Hey, How Would You Like a Hawaiian P... Haupia?

I have no idea why... but August is definitely cooler than it should be right now. I had to sleep with a blanket last night, which is very surprising, but I enjoyed it. I'm typically a Fall guy, (both in seasons and in life), and then Summer takes a close second. So today, I bring you something which is Summery, and requires no baking. Yup you heard it, no oven to heat the house up. Just a little stove top action. Apparently someone told me I'm crazy because I live without air conditioning :) I just like living like it's 1776 is all... but with a shower and electricity :) I think if I could pick a time period to live it would probably be around ~1700. What do you think?

Here's a cool dessert from Hawaii, kind of like a sweet coconut pudding or custard, called Haupia. Those of you still wanting to get your healthy fat kicks, will be happy to hear that coconut is indeed a healthy fat. Yes, there is controversy because it's high in saturated fat, but if it's unprocessed, there are studies that show no links to heart disease. In fact it has anti-microbial and bacterial properties not found in other fats. So go cuckoo for coconuts! This recipe is from the same magazine the whoopie pies came from, which were a monster hit at the clinic. My back is sore from all the pats I got on it last week.


Haupia
from Hanaford Magazine

-2 cans lite coconut milk
-3/4 cup sugar
-1/2 cup cornstarch
-2 tsp vanilla
-1 1/2 cups water
-toasted coconut, to garnish

This recipe is super easy. First grease a 8x8 pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In a large sauce pan, bring both cans of coconut milk to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, add sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and water, and whisk until smooth and there are no lumps. Add the water mixture into the coconut milk and stir with a wooden spoon until smooth.

Let the combined milk mixture boil on medium heat until it thickens up, about 20 minutes. Make sure you stir frequently, so the bottom does not burn as the milk boils. You'll know it's thick enough when it starts to look more gel-like and comes away from the side of the pan when you stir. If you've ever made lemon pie from a mix like My T Fine... you know what I mean.

Pour the hot mix into the prepared 8x8 pan, and let cool for 15 mins on the counter. Then store covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for 2-3 hours before serving. Top with toasted coconut, maybe some slivered almonds, and you're all set. Cut into squares and serve. Makes 9-12.


I really liked this recipe. I've never cooked or baked with coconut milk before, but I think I became a believer. The squares are sort of like a firm pudding... like a panna cotta, and without gelatin. It's light, it's refreshing, and it's simple. I also like the fact that it can probably be changed to however you would like. I would maybe replace some of the water with pineapple juice, or maybe add a little melted chocolate if I was a little crazy go nuts. Sorry for the short post today guys... I have my last quiz EVER in a few hours. Oh one last thing... ok two. First, thanks for all the support for FFF and the Jets, and welcome new friends and readers. Second... toasted coconut now ranks up with coffee and "when it starts to rain" as the best scents ever. Write that down :)
Strong bad.. haha