6 recipes for an easy backyard luau

Sunset Magazine

Start off summer with a party infused with the spirit of aloha! Mix up some pineapple drops and dig into our finger-food version of a luau (no whole pig necessary).


Pineapple Drops
Tangy and sweet, this drink pairs well with our luau, but is also good sipped solo.

Recipe:
Yield: Makes 6 cocktails

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups pineapple juice
1 1/2 cups vodka
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Couple of lime wedges
About 1 cup sugar
Fresh pineapple, cut into 3/4-in. chunks

Preparation
1. In a pitcher, mix pineapple juice, vodka, and lime juice, then chill until cold.
2. Rub lime wedges around rims of 6 martini glasses. Pour sugar onto a large plate. Dip rims of glasses in sugar. Divide vodka mixture among glasses. Push a few pineapple chunks onto each skewer and set one in each glass.


Char siu-glazed Pork and Pineapple Buns
Char siu―Chinese-style barbecued pork―is popular throughout the Islands. We've used its sweet, tangy glaze on pork tenderloin and pineapple, and then tucked both into Hawaiian sweet rolls.

> Get the recipe


Papaya and Avocado Salads with Hawaiian Vanilla Vinaigrette


These delicately floral, fruity salads are built on individual lettuce leaves, making them easy to pick up and eat.

> Get the recipe


Caramelized Maui Onion Dip


Make this addictive dip at least an hour ahead of time to let the flavors develop―and serve with enough potato chips to scoop up every last bit.

> Get the recipe


Coconut Lime Shrimp Skewers


A squeeze of lime adds zing and toasted coconut contributes crunch to this easy make-ahead crowd-pleaser.

> Get the recipe


Chocolate Liliko'i Parfaits


Liliko'i (as the Hawaiians call passion fruit) is extremely tart. It tastes wonderful with sweet, rich brownies―decadent but surprisingly refreshing.
> Get the recipe

Related:
8 great grill parties
Mix-and-match July 4 party menu
Throw a backyard ribfest
20 outdoor entertaining tips