They say the kitchen is the heart of the home. That’s why Staci Fujikawa cherishes the time she spends cooking with her two daughters.
When Fujikawa isn’t working as director of Human Resources at Iolani School, you can find her helping her daughters dice, chop, and stir. Their shared activity started during the pandemic shutdown.
Staci Fujikawa of HMSA's Board of Directors.
“I was never a good cook,” says Fujikawa, HMSA’s new Board member. “Because we were home all day during the pandemic, it was a nice activity to do together. It bonded us and I learned a lot alongside my daughters. I wasn’t just showing them. And even when a recipe doesn’t turn out the way we anticipated, it’s part of the fun and learning experience. Cooking healthy, delicious meals is a lesson that can last them a lifetime.”
Among their family favorites are chicken adobo, furikake chicken, and the pasta salad recipe below.
LEMON BOWTIE PASTA SALAD
Recipe courtesy of Staci Fujikawa
Ingredients
16-oz. package farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
Lemon pepper to taste
Salt to taste
3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
2-3 handfuls baby spinach
1 cup feta cheese
1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper, and salt. Set aside.
When pasta is cooked, drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to mix well. Let stand until cool. Add chicken, spinach, feta, and tomatoes. Toss gently to mix.
Get to know Fujikawa
Watch Fujikawa and her daughters make this recipe at home and talk about serving on the HMSA Board of Directors.
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Photos: Lew Harrington
