Continuing a long-time tradition of giving back to the communities and customers they serve, Hawaiian Electric employees are raising funds for United Way chapters on Oahu, Maui County, and Hawaii Island through Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook. The theme plays upon the local appetite for rice as the main starch of the meal and the comfort of a home-cooked meal, while the mask-wearing musubi (rice balls) reminds us all to protect ourselves and our loved ones. In these uncertain times, Hawaiian Electric and its employees are finding creative ways to keep the community safe and healthy.

The reaction to the cookbook was so extraordinary that the in-house fundraising committee had a hard time keeping up to ensure orders received through Dec. 1 would be delivered by Christmas, and a second reprint was necessary. Current orders will be fulfilled until the remaining inventory sells out.

"Although we need to maintain social distance during the pandemic, food is a great way to connect, and our employees wanted to share recipes that have been helping them get through these unprecedented times," said Bob Krekel, Hawaiian Electric business process and continuous improvement manager and employee fundraising committee chair. "We were surprised and delighted by the tremendous outpouring of support for the cookbook and grateful for the generosity of so many. The funds raised through the cookbook sales will help support individuals and families in our community who are struggling during the pandemic and every day to make ends meet."

The cookbook includes more than 160 recipes contributed by employees and retirees, their families, and friends. Along with delicious recipes tested by employees, the cookbook also includes helpful energy-saving tips for the home and a handy kitchen measurement conversion table.

The ubiquitous rice can be found through recipes including Baked Sushi, Mom's Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken, and Pumpkin Risotto, but there are more than just rice dishes. The cookbook also features dishes that can be made quickly with an Instant Pot®, such as kalua chicken, pot roast, and even spaghetti, and recipes for those with special dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and paleo- and keto-friendly recipes.

All proceeds from the cookbook sales will benefit Aloha United Way, Maui United Way, and Hawaii Island United Way, which together are helping unite people, organizations, and resources to transform lives and create stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.

To learn more about the cookbook, read Hawaiian Electric’s press release. For more information about Hawaiian Electric, visit www.hawaiianelectric.com.

Tags : People In Power, All