In a saucepan, combine 2 cups water, œ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon agar-agar powder and 2 to 3 drops of food coloring. Dissolve the agar-agar over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then simmer until slightly thickened.
Pour the liquid into a 9-inch pie plate or a jelly mold. Let rest at room temperature until set, about 30 minutes.
Once the layer has cooled, prepare the next layer: Combine 2 cups coconut milk, œ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon agar-agar powder and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Dissolve the agar-agar over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then simmer until slightly thickened.
Pour the liquid on top of the first layer and let set at room temperature, approximately 30 minutes.
Once the second layer has cooled, use a knife to loosen the gelatin from the side of the pan and slide the dessert onto a serving platter. Carve a design in the top layer, if desired. To serve, cut into squares or pie-shaped wedges.
1 cup sugar, divided
2 Tbsp. agar-agar powder, divided
Food coloring (choose desired color)
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
Pinch salt
This article appears in February 2011.