Miss me??

Not to worry. I am back! Sorry for the lack of posts the past week. G and I just got back from a few days in IL to see some family, and it took me awhile to get back in the groove.
However, for all of you anxiously awaiting my next post (aren't you all?) I've got a goodie. A couple of years ago, Seth and I spent a week on the north shore of Oahu. Everyone told us we had to stop at a little place called Ted's Bakery to get this.

Chocolate Haupia pie. Haupia, for you non-Hawaiians, is coconut pudding.
So the pie is basically chocolate pudding layered with coconut pudding, and topped with fresh whipped cream & chocolate shavings. Personally, I've never been much of a coconut person.. but this pie changed my mind. It was delicious. Chocolately, creamy deliciousness.

When we returned, I was determined to re-create this pie.I found a recipe online.. and while it is quite delicious, I won't lie to you and tell you that it is as good as Ted's. It totally isn't. But it IS pretty tasty.

Chocolate Haupia Pie

• 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup white sugar

Call me lazy, but I use store-bought crust. Making pie crust just doesn't sound all that exciting to me, and Marie Callender does an excellent job so why re-invent the wheel?

First, Bake crust for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool. 

In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, coconut milk and 1 cup sugar. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water. Bring coconut mixture to a boil. Reduce to simmer and slowly whisk in the cornstarch. Continue stirring mixture over low heat until thickened, about 3 minutes.

In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate chips for 1 minute or until melted. Divide the coconut pudding evenly into two bowls. Mix chocolate into one portion. Spread on the bottom of the pie crust. 

Pour the remaining portion of pudding on top of the chocolate and spread smooth. Refrigerate for about an hour.

While the pie is refrigerating, make the whipped cream.  Whip heavy cream with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Layer the cream on pie; if desired garnish with chocolate shavings. 

 I like to add the chocolate shavings to make it pretty and professional-looking. I just used a dark chocolate bar that I keep in my freezer for chocolate emergencies.
And when you cut it open, it should look beautiful and layered.. unlike mine, which looks messy. (where's my food stylist??)

 Aloha!