Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup li hing mui powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse together flour, granulated sugar, and salt until combined. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix together drained crushed pineapple and li hing mui powder. Spread mixture over the baked crust.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour mixture over the pineapple layer.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
7. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Once cooled, sift powdered sugar over the top of the bars.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
Makes 12-16 bars.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrate: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Li hing mui powder can be substituted with tamarind powder or mango powder.
- Sweetened condensed milk can be substituted with coconut cream.
Variations:
- Add shredded coconut to the crust mixture for a tropical twist.
- Use different fruit fillings such as mango or guava.
- Add chopped macadamia nuts to the filling for added texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when making the crust for a flaky texture.
- Drain the crushed pineapple well to prevent the bars from becoming too watery.
- Sift powdered sugar over the bars once they are completely cooled to prevent it from melting.
Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the bars in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Cut the bars into squares and serve on a platter. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh pineapple slices.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh pineapple slices or chopped macadamia nuts.
Pairings:
Serve with a tropical fruit salad or coconut ice cream.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of coconut rice or grilled shrimp skewers.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the bars are too watery, drain the crushed pineapple well before using. If the crust is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of cold water to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Li hing mui is a popular snack in Hawaii and is made from dried salted plums. It is often used as a seasoning for sweet and savory dishes.
Flavor profiles:
The bars have a sweet and tangy flavor from the pineapple and li hing mui powder.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bars as a dessert or snack.
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Region: Hawaiian