FOOD FOR THOUGHT By
Wanda A. Adams
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| Alan Wong and his crew find Culinary insights |
Online reader Maria Saena's request for Samoan-style pineapple half-moon pies came from across the ocean, e-mailed from Alaska. And the answer came a long distance, too, from Gladys Baird, who got the recipe from a specialty food shop, Oloa Samoa, in Oceanside, Calif.
These pineapple-and custard-filled turnovers are sometimes made with packaged custard powder, but this version uses plain old cornstarch. You're on your own here; I didn't test this recipe; am just passing it along — looks mighty rich.
PAI FALA
For the crust:
For the filling:
For the crust: Whisk together flour and baking powder, cut in butter, then mix in coconut milk until a smooth ball forms. Divide into six pieces and roll each out into an 8-inch circle.
For the filling: In a saucepan, heat together pineapple, sugar and milk until hot. Whisk cornstarch into pineapple juice and add to heated pineapple. Stir and allow to cool. Spoon pineapple filling into middle of each dough circle. Fold over and seal edges, brushing with a little water. Prick tops of turnovers with fork to release steam.
Place on greased cookie sheets and bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 6 turnovers.
Send recipes and queries to Wanda A. Adams, Food Editor, Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Fax: 525-8055. E-mail: wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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