H is for Haupia

Haupia is a dessert we had while we were in Hawaii. You can see it on this dessert tray. It is the row of white rectangles at the back of the tray. Haupia is a made from coconut milk and while technically it is considered a pudding, it more closely resembles a block of coconut flavored gelatin. While I liked the sweet coconut flavor, the texture is an acquired one. I never quite embraced the cold, gelatinous consistency. 

I am ashamed to admit, that the one form of haupia I had that I really liked was haupia in name only and came from McDonalds! Please don't judge me! On the islands, McDonalds sells a haupia pie which is similar to their apple pie, but with a warm coconut filling. They were really good! I am pretty sure the filling is not really considered haupia, but McDonalds calls them haupia pies anyway. 

In general, true haupia recipes consist of coconut milk mixed with sugar and either arrowroot or cornstarch. The mixture is heated until it is thickened and then poured into a pan, chilled and cut into cubes. Haupia is an authentic Hawaiian dessert and anyone who visits the islands should give it a try.