A Fruity Way To Chill Out On Summer Days
Wednesday - August 25, 2010
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Del.icio.usMichigan, Louisiana and New Mexico have them. So do most provinces in Canada.
No, we’re not talking about mosquitoes and hot summers. We’re talking about business tax credits for the film industry - tax credits that help generate new jobs and activity in the local economy.
These tax credits have been in the news a lot lately amid a debate about the viability of tax breaks during the recession. In the midst of the debate, two local businessmen, Ric Galindez and Roy Tjioe, have led the charge in bringing more productions - and good jobs - to our shores. They’ve also actively campaigned for more awareness of the benefits of these tax credits and educated lawmakers about the film industry. Ric and Roy are the principals of Island Film Group, co-producers of the acclaimed film Princess Ka’iulani and popular TV series Beyond the Break. Island Film Studios is Hawaii’s only private film studio, and over the past couple of years Ric and Roy have brought productions to Hawaii that have generated hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs.
To further expand Hawaii’s production capacity, Island Film Group is currently developing a 22-acre film and television studio in Kapolei with SHM Partners, a leading studio consultant and developer based in Los Angeles.
While tough questions continue about tax credits, I would like to salute people like Ric and Roy.
Here’s a great idea for a cool refreshing summer drink to quench your thirst with some healthy fruit. It has no fat, and the only sugar is from the fruit - a lot better for you than diet sodas and sugary drinks.
Make sure to buy pineapple packed in its own juice with no added sugar, and frozen strawberries with no sugar added. I like to freeze strawberries when they are in season to use in smoothies and drinks, and for adding to quick breads. Also look for orange juice that is not from concentrate and is made with fruit grown in the United States.
This is good with pupus or crackers and light cheese wedges, served with grapes or watermelon, Enjoy!
SPARKLING FRUIT CHILLER
* 2 10-ounce packages frozen unsweetened strawberries
* 1 can (30 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice
* 3 cups orange juice
* 2 quarts carbonated water, chilled
* 16 fresh strawberries
* mint sprigs, for garnish
In a blender, combine the frozen strawberries, pineapple with juice and orange juice. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.
To serve, put three strawberry cubes into a tall glass and fill with 1/2 cup carbon- ated water. Wait until the mixture becomes slushy. Garnish with a strawberry and a mint sprig, and serve.
Makes 16 servings.
(Diana Helfand, author of “Hawaii Light and Healthy” and “The Best of Heart-y Cooking,” has taught nutrition in the Kapiolani Community College culinary arts program.)
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