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A little about me

Aloha and welcome to my kitchen!   I’m so happy you’re here.   Grab a seat at the island and let me tell you a little about myself.

 

I love to cook

I’m Betsy and I love to cook.   I enjoy researching recipes and finding the best options available and then making them even better.  I’m often involved in cooking for large groups, anywhere from a cozy graduation open house for 30-40 to a 230-attendee Youth Conference.  You’ll find my recipes are thoroughly tested and easy to follow, but most of all just plain fabulous!   I’m inspired by the season and by recipes from my mom’s recipe box.

This Strawberry Pie is an example of one of the many things I like to cook.  It’s is as easy as it is gorgeous.  And it tastes every bit as delicious as it looks.

Strawberry Pie

I own several small businesses

In addition to sending you fabulous recipes several times each week, I’m also a small business owner.  In fact, I’m co-owner of several small businesses.  My first business partner was my mom, Betty.    What an amazing woman (and cook!)  I could not have asked for a better mom, or business mentor, and there’s not a day goes by that I don’t miss her.  Mom always said when you own a business you need to know how to do everything yourself.  You shouldn’t ask someone to do something you don’t know how to do.  My businesses are very high-tech and I’m not an overly high-tech kinda gal.  But your mother generally knows what she’s talking about, so I learned all the skills necessary and created every bit of this blog from the ground up.  Mom, this one’s for you!

 

I love to dance

I live in Missouri with my husband, Jeff.  He was a medalist on the International Dance Team in college.  The first time I danced with him he said, “It’s my job to make you look great on the dance floor!”  (How can you not love a guy like that??)  When I found out he carried a pocket knife and could tie 10 different knots, it sealed the deal.  (I love a competent man!)

At the moment we are sans-pets.  In no particular order I also like: designing (anything), cooking (everything), tiki torches and fire pots, kind people, the smell of libraries and the smell of lumber yards (it’s the smell of promise and potential), ornamental grasses, skiing, learning, skeet shooting, entertaining, scuba diving, paddle boarding, the Flint Hills, really intense thunderstorms, the Flint Hills in the midst of a really intense thunderstorm and Labrador Retrievers.  (Gotta do something about that san-pets thing).

I love to cook for large groups of folks I love

I started this blog because over the years I’ve accumulated a lot of terrific recipes and methods for cooking for a large group.   The first time I was asked to cook for 300 teens at a Church youth dance, I knew nothing about it, but I said a prayer and then I said ‘Yes!’   I’ve been saying ‘Yes!’ ever since.  (Now you know my sanity is also in question.)   My goal is when you find yourself in that situation you can lean on my hard-won knowledge and confidently say ‘Yes!’ too.

My large group recipes are all field-tested multiple times at multiple quantities.   Most are teen-tested and ALL are enthusiastically approved!

For the last 10 years we’ve been part of a small group of 6 friends who host a dinner every 2-4 weeks.  These can be as simple (and delicious) as pizza and as elaborate as a 7-course New Year’s Feast.  We’ve had great opportunities to find and fine-tune hundreds and hundreds of fabulous recipes!  I’ll be sharing these with you. The best roast chicken I ever had (a true test of a cook’s ability) was at one of these dinners as was one of the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!

My recipes are classic and approachable, inspired by my favorite seasonal flavors and recipes passed down from my mom.  My goal is to provide you recipes you can use first time without fear and receive RAVE responses!   And, more importantly, I want you to experience the same joy I do when I’m cooking.

 

I love Hawaii

You might be wondering why this blog is called Aloha Dreams.   Well, it’s because of another thing I really love: the Big Island of Hawaii.   The first time I saw the Kohala Coast on the Big Island, I fell in love. It reminded me instantly of the Flint Hills – but with much better weather.  And best of all it comes with an ocean!

So instead of coming home from our first trip to the Big Island with a souvenir shell, we threw sanity to the wind and came home with a 3 acre lot.   Here it is.

Build a home in Hawaii

 

What do you think? Can you picture yourself here?

 

And finally, I love to design homes.

We’re now in the process of designing a house and saving the money to build it (it’s REALLY expensive to build in Hawaii and I’m of the Dave Ramsey no-debt school)    If you enjoy home design and decorating, like I do, you can follow my design (and then construction) over in the Ahonui section of AlohaDeams.  Check it out!  I’ve got loads of drool-worthy inspirational design pictures I think you’ll really like!

 

Getting Around Aloha Dreams

If you’re new here, let me help you navigate.  There are all kinds of interesting nooks and crannies just waiting for you to explore.

  • My recipe page shows all of my recipe categories with photos.
  • Need a 10 minute Virtual Vacation?  Enjoy an amazing virtual Romantic Get Away
  • The FAQ page is a helpful resource if you have a general question.
  • If you’re missing your mamma, or even just her cooking, take a peek at Betty’s Recipe Box for fun Retro recipes.
  • Check this out if you’re into house design, construction and amazing interior design photos.
  • For off the beat path Hawaii Travel tips, and unique Hawaiian experiences, you’ll love the Explore section gives you some great ideas for your next trip or day dream.
  • For information on this website’s privacy policy, click here.

 

Keeping in Touch

There are many ways we can keep in touch.  LINK SUBSCIRBE VIA EMAIL to have recipes sent straight to your inbox– for FREE! You can also join me on LINKS: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Foodgawker.    Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Foodgawker.

I’d love to hear your comment on my blog posts.  Share the Aloha by adding to the conversation, or you can email me anytime.  To contact me regarding sponsorships, visit my Work With Me page.

Facebook.com/AlohaDreams

Tiwtter.com/AlohaDreams

Instagram = follow gram.me/alohadreams

Pinterest

Tumblr = alohadreams.tumblr.com

Foodgawker = foodgawker.com/post/archive/alohadreams

Email me = betsy@alohadreams.com

Work with me = https://www.alohadreams.com/work-with-me

 

I truly hope AlohaDreams can serve as your online recipe box.  And I’m looking forward to having you join me in our building a house in Hawaii adventure!

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Tropical Salad

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