Basic Bibingka

2 1/2 pounds mochi rice
5 1/2 cups water
12 ounces coconut milk
1 pound brown sugar, dark
1 banana leaf

In a rice cooker or large saucepan, rinse rice, drain.  Add water
and cook rice.  In a saucepan, combine coconut milk and 1 1/4 cups
of the brown sugar.  Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes,
stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.  Wilt banana leaves
over low heat on electric surface unit or in microwave oven; line
a 13x9x2 inch baking pan.  Preheat electric oven to 350 degrees
F.  Stir remaining brown sugar into the hot rice. Mix well.  Reserving
1/2 cup coconut milk mixture, stir remainder into rice.  Put into
prepared pan.  Pour the reserved 1/2 cup coconut milk mixture over
rice.  Bake for 20 minutes then broil for 5 minutes to brown top.
Cool and cut into serving pieces.