Fa’ausi: Samoan Caramel Over Coconut Bread
[Vegan]

To Make the Coconut Bread:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, shredded coconut and baking powder.
2. Then add the coconut milk and knead to form a smooth, rather sticky dough.
3. Separate the dough into two equal parts. Place one of the two parts of dough in the center of a sheet of parchment paper, and flatten to about 1 inch thick giving it a rectangle shape with rounded edges.
4. Wrap the dough in the parchment paper and place on a baking sheet.
5. Repeat this process with the remaining half of dough.
6. Cook fa’apapa (coconut bread) in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 35 minutes, until they are golden brown.
7. Let cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.

To Make the Coconut Caramel:

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat for about 30 minutes until the caramel turns golden brown, by constantly monitoring.
2. Then carefully add the coconut milk, stir and turn off the heat. Continue stirring until well blended.

To Make the Fa'ausi:

1. Let the caramel cool, then pour it on the fa’apapa cubes in a container. Carefully turn all the cubes over and coat well on all sides with the caramel. Let stand for 1 hour, turning occasionally before serving.
2. The dessert should be stored in a cool place and enjoyed warmed.