HAWAII SEARED AHI SALAD

SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, julienned
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cubed tomatoes
• ½ cup sesame seed oil, divided
• ¼ cup pineapple juice or lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup olive oil

SAUCE DIRECTIONS:

1. Sauté shiitake mushrooms with garlic and tomatoes in ¼ cup sesame seed oil.  In a bowl - add pineapple juice, cilantro, soy sauce and remaining oils.  Combine mushrooms, garlic and tomatoes with pineapple juice-cilantro-soy sauce mixture.

AHI TUNA INGREDIENTS:

• 4 - 4 ounce portions ahi tuna
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ½ pound baby mixed greens
• 12 Belgian endive leaves
• 2 Roma tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
• ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts

AHI TUNA DIRECTIONS:

1. Roll ahi tuna in sesame seeds and sear it very quickly in hot oiled skillet.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar together for vinaigrette.  Toss baby salad greens with vinaigrette.
3. Arrange Belgian endive on plate.  Place baby greens on endive
4. Slice ahi tuna and arrange on top of baby greens.
5. Top ahi tuna salad with sauce (from above).

Garnish with tomato wedges and macadamia nuts; makes 4 servings.