You thought you would never find Mr. Bite.

Not after that brief fling with Chip Ahoy (sweet guy, kind of chunky), a late night cuddled up on the couch with Thin Mints (a little crunchy, kept hanging around girl scouts), and the weekend you almost lost all hope after a disastrous romp at Pepperidge Farm with that rich guy from Milano (too delicate, melted in the sun).

Then finally, you found an eco-conscious, educated newcomer who’s a little rough around the edges, but is definitely delicious - Kulanui’s Okara Shortbread Cookies.

The new snack is the latest creation by University of Hawaii students at the College of Tropical Agriculture. Aloha Tofu asked professors to find a use for okara, fiber-rich soy bean pulp that is filtered out and usually thrown away. After eight months of make-it-or-bake-it tests, Kulanui’s first cookie was born.

The toothsome treat is hardier than the usual shortbread and crumbles into a texture similar to dried coconut for two  buttery bites that pair perfectly with coffee. Okara energy bars and lilikoi-flavored okara granola will be in production soon.

All are made by challenged adults at Lanakila Pacific. And just like Kulanui’s papaya dressings and sauces, Big Island beeswax lip balms, and foaming soaps, a portion of proceeds will fund the student entrepreneurial program. 

So you can satisfy your sweet tooth and help the next class of smart cookies.

Now that's a risk worth baking.


Kulanui Okara Shortbread Cookies are $7.95 at all Oahu UH Rainbowtique stores and online. Get a closer look inside UH's test kitchen in Living Lei Chic, Thursday, 7:40 a.m. on KGMB.