coconut Archives - Page 2 of 3 -

March 30, 2016

Raw Key Lime Tart

This was the recipe I had planned on posting before the Easter weekend because I thought it would be such a lovely and refreshing end to a springtime brunch, but you can see I failed miserably. There is a reason for my delay, however, and although I’ve been hesitant to share about it here, I think it’s best to offer some explanation as to why I’ve been so slow at posting and also in responding to emails and comments. We recently made the decision to homeschool my youngest for some very personal reasons and though it’s already been a couple of weeks, I’m still very much adjusting to the new schedule and daily rhythms. I am barely holding it together with one, so I’m completely baffled as to how homeschooling moms manage to teach multiple kids. Right now the plan is to homeschool for just the remainder of the year and I’m doing my best to soak up every precious moment with my girl. I was so apprehensive about homeschooling, but in a few short weeks, the moments of joy and delight have far outweighed the overwhelming and frustrating moments. I’m so thankful. My heart is also so grateful for all of the friends and connections I’ve made through this space, and I hope you will understand if I’m a little slower these days.

[Read more…] about Raw Key Lime Tart

July 8, 2015

Chocolate Millet Crunch

One of the things I enjoy most about having the kids home with me in the summer is working together with them in the kitchen. Often times I try to find ways for them to help me with dinner preparation- grating cheese, stirring pasta, shelling peas, shucking corn, etc. Once in a while I’ll try to think up a sweet and healthy treat that’s a little more exciting than just dinner and that I know would be especially fun for them. This chocolate millet crunch was our most recent little project. It’s simple enough for the kids to make almost on their own, but tasty enough that it’s hard to just eat a few pieces. These are little mounds of chocolate coated puffed millet, chopped hazelnuts, and goji berries with just a touch of shredded coconut sprinkled on top. Puffed millet can be found in the cereal aisle of a natural foods store and although I find it rather bland on its own, it complements the chocolate nicely and it adds a certain crisp lightness that I love. These must be served chilled to get a crunch, which makes them perfect for those hot days when you just need a little bit of chocolate. [Read more…] about Chocolate Millet Crunch

March 27, 2015

Pineapple Coconut Chia Shakes

Smoothies are always a welcome treat at breakfast and I like them because they are quick and a great way to load up on nutrients to begin the day. Once in a while I also like to surprise my kids with a smoothie for their afternoon snack while we chat about their school days. When it comes to smoothies, my style is more the “throw random fruits and vegetables into the blender” method rather than the “read and follow a recipe” method. I even have a beautiful smoothie cookbook, but it always seems so much easier to improvise. Despite the lack of measuring, the smoothies somehow always end up tasting fine. This is one combination that we enjoy so much however that I measured everything out just so that I could share it with you. Its flavor is similar to a pina colada minus the rum (since I’m usually making these for the kids) and it’s fun to dream about being at the beach on a sunny tropical island whenever we have these. The chia seeds thicken up the smoothie into more of a “shake” consistency while adding a healthy dose of Omega-3s. Just note that the chia seeds need at least a few hours to soak so this is probably best made the evening before if you’re planning for breakfast.

Pinapple Coconut Chia Shakes

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

2½- 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
½ banana
1 13.5-ounce can light coconut milk, about 1½ cups
2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

Place the pineapple chunks, banana, and coconut milk into the blender and blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
Pour half of mixture into a quart size mason jar along with the chia seeds. Close lid and shake until chia seeds are well distributed. Add the rest of the pineapple mixture and shake again. Refrigerate for at least a 3 hours until thoroughly chilled and chia seeds thicken.

Notes

inspired by Amy Chapin's Peach Chia Shake from At Home in the Whole Foods Kitchen