OKINAWAN SWEET POTATO HAUPIA DESSERT

Steps:

• Wash the outer skin of the Okinawan sweet potato, then boil for 30-45 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Remove from heat, peel, and mash. Set aside.
• CRUST layer (start working on this layer while the sweet potatoes are cooking): In medium bowl, combine sugar, flour, and nuts.
• Cut butter into flour mixture until texture is sandy.
• Press lightly into 9 x 13 baking pan.
• Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
• SWEET POTATO Layer: Combine evaporated milk, vanilla and salt. Set aside.
• Beat butter and sugar together in a large bowl. Add eggs.
• Gradually mix in the mashed sweet potatoes.
• Add the evaporated milk mixture.
• Pour onto crust layer.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Cool.
• HAUPIA Layer: Combine sugar and cornstarch. Add water.
• Pour coconut milk into a medium saucepan. Add sugar mixture. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until thickened. Allow to cool slightly.
• Pour coconut milk mixture over pie filling and refrigerate until set.
• Cut into bars or diamonds and serve. I personally find the crust better the next day.
• Optional: Just before cutting, add a layer of Cool Whip.
• Cooking Okinawan Sweet Potatoes (from cooks.com): Please note that the potato size may affect cooking times and that the purple will turn brownish when exposed to air. BAKE: Poke some holes in it with fork. Bake in 400 degree oven for 30-60 minutes until it tests soft when pierced with a fork. STEAM: Poke a few holes in washed potato. Steam 30-45 minutes until tender. MICROWAVE: Cut in half lengthwise. Put the cut side down in 1/2-1 inch of water. Microwave on high 5-7 minutes. I've also seen a suggestion to start it off with a few minutes of microwaving before wrapping in foil and baking in the oven.