Halo Halo

10g	green rice flakes
4	young coconuts, (optional)
1 bottle	saba bananas in syrup
1 bottle	jackfruit in syrup
1 bottle	coconut gel
6 cups	shaved ice, plus extra to serve
500ml	evaporated milk
250g	condensed milk
	mango ice cream, to serve

JELLY (GULAMAN)

220g	caster sugar
2 teaspoons	agar-agar powder, (see note)
	red or green food colouring, (optional)

To make the jelly, place the sugar and 750 ml water in a saucepan and stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Whisk in the agar-agar powder until dissolved, then bring to the boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes, then stir in the food colouring, if using. Transfer the mixture to a 20 cm square baking tin and stand at room temperature for 2 hours, or until firm. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

To toast the rice flakes, place them in a small frying pan over medium–high heat. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping them in the pan, until golden and toasted. Immediately transfer to a bowl and cool. Or substitute cornflakes.

Open the young coconuts, leaving the tops attached to the shells, if desired. Using a cleaver or the heel of a large knife, cut off the dome-shaped lid or leave attached at the side (take care not to spill the coconut water). Transfer the coconut water to a jug and reserve for another use. Alternatively, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for later use. Using a spoon, scoop out the meat, but don’t scrape too hard or you’ll have bits of hard shell attached to the meat. Transfer the coconut water to a jug and reserve. Alternatively, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for later use. Using a spoon, scoop out the meat, but don’t scrape too hard or you’ll have bits of hard shell attached to the meat.

Place a heaped tablespoon each of banana, jackfruit, coconut gel and jelly in each shell or serving glass. Any leftover reserved fruits and jelly will keep in the refrigerator for future halo-halos.

Fill a shell or glass with shaved ice, then pour over 125 ml of the evaporated milk and 60 ml of the condensed milk. Top with more shaved ice to extend just above the rim, if necessary. Repeat with the remaining shells, ice and milks. Top with a scoop of mango ice cream and scatter with the toasted rice flakes. Serve with a big spoon for people to mix everything together.