One of the best open markets on O'ahu is held on the grounds of Kapi'olani Commnity College. Every Saturday morning, you can find fresh produce, homemade cooked and baked goods from 7 to 11 a.m. On my first visit, I enjoyed meeting an enthusiastic and creative entrepreneur, Kaiulani Cowell of Kaiulani Spices. Her bamboo steam baskets caught my eye. In each basket she has placed three different spices and topped the cover with a pair of chopsticks bound by raffia. I tested her recipes and found them very interesting and flavorful.

We met for lunch over Cambodian food, and I found out that she has been cooking since childhood. Coming from a large family, she had to invent ways to deal with inexpensive ingredients, such as hot dogs, hamburgers and beans. This early experience developed her passion for food. She attended the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York. She also has worked in the kitchens of several major hotels.

She blends a total of 21 exotic spices in her five different rubs and seasonings using the freshest of ingredients. All her spices are purchased in their natural seed, pod or stick forms. To maximize their flavors, she has roasted, ground and mixed them by hand. Kaiulani Spices have been used by local restaurants such as Sam Choy's and Gourmet Express. You can capture the essence of her spices by trying the recipes below. Besides the Farmers Market at KCC, you can find her spice mixes at R. Field in Foodland, The Complete Kitchen, Executive Chef, Gourmet Express in Kahala Mall, Daiei stores, Dole Plantation, Oliver, Tamashiro Market, Kokua Market, Tamura's and Native Books.

CHINESE FIVE-SPICE CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES