Blog Party# 42--Tiki, Two: (Turkey) Bacon-Wrapped Enoki Mushrooms & Pineapple-Mango Paradise

I think in my mind I am running a week behind. Last night I suddenly thought "Blog Party!" and realized I am supposed to have my entry in by Friday for Blog Party #42--Tiki, Two.  

With Barefoot Bloggers scheduled to post tomorrow and Tyler Florence Fridays (on Friday of course!), that left me today to make my pupu and drink and get it posted by the deadline. Not one to turn down a challenge and not wanting to miss my favorite monthly virtual gathering hosted by my friend Stephanie at Dispensing Happiness, I needed a fast, somewhat healthy (got to keep those goals) and most importantly a "tiki-fabulous" offering. A couple of months ago I had some bacon-wrapped enoki mushrooms at a Japanese restaurant and have been thinking about them ever since. Since rumaki, (bacon-wrapped chicken livers and water chestnuts) is a popular retro tiki pupu, it seemed like the perfect "new wave rumaki" to bring to the bash.


Bacon isn't exactly on my health plan, so I thought I would try my new favorite, nitrate-free turkey bacon, adding some more flavor with a basting sauce of a little low-sodium soy sauce and brown sugar.  To drink, Pineapple-Mango Paradise, my concoction of mango and pineapple juice, made bubbly by club soda, and adding a bit of rum for my friends who want to drink, but perfectly delicious for those who are not imbibing. 

Turkey-Bacon Wrapped Enoki Mushrooms

(Makes 12)

1 package enoki mushrooms

6 pieces turkey bacon

black pepper

2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1 Tbsp light brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 400.  Heat soy sauce and brown sugar over low heat, stirring until combined, turn off heat and set aside. Trim enoki mushrooms and divide them evenly into 12 "bundles". Cut bacon crosswise into 12 pieces. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil,  Set the mushrooms on a bacon slices and season lightly with pepper. Roll up into a tight cylinder, secure with a toothpick and place on baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the mushrooms and bacon. (Bundles should not be touching on sheet). Baste each bundle lightly with the soy sauce mixture and bake them 10-15 minutes, basting again halfway through, until the bacon is brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Pineapple-Mango Paradise

1/3 bottled mango juice

1/3 bottled or canned pineapple juice

1/3 club soda

pineapple chunks

*rum optional

Combine all ingredients and serve over ice with an umbrella or decorative stir stick.

Notes/Results: Yum! These are quick, easy and delicious and not that bad on the arteries and waistline either. With a little of the sweet-savory basting sauce, I didn't miss the real full-fat bacon at all. This is a keeper recipe for sure!  The drink is cool, fruity and refreshing either with or without the rum.

Just one of the bonuses about living in Hawaii is being able to throw together a quick Tiki Party.  A Hawaiian print sarong, my tiki mug and swizzle sticks, a basket and a couple of leaves from my backyard and of course a vintage "To You Sweetheart, Aloha, Andy Williams" album for atmosphere.  Add a little of the ultimate Tiki party band, Don Tiki playing on my IPOD and we are ready to party!

So glad I didn't miss this one!  Check out Stephanie's Blog Party Round-up here on Sunday to see what other tiki-terrific pupus and drinks are served.

Aloha!