Pai Fala - Samoan Pineapple Pie. Photo / Supplied.

Makerita's Pai Fala is a delicious Pineapple Pie that is commonly made in the Pacifica community. She says "It's never Christmas without this on the table." This is not just a delicious addition to the table in the festive season but also when catching up with family or friends. Top with our ready to dollop Anchor Thickened cream, fresh peaches and pomegranate.

Cook time: 50 mins
Serves: 16

Ingredients

250g	Anchor Butter, softened - plus a little extra for greasing
3/4 cups	sugar
4	egg yolks
3 cups	plain flour
425g	can pineapple pieces
425g	can crushed pineapple
4 cups	water
2 cups	Anchor Milk
1 cup	sugar
3/4 cup	custard powder
2 x twin packs	Anchor Thickened Cream
optional	Tinned peaches and other fruits and toppings to decorate

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C.
2. Grease the base and sides of a large Pyrex lasagne dish generously with butter.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar then stir in the egg yolks and mix well.
4. Stir in the flour one cup at a time, then knead the mixture in the bowl with your hands until it comes together. Turn it out onto the bench and knead lightly to a smooth dough that doesn't stick to your hands.
5. Break the dough into pieces and starting at the rim of the dish, press the dough onto the sides and then the base until covered. Use a can from your pantry to roll over the base and sides to smooth them. Prick all over with a fork. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
6. Place the pineapple pieces in a sieve and crush lightly with a masher to make smaller chunks.
7. Add the crushed pineapple and leave to drain.
8. In a large saucepan, heat the water, 1 cup of the milk and the sugar. Stir and bring to the boil.
9. In small mixing bowl, combine the custard powder and the remaining cup of milk and mix until smooth.
10. When the liquid has boiled, reduce the heat and whisk in the custard mixture, stirring continuously until it starts to thicken.
11. Add the drained pineapple and stir. Simmer, stirring until the mixture is a thick, dolloping consistency. Pour into the baked case. Once cooled, chill in the fridge until set.
12. To serve: Stir the Anchor Thickened Cream lightly in its pottle, then dollop on top of the chilled pie and spread with a spatula. Use a fork to make swirls in the cream and decorate with canned peaches and seasonal fruit.
13. Cook's tip: Toppings can include fresh seasonal fruit or canned fruit, toasted coconut or chopped nuts. The combination of pineapple pieces and crushed fruit gives a nice texture but you can use all crushed pineapple if you prefer.