve hot. Enjoy!
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