Hawaiian haystack

A Hawaiian Haystack (also known as a Chicken Sundae) is an example of convenience cuisine. The dish did not originate in Hawaii, but derives its name from the hawaiian character of pineapple, a staple ingredient. It is popular in the western U.S. both as a school lunch and as a quick, creative meal for family dinners.

Preparation

A hawaiian haystack begins with the following "core" ingredients:
* Long-grain white rice (instant works well, prepare a cup per person)
* Boiled chicken, either cubed or shredded (roughly ½ lb. per person)
* Crushed pineapple
* Prepared cream of chicken soup (½ cream of chicken, ½ cream of celery is a tasty variant)
* Chow-mein noodles (or crushed ramen in a pinch)

With a large spoon or ice cream scoop place a small (¾ cup) ball of rice on a plate. Top with chicken and pineapple. Liberally cover with soup, and sprinkle with chow mein noodles.

At this point, everyone can top their haystack as they please. Common ingredients to have on-hand are:
* chopped celery
* diced onion (or green onion)
* diced tomato
* chopped bell-peppers
* carrots, sliced or chopped
* shredded coconut
* toasted almond slivers
* sliced water chestnut
* shredded american cheddar cheese

The most important part of a hawaiian haystack is tasteful creativity and fun.