Let's go crazy for coconut cookies! Also, how to make your own BPA free coconut milk.

Do you go crazy for coconut?

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.  Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many medical conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. 

With the above in mind, I have been trying to incorporate more coconut in my families diet.  Because of the way coconut milk is packaged by manufacturers, it is hard for one to find a pure coconut milk that may not have added BPA.
BPA is used in the lining of certain canned foods. BPA especially leaches into canned foods that are acidic, salty or fatty, such as coconut milk, tomatoes, soup, and vegetables. 

It is so easy to make your own coconut milk from fresh coconuts. By making your own coconut milk, you can be sure that your milk is free from additives and stabilizers. If you are interested, I have found a fabulous YouTube video on how one can very easily make homemade coconut milk. (My tip: Blanche the coconut flakes prior to blending. This seems to make the entire process easier.)


http://youtu.be/fpxPoizVT9c
Recently, for Valentines Day, my family and I participated in a kids cooking challenge to make something yummy with coconuts. We tried several recipes, but settled on this one to serve to a group of school children. The cookies were a big hit. The coconut cookies were definitely a kid pleaser recipe.

Easy Coconut Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening (half butter for flavor)

2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 eggs 1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 cup hot water or buttermilk (I use fat free buttermilk)

1 cup shredded coconut

1 tsp. vanilla

4 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

Directions:

Cream together butter and add the sugar gradually. Blend in well beaten eggs. Add the baking soda to the hot liquid and blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in coconut and vanilla, combining well. Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder and stir this into the coconut mixture. Beat 30 seconds with electric mixer. Chill thoroughly in order to make the dough easier to handle. Form into balls the size of walnuts. Flatten each into an oblong shape ¼ inch thick. Place on ungreased baking sheet and press lengthwise with the times of a fork. This dough also works well with a cookie press. Bake about 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees. When cool, store in an airtight container.

*Cookies are ready in about 40 minutes. Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting my blog today. :-)

Hop Into Spring with Cherrylane Boutique

For all you boutique buyers who are looking for items for your little ones for spring, just wanted to let you know that Cherrylane Boutique is having a HOP INTO SPRING boutique launch on ebay. It will last a week so click the picture and head on over to ebay to see what fabulous items the Cherrylane girls have designed. You'll be glad you did!

Here are some of the great items from ladies at Cherrylane. Ebay Search: Cherrylane

For this auction, I listed a boutique custom pair of crochet fluffy socks and a set of matching hair fluffy's or fluffy pony-o's. They can be made in many colors and all sizes. They make great gifts and great accessory items.

Click HERE to go directly to my auction.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

An Easter Bunny Purse....Ready to ship to your little chick!

Easter will be here before we know it. I am currently participating in the Easter launch with Boutique Pink and Company. I decided to make another one of these bunny boutique crochet handmade purses again this year since it was so popular last year. I may not make another one this year, so better snatch it up if you are interested. This one is crocheted and can be used as a purse or small tote. Could easily be used for an Easter basket too. It is stitched with precision and has lots of extra added touches done with hand embroidery. Bunny is accented with a flower on her head and her trusty carrot nearby. It is a great accessory item or gift and would be great for little girls and big too. Pageant girls might like this one too. You can find this one in my Ebay or Etsy listings. (You can find links to both on the right hand column of this blog.) If you are interested in this bag as a custom made to match item, contact me about a custom in colors made just for you.
Happy Easter & happy shopping!
Thanks for visiting my blog today,
Kassie

Boutique Pink & Company is having a launch: Bunnies & Bugs..Search: PinkCo

Today I have some exciting news to share...Beginning today, February 2,
Boutique Pink & Company is having a launch themed Bunnies and Bugs. The members of Boutique Pink make some absolutely exquisite items, as I am sure those of you who
are familiar with the quality of their designs know. You may search for their listings on
both Ebay and Etsy beginning today. Keep checking back for new items to be listed.
I am sure you won't be disappointed! Their work is fabulous! Remember to use the search term: PinkCo

Thanks for visiting my blog today,