Recipe(tried): Haupia and more luau ideas

Hi Bonnie,

Kalua Pork (as posted in Diane's recipe) and Haupia (Coconut Pudding) are very good suggestions for a kid-pleasing luau.

For the Kalua Pork, you can substitute any coarse salt for the Hawaiian salt. Shred the meat after it's done and serve as sandwiches in small soft buns (you can cut frankfurter buns in thirds for the kids).

Another kid-pleasing idea is skewers that alternate pineapple cubes (fresh or juice-packed canned) and cubes of ham or Spam.

And here's my recipe for Haupia (Coconut Pudding) using canned coconut milk. Be sure to buy unsweetened coconut milk -- not the sweet "coconut cream" that's used for tropical drinks!

Susan, Hawaii

Haupia (Coconut Pudding)
Serves 8

6 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons sugar
1-1/4 cups water
1 13- to 14-ounce can coconut milk

Mix cornstarch and sugar together in a saucepan. Add water and stir to dissolve. Mix in coconut milk. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently, 3 to 4 minutes. When mixture starts to bubble, reduce heat to medium and cook 2 minutes longer, until thickened.

Pour into a mold or an 8" square cake pan that has been wet with cold water. Chill to set. Cut into portions to serve.

(Note: You can double the recipe and use a 9 x 13" cake pan.)