How to Make Coconut Milk

If you….

1. Love recipes that only take about 3 minutes of total prep time…
2. Love all things coconut
3. Don’t love all things coconut (like me…but I love this milk!)
4. Love milk
5. But maybe don’t like or can’t drink regular milk for various reasons
6. Are a Vegan
7. Don’t like paying for overpriced coconut milk in the stores
8. Like being able to control the type/amount of sweetener in your coconut milk
9. Have yet to ever experience the sweet, creamy, rich goodness of coconut milk…….

Then this recipe is for you!!!!!

Truly, it’s so fast, and so simple, so cheap, and so delicious that there’s no reason NOT to try it.  :)  It’s full of great nutrients, and can be used a zillion ways.  (I’ve included a short list below of some possible uses, both in and out of the kitchen.)  So grab a bag of coconut, and give it a try!  I really think you’ll love it!


How To: Make Coconut Milk
(Adapted from Elana’s Pantry)
Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 4 cups water
• 1 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar (or 6 drops stevia)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Method:
Soak coconut in water for 1-2 hours (do not discard water).
In a blender (or you could do small batches in a food processor), combine coconut, water, vanilla and honey and process on highest speed.
Strain liquid through a fine mesh strainer (or a strainer bag, or cheesecloth would work), discarding solids.  Serve or refrigerate.
Possible Uses:

• Baking: can be used as a substitute for milk in a variety of baking recipes
• Beverages: coffee, tea, smoothies, milkshakes, eggnog, pina coladas, or a variety of alcoholic beverages
• Cooking: used in noodle dishes, rice dishes, grain dishes, stir-frys, etc., and it is called for especially in many Thai, Indian, African and Hawaiian dishes
• Skin Care: used as a moisturizing face wash, mixed into water for a bubble bath, or even used as a hair conditioner

Ali’s Tip:
This also works with sweetened coconut.  Just omit the extra natural sweetener (honey, agave, stevia, etc.).

Fish and Vegetable Curry

• 14 oz white fish fillets (I used halibut) cut into thick slices
• 14 oz coconut milk
• 2 Tbs. red curry paste
• 2 carrots, cut into thin strips
• 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
• Fresh coriander (oops, I forgot to add this...)
• Place coconut milk and red curry paste into a pan on medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring until combined.
• Add fish, carrots and red cabbage. Cover and simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until fish has cooked.
• Serve with fresh coriander leaves.

"Super easy. And would you believe me if I told you that the kids all ate it? Well, they did. Ethan even had seconds, and probably would have had more if there was more left. It was really good. I'm not big on fish, but I liked it. This is such an easy recipe that we could switch the meat and vegetables around however we want, and it would be good." by Colleen Lasko

Once again I'm raiding Colleen's blog and seeing how great I could feel with good natural food. She is going strictly NO SUGAR and NO PROCESSED FOOD. I wish I could be that good, but I have to start somewhere ant that is why I'm creating this blog. To help me compile of what helps me to healthy the way I want to be healthy! 

I got some great deals last night at the store too! strawberries, peas, carrots, grapes, eggs, whole wheat noodles (which I love), Tomato Juice (which only contains tomatoes!), and a bit more. I'm already lactose so I try to stay away from dairy and I hear that it's best anyway. 

 

Of course I can't stay away from yogurt or cheese sticks though... they are a source of protein that gets me through the day! I'm not a huge meat fan, so I'm really excited to try this fish dish that Colleen introduced!