Haupia

Directions

1. 1
   In a large saucepan make a paste out of the dry ingredients and 1 cup of the coconut milk. Make sure all the lumps are out and then over LOW heat add the rest of the coconut milk. To prevent curdling stand there and mix the haupia continuously over LOW heat until it thickens. Trust me on this. Your arm will get tired. Get your children to help you. Don't be tempted to up the heat or you will have lumpy haupia. Of course, if you have no patience (like me) and must crank up your burner do NOT leave your haupia for a moment - and make sure to whisk like crazy. The second it starts to thicken up turn your burner down, down, down and keep moving the haupia around. Whether you wait it out on low heat or take a risk on high at the end of this journey your haupia should be as thick regular pudding.
2. 2
   *If you want to serve this luau style, increase the cornstarch by 5 tablespoons and while still warm pour the mixture into a sheet pan smoothing with an offset spatula. When chilled cut into squares.
3. 3
   Spoon it into a container or individual bowls. I use plastic bowls with lids that vent to allow the steam to escape. You can eat this warm or chilled. Eat it plain or serve it with fruit for a delightful summer salad. Layer it with chocolate pudding in a glass and make parfait.
4. 4
   Bring it to work and you will get a promotion. Okay, you probably won't but you will get asked to bring it again.
5. 5
   Enjoy!