SATURDAY SCOOPS
Pupu with a Portuguese kick

By Wanda A. Adams
Advertiser Food Editor

Portuguese pupu is made from pork marinated overnight in wine and vinegar, and flavored with garlic, Hawaiian peppers and spices. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

In our family, vinha d'ahlos meant pork butt roast, cut into chunks, pickled overnight and fried for breakfast. I had no idea anyone made it differently.

But some years ago, I learned that vinha d'ahlos is not a dish but a technique: pickling in vinegar or wine with garlic and hot peppers as well as herbs or spices. Many families pickle whole roasts of beef, pork, chicken or even turkey or fish. Most recently I learned that in Portugal, a cousin of vinha d'ahlos called torresmos is a popular bar food: chunks of pork marinated in a spicy mixture, roasted in oil and served sizzling hot with chunks of bread.

This gave me the idea for baking vinha d'ahlos for pupu instead of frying them — a messy, time-consuming business. Now it's a favorite. It's easy to make and (if it isn't sexist to say so) extremely popular with guys, because it's a great complement to beer. Try this instead of poke:

Portuguese Pupu

The night before: In a large, pottery or glass bowl (not metal), place 4 pounds boneless country-style spare ribs or pork butt roast, cut into chunks. Pour in equal parts vinegar and white wine (or all vinegar or vinegar and water). Add 3-4 cloves crushed garlic, 1-2 teaspoons of Hawaiian salt and 2-3 small, hot red peppers ("Hawaiian peppers," as for chili peppah water), sliced open down their length. Optional: a tablespoon of crushed pickling spice or Portuguese spice (anise, pepper, cinnamon and clove). Marinate overnight, covered, in refrigerator (I use Zip-lock bags).

At pupu time: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place 1/2 cup vegetable oil in the bottom of a heavy, steep-sided Dutch oven or pot roast pot. Roast 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes, until meat browns at the edges. Drain on paper towels. Serve with tangy olives, hunks of crusty bread and beer.

Wanda A. Adams is editor for food, books and travel. Reach her at 535-2412 or wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Score one for the chauffeur

She goes the extra mile to carpool her kids to games. She cheers them on from the sidelines, rain or shine. It's not a bird or a plane — it's soccer mom. And Meadow Gold Dairies Hawai'i and Whymilk.com's "got milk?" campaign is looking for Hawai'i's ultimate soccer mom (or dad).

Children of all ages can make their nominations at the American Youth Soccer Organization's 21st annual Kirk Banks Soccer Tournament, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. through tomorrow at Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Park.

At the tournament, children can record a two-minute video explaining why they think their moms or dads deserve the title. The winner will receive a year's supply of milk and ice cream, a "got milk?" prize pack and a photo shoot in a Meadow Gold ad. Details: 944-5988.

Spiff up your home with various spring colors and accents

Want to spruce up the home for spring? Home and Garden Television lifestyle expert Susie Coelho, host of the special "The Look for Spring" on HGTV, offers several spring decorating tips:

• Change things around. Rearrange the furniture, re-hang some pictures and move accessories around. For the bedroom, try floating the bed in the middle of the room, butted up against the dresser.
• For the breakfast room, set out a Tuscan-themed tablecloth and fill a bowl with fresh fruit. Create new place settings with colorful napkins, plates and glassware.
• Paint just one wall in a room. Complement it with pillows, candles, towels or a new clock in the same color palette.
• If you like neutral colors, bring in accessories of assorted textures — a nubby rug or rough, organic vase — in the same tone for variety.

Free craft classes at Island stores today

Today is Family Craft Day across the nation. The Ben Franklin Craft stores on O'ahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kaua'i will offer free make-it/take-it classes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You'll be taught to make a clay lucky frog, a beaded turtle and a personalized felt pouch. No need to register; just show up. All materials and classes are free during those four hours.

"Island folks are crazy for crafts, and we're really happy to be able to offer them so many opportunities to explore their creativity in a fun, informal setting — and for free," said Joy Shimabukuro of Ben Franklin.

Learn how to build your own terrarium at gardening event

The demonstrations showcase the knowledge and talents of gardening enthusiasts such as members of Hawai'i Nature Center and Kaimuki Orchid Society. Topics include how to use fertilizers properly, build a terrarium, and care for bonsai and tropical aquarium plants. For details, see www.kahalamallcenter.com.

Interior designers host a samples sale

Dress up your home or office with that perfect piece from the American Society of Interior Designers Sample Sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. today at the Gentry Pacific Design Center, 560 N. Nimitz Highway. New, showroom, sample, over-ordered and unsold items including furniture, fabrics, artwork and accessories will be sold below retail or wholesale prices.

Admission is $5. It's a benefit for the Hawai'i chapter of the society.

Monthly Brunch on the Beach back in Waikiki with food and entertainment

Brunch on the Beach, the monthly food and entertainment festival in Waikiki, returns to Kalakaua Avenue 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Here are just a few examples of the edibles:

• Waffles with sugared strawberries, whipped cream, Tahitian banana butter and maple syrup, from Tiki's Grill and Bar.
• Double-onion steak half-sandwich with macaroni potato salad, from the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki.
• Asian-style macadamia-nut ribs plate, from Seafood Village.
• Old-fashioned cheeseburgers, from the Hyatt Regency.

Entertainment will be offered by the Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club, the Joan Lindsey Hula Studio, vocalist Maila Gibson and headliner Justin Young.

Admission to the brunch is free.

Add music, wrestling to carnival fling

Here's the entertainment lineup:

• Today: 2-4 p.m., Hawaii Championship Wrestling; 5 p.m., Mixed Nutz; 7 p.m., Next Generation; 10 p.m., Opihi Pickers (pictured).
• Tomorrow: 2-4 p.m., Hawaii Championship Wrestling; 5 p.m., Xtreme Dance; 5:30 p.m., 2M; 7 p.m., Keahiwai; 10 p.m., Natural Vibrations.

Admission to the carnival is $2 for 12 and older, $1 for ages 4-11, free for kids 3 and younger. Special $15 wristbands (good for unlimited rides noon-6 p.m. today) can be purchased at the carnival; $18 fun passes (includes one admission and one wristband for unlimited rides noon-6 p.m. or 6 p.m.-closing today or tomorrow) are available at Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, (877) 750-4400.

Reggae, Hawaiian music at 'Bombdiggitty'

Tickets are $20; food will be sold in the amphitheater. No outside chairs, strollers, umbrellas, metal-framed items, backpacks, large bags, coolers, food or drinks will be allowed. No cameras or video equipment, either. (808) 242-7469.