The Elf on the Shelf: Day 12

It took almost all day but our kids finally found Kevin. He was almost camouflaged hiding up in a basket in the Kitchen. The kids looked all morning before Peyton went to school and had no luck. Kai wondered around all day looking but Kevin was just in a really clever place.

Can you see him? The Kids were really impressed with his hiding place. As soon as the kids found him they had to call Brandon at work. They get so excited. It is really fun to see them all proud of the fact that they are getting the best of our Elf.

 

 

 

Loco Moco (Hawaiian Soul Food)

If you have not had Loco Moco you are in for a treat. Loco Moco is classic Hawaiian soul food. This Dish consists of 4 components: a hamburger patty, rice, egg, and brown gravy. This is one of Brandon's favorit dishes he had in Hawaii on his LDS Mission. He loves Hawaiian food and has shared that love with our family. Our Kids absolutely love this. It may sound like a unlikely combination but it tastes amazing.

This is what you will need...

1 Pound Hamburger

1 Onion

Eggs

Rice: Use regular medium grain white rice (Sticky Rice).

Gravy: I sometimes make my own gravy, tonight I cheated and used Kroger Beef Gravy

This is the steps to prepare each part of this yummy Hawaiian dinner.

Burgers: 1. Gently mix the hamburger, grated onions and salt/pepper. Form either 2 big patties or 4 smaller size patties. 2. Heat frying pan until very hot. 3. Place hamburger patties on the pan/grill and let sear just until juices start appearing on the top. Flip over and cook for a couple more minutes. You will want the burger slightly charred but still tender on the inside. 4. Place burgers on the side.

Gravy: (I cheated and used Canned Beef Gravy) 1. Pour a little broth into the same pan and incorporate the yumyums, then pour in the rest of the broth. 2. Bring to a boil and let reduce for about 3-5 minutes or so, depending on taste, for a more potent gravy. 3. Turn down heat to a simmer. 4. Add couple dashes of worcestershire sauce. 5. In a seperate bowl, mix flour with some water. 6. Using a whisk, slowly whisk in the flour/water mixture until gravy is nicely thick & smooth. 7. Turn off heat and mix in the butter until well blended.

 

Eggs: Traditionally, the eggs should be sunny-side up. The secret to a good fried egg is to fry the egg slowly on low heat until it’s cooked… just don’t overcook it! It also helps to have the eggs thawed to room temperature before cooking them.

Assembly (bottom to top): Rice on bottom -> Burger -> Egg -> Gravy all over

It is so good! Brandon taught me that I should say it is ono! Ono (OH-no) is a Hawaiian word, meaning delicious. Trust me when I tell you that this is a recipe that you must try. I thought when Brandon explained it that it sounded strange, but then I tasted it and fell in love. My kids usually want a second helping. Do your family a big favor and take them to Hawaii for dinner tonight. Their plate will look just like this...

 

Let me know how you like it by posting in the comments below.

 

The Elf on the Shelf: Day 11

 

It looks to me like Kevin was thinking he would play a little game of wheres Waldo with the kids. Not a bad hiding place if I do say so myself. Can you see Kevin? Dont worry I can see him ether. LOL

 

Kai was the one that found him today. It might be that Kevin was right at his eye level. Kai is always so excited when he finds Kevin first. It really is fun to see the kids so excited in the morning and running around to be the first to find him.

I dont know if Kevin picked this hiding place because he thought he would blend in and be hard to find. It may just be that he has a thing for pretty brown eyed Hawaiian girls. Kevin better watch out or we might have to tell the Tooth Fairy that he is looking at other ladies.