Archive: Arts & Entertainment

	Click here for Coconut Haupia recipe.

As a kid I never understood  what all the hype was over coconut.  Stringy, tasteless, stick in your throat dry “stuff”.

Every mom used it during the Easter holiday to cover  bunny cakes and cupcakes, sometimes even going to the extreme of dying it green to look like Easter grass.  I would think: Another perfectly good cake subjected to white paper shred ( or green in my Mom’s case).

As an adult, I have acquired a new fondness towards coconut, and have learned that  it’s all about how you use it . At this moment I am sitting on the beach in Maui, one of the Hawaiian islands in the South pacific, home to many delicious things that can grace a good dessert…pineapple ,macadamia nuts, mangoes ,guava   But today, it’s about coconut! Coconut Haupia to be exact! This creamy and decadent Luau dessert is a cross between coconut custard and Knox Blox!  I know, you’re thinking Knox Blox? ewwww but before you turn up your nose, remember, I didn’t used to like coconut! KEEP READING!

This dessert was first introduced to me when I worked as Executive Pastry chef for American Hawaii cruise lines in the mid 80’s.  We prepared it in HUGE double boiler cauldrons.  I had to stand on a stool to reach it. I often cackled like a witch as I stirred it with a grand  wooden paddle while the steam rolled off the top of the bubbling custard. Once prepared, it was turned out into several large hotel pans and set to chill.  Afterwards, it was sliced  into diamonds and placed on a bed of Lilikoi ( passion fruit) sauce with a banana leaf decoration underneath.  I must admit, it didn’t look as fantastic as it tasted…let’s just say at my first bite my eyeballs rolled back in my head and I swooned with delight! 

It‘s hard to imagine anything in Maui that isn’t great.  The sunsets, beaches, picture postcard scenery at every turn, and the food are all outstanding ( if you know where to go). There are no horseflies on the beach, and no seagulls to swoop down and snatch your PB&J.  And best of all….coconuts..to make coconut haupia!

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