Monday, October 17, 2011

I'm back, with Rarotongan Coconut Rolls

Coconut bun with very special sauce
Hello! Is anyone out there? I have been back in Canada for 2 weeks now and am finally getting around to posting something. Unfortunately it's something I made before I left, but I am still having computer problems. I have a new hard drive, but iPhoto is not working properly, meaning no new photos, and no photos from Ecuador. Since returning, I haven't baked much, worked much or done much of anything. I just want to jump back on a plane (preferably without any airports involved) and be somewhere else, away from everyday responsibilities. That's not happening right this minute, so I'll post this and then head back to the computer shop so that I can share the results of pumpkinfest 2011. Brace yourselves.
Ready to rise
I have had this recipe bookmarked for ages and finally got around to making it in a fit of baking before I kissed my stove goodbye for 6 weeks. My family and I are huge fans of coconut, and my nephew likes to help too. While trying to entertain him at my mother's non-childproofed house, we gave him a coconut and a hammer. What followed was hilarious, with James chasing the coconut around the garage and swinging the hammer with abandon. I know, not safe, but nobody lost an eye, the kid was entertained and I got enough coconut to make these buns. Win-win, no?
Barely risen, hoping the oven spring will sort that out
Not exactly. More lose-win. I loved the coconut sauce and could see myself eating it on just about anything. I left it at my mother's and she was contemplating pouring it over ice cream. The buns, though, were a bit of a disappointment. They did not have the texture of yeast buns, but seemed more like bad biscuits or scones: heavy, with a dense crumb. I proofed the yeast, but they just did not rise much and the amount of liquid called for did not even make crumbs, much less a kneadable dough. There were comments noting this on the original recipe, so I can't say I wasn't warned. I'll be making these again, but using a different yeast dough recipe. Maybe this one from King Arthur Flour?
Baked, slightly risen, but look at that sauce!
Here's the link to the original recipe, from the lovely blog Pease Pudding.

15 comments:

Gloria Baker said...

mary look absolutely delicious! Im happy you come back! gloria

Lisa said...

Welcome back, Mary! I'm with you on wanting to jump on a plabe and just be somewhere else for a bit. BUT, I'm glad you're back because these coconut rolls look spectacular. I'm dying to taste that sauce! Pease Pudding always has great recipes, and in fact, I think I may have bookmarked it! In any event, I wish I could grab one of yours from the photo..right now!

Suz said...

Hurray, you're back! Hope you had a lovely time in Ecuador & that your computer woes are sorted soon. Consider me braced for pumpkinfest.

Meanwhile, I need to make those coconut buns, perhaps -as you suggest- with a different dough recipe. They look heavenly. I just need to find a hammer-wielding child to break my coconut open for me! (That would actually be safer than me doing it.)

juliana alonso dorola said...

i wish i can jump to a plane too! jajaja
great recipe, love your pictures!

Anonymous said...

I think I understand how you feel. After a long holiday I hate coming back to everyday chores and responsibilities too. Hope you get your computer fixed soon and get your baking groove back. :)

Unknown said...

These look heavenly.

Renata said...

Hi Mary! You're back! Welcome! Oh yeah.... airports... no comments here... These coconut buns look so amazing even though you say they were not what you expected. I remember making coconut buns before, but that was so long ago I can hardly remember. Now I want to make some more. Creative (but dangerous) way of cracking a coconut open :D
Good luck fixing your computer, can't wait to see you back on track with all the yummy things you do!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Mary - hope you enjoyed your holiday! I find it always takes me time to come back into the real world after a long holiday as well. Best of luck with your computer issues (such a pain sometimes)!! Sandie

Valerie Gamine said...

A child and a hammer...that's the only way to open a coconut (I know because I think I played out that scene when I was little). :D

Welcome bake...back, Mary! And thank you for incorporating coconut into the post. I've been having cravings. I'm sorry rolls didn't turn out well, but at least the coconut sauce was a success! That's all that matters.

Good luck with you computer, I can't wait to see those pumpkin recipes. :)

PattiCake said...

I love coconut but don't often bake with it. I'll have to give these a try sometime.

Unknown said...

Mmmm, the concept is fantastic! It's a pity the buns weren't what you had hoped. I love coconut!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! These buns look great.

Hindy said...

These are gorgeous! Welcome back and I hope there will be photos of your trip soon.

MyMacaroniPie said...

Those look good enough to eat raw! Beautiful.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

Welcome back! So sorry your still having pc issues tough and I can understand how you would love to run away from real life after your trip. I adore this coconut sauce too, yes a remake with better buns is a must!