HAWAIIAN COCONUT CREAM PIE

HAWAIIAN COCONUT CREAM PIE

It is now officially Fall, and the temperature here in Virginia is 90 degrees. Welcome, Autumn. For my sixth pie, I had intended to create a traditional Fall pie; however, the warm weather and humid atmosphere have led my thoughts to the sea. I find myself daydreaming of tropical breezes and island delights. This week, I am mentally visiting Hawai’i, where I will indulge in a refreshing slice of Coconut Cream Pie while I am there.

The Navy relocated our family to Pearl Harbor for two wonderful years. From the moment we arrived at the open-air airport in Honolulu, an immediate sense of relaxation enveloped us (even with two small children accompanying us). The air was perfectly warm. The trade winds swayed the palm trees, the distinctive sounds of Hawaiian music filled the air, and the scent of the ocean was nearly intoxicating. This dreamlike state persisted throughout our time on the island. We were on shore duty, which meant no deployments, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in what Hawai’i had to offer.

To me, Hawai’i represents a true paradise. The weather is ideal, the beaches are stunning, and there are no snakes! With no seasonal changes and no daylight savings, the days felt longer and more leisurely. We were free from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. We enjoyed all the typical tourist attractions and even discovered some local favorites. Our most memorable days included snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, hiking Diamond Head and Pali lookout, savoring shaved ice on the North Shore at Matsumoto’s, watching the impressive Big Wave surfers, experiencing torch lighting and sunsets at Waikiki, playing with the children at the lagoons at Ko’Olina, and visiting The Big Island to explore the volcano park. I could continue indefinitely. Beauty is found everywhere, but the true magic of the island lies in the way its people live. The Hawaiians live beautifully, fully embracing the Aloha spirit. They let you merge in traffic, slow almost to a stop, and then offer you the ‘Shaka.’ Hawaiians have a unique way of making you feel welcome on their island. Weekends are spent at the beach, celebrating life.

The Aloha spirit is infectious and even still many years later after leaving Hawai’i I try to keep this feeling alive in my heart. We don’t need to be in Hawaii to live the Aloha way.

When we think of Hawai’i certain images come to mind, beaches, sunsets, maybe the palms of the coconut tree. The coconut tree or ‘Niu’ in Hawaiian, grows on all of the islands, and was introduced by the Polynesians. With so many uses for coconut, especially in island fare, it’s no wonder Taste of Home picked Coconut Cream as the pie of Hawai’i. I was so excited to make this old fashioned cream pie. I love anything coconut! Coconut milk, sugar, and cream are thickened slowly over the stove to just the right consistency. There’s no rushing this process, it’s part what makes this pie perfection. Vanilla and toasted coconut are mixed into the warm pudding and chilled in a flaky pastry crust. Topped with homemade whip and more coconut, this pie is an island vacation in itself. Savor each bite as the flavors of this smooth, velvety pie come together. Aloha.

A nice coconut cream pie recipe to try !

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe INGREDIENTS

• 1 (9 inch) pie crust
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 4 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 c. coconut
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 2 1/4 c. milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 2 tsp. vanilla

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare and bake crust. Combine sugar, cornstarch and salt in medium- size saucepan. Stir in milk, slowly cook over low heat (on 4) stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles, cook 1 minute.

Beat egg yolks in small bowl, stir in 1/2 cup hot mixture then stir back into saucepan. Cook, stirring 1 minute more. Stir in butter, vanilla and coconut. Cool a few minutes then pour into cooled pie shell. Place wax paper over pie to prevent skin on top. Chill at least 1 hour. Meanwhile toast 1/4 cup coconut on cookie sheet in 350 degree oven for 5 minutes.

TOPPING: Half pint heavy cream, beat well until thick then add 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 cap vanilla. Spread topping over pie then top with toasted coconut. The coconut cream pie recipe is ready to serve..Enjoy it!
coconut-cream-dream-pie.