Say Aloha this Graduation Day

(ARA) - The graduation season is a time of year when families from all over the country celebrate both the academic success and beginning of a loved one's long journey. On the islands of Hawaii, this time of year is extremely significant for native families, with several traditions that play a significant role.

In Hawaiian culture, giving a flower lei is a rich part of the graduation tradition as it represents love, friendship and celebration. With leis being made with as many as 500 flowers each, it is not uncommon to see a graduate with so many leis that their neck is barely visible.

In ancient Hawaii, leis were constructed of flowers, leaves, shells, feathers and even bone and teeth of various animals and represented wealth, royalty, and rank. Today, there are eight different types of Hawaiian leis, one symbolically for each major island. Although there are a myriad of methods to create them, there is one purpose intended…to spread the "Aloha Spirit."

To help provide the perfect "island paradise" setting for your graduation gathering and allow you to stay as calm and cool as the island breeze, the following are some tips and recipes developed by King's Hawaiian to create the aloha-style experience:

Invite early -- With graduation season upon us, many will have competing parties at the same time before the ceremony. Be sure to send your invitations out 4 to 5 weeks in advance to allow those that need to travel long distances to be able to plan accordingly.

Add fruit -- Hawaii is renowned for their pineapples. Sliced, diced or as a table decoration, this fruit is sure to add the island flair to your party.

Say aloha -- As if they had just set foot on the island of Oahu, welcome each guest with a traditional Aloha greeting, a lei and kiss on the cheek or a big Hawaiian hug.

Take a dip -- Bread bowl dip appetizers provide a hearty buffet recipe that requires minimal preparation and is a constant crowd pleaser. King's Hawaiian offers two varieties of "round loaves" -- Hawaiian Sweet Bread and Honey Wheat -- which prove ideal for this offering.

Island music -- Hawaii has a rich array of both traditional and popular music. Make sure to add a few "Hawaiian" style songs to your playlist for the perfect background music for your party.

Party under the stars -- Utilizing various sized tiki torches on the tables and around the perimeter is an inexpensive lighting alternative for any occasion. Place appetizers and refreshments outside and let your guests enjoy the breeze of the "island" night.

Recipes

Tropical Bruschetta

6 King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Olive oil
1 mango, 1/2-inch dice (about 1 cup)*
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
1 avocado, 1/2-inch dice (about 1 cup)*
1 lime

* select mango and avocado that are ripe but firm

Trim off dome of each roll then cut horizontally into 4 equal layers. Brush one side of each piece of with olive oil. Bake in a preheated 350 F oven for 7 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool.

Combine next 5 ingredients in bowl. Squeeze juice of 1 lime over ingredients. Toss to coat well. Chill about 1 hour.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of salsa on each toasted bread square. Serve immediately.

Makes 24 servings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent