Tag Archives: coconut

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Coconut-Lime Rice Salad

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A few weekends ago I was coffee-dating and Anthro-browsing with my real-life/blog-life pal, Megan. We wandered into an olive oil/vinegar shop because Megan mentioned that they had a coconut white balsamic…and, I HAD TO try it. Had to, it happens.

So, I tasted the coconut vinegar, and it was so sweet-tart, coconut-y, and delicious…I had to have some. I’ve been daydreaming ways to showcase this vinegar and I kept coming back to fragrant jasmine rice. This salad comes together quickly and can be served warm, room temperature, or even cold. The vinaigrette is a savory-sweet and tart mixture of the coconut white balsamic, some persian lime olive oil, a little shallot, and sea salt. We shake up the vinaigrette in a jar and gently stir it into the still warm rice–for optimum dressing absorption. Toasty (unsweetened) coconut, nutty sliced almonds, and super-fragrant lime zest are fluffed into the rice.  Every bite has texture and flavor and fragrance. I can’t wait to serve this rice alongside grilled seafood…a late summer evening with a cool glass of something boozy will be a totally optional, yet highly suggested, accompaniments.

Coconut-Lime Rice Salad

Serves 4-6

I know coconut white balsamic and persian lime olive oil aren’t the most readily available pantry staples. You can use any vinegar and olive oil you’d like (I like the idea if rice wine  vinegar and a lighter olive oil), just add a little extra lime zest for good measure. For reference, I purchased the oil and vinegar from HERE (the Birmingham location). The man I talked to was super knowledgeable and had great suggestions. PS, I like my dressing/vinaigrettes to be pretty tart and bracing…so, add more olive oil if you prefer a  more smooth and lush dressing. 

1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked

1/2 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut, toasted

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

2 limes, zested and juiced

1 small shallot, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

2 tablespoons coconut white balsamic

3-4 tablespoons persian lime olive oil

big pinch of sea salt

Cook the rice. For a rice cooker–follow manufacturer’s instructions. On the stove-top, pour the rice into a medium saucepan add 1 2/3 cups water (I like a ratio of 1 part rice to just under 2 parts water, thus the 2/3 measurement, but if you have a tried and true method, use that). Bring the pot to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, covered tightly, for 15-20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Allow rice to rest, covered, for at least 5 minutes. Scrape the rice into a large mixing bowl and fluff gently with a fork. Set aside.

To toast the coconut and almonds, preheat the oven to 350˚F and spread the coconut and almonds on a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for about 4 minutes, stirring after the first 2 minutes. Watch the coconut and nuts carefully, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burned in a matter of seconds. Set aside to cool. Once cooled, toss with the lime zest and set aside.

In a small jar combine the lime juice (about 1 tablespoon total), minced shallot, coconut (or plain) vinegar, lime (or plain) olive oil, and a big pinch of sea salt. Fasten the lid on the jar and shake vigorously to combine. Pour the vinaigrette over the rice and fold gently with a rice paddle or rubber spatula to combine. Add the coconut/almond/lime zest mixture and fold in gently to combine. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.

 

 

 

 

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Coconut + Chocolate Chip Cream Scones

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Guys, these scones!

Oh man, what a dream! I mean, toasty coconut and chocolate chips are always a fine pair, but in these scones they are even better.

These are cream scones, which means the main liquid is rich and buttery cream. The cream gives these scones the dreamiest crumb that is at once light and decidedly rich. They are super tender with the help of a soft, low protein flour–like White Lily or even a pastry or cake flour. The soft flour has less protein, meaning less gluten, meaning less elasticity, plus more tenderness. While yeasted doughs benefit from some chew, supple scones definitely do not. The chocolate and toasty coconut make these already special scones a bit more decadent. They would be perfect in a brunch spread or even an easy weekend breakfast. They also make the perfect afternoon treat alongside a cup of something warm and caffeinated.

Coconut + Chocolate Chip Scones

Adapted from Take a Megabite and Smitten Kitchen

Makes 12, 3-inch round, scones.

These scones are still good as leftovers the next day, but are at their very best still warm from the oven. For super fresh scones, I like to freeze the cut and unbaked scones in a single layer on a sheet pan for several hours, then I transfer the frozen scones to a zip top bag and return the the freezer. The scones can then be baked, as needed, from frozen. Just bake an additional 1-2 minutes. 

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 Tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed and chilled

2 cups low-protein flour (like White Lily brand, pastry or cake flour)

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 Tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted, plus more for sprinkling

3/4 cup chocolate chips

1 egg + 1 Tablespoon milk

Preheat the oven to 425*F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or silicone baking mat.

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the coconut stirring and watching so as not to burn.  Once the coconut is golden and toasty, scrape it into a bowl and set aside to cool completely.

In a measuring cup mix together the cream and vanilla. Set aside.

Whisk together the egg and tablespoon of milk. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Work in the chilled butter quickly with your fingertips, rubbing the butter into the flour until the bits of butter are no larger than peas. Toss the coconut and chips into the mixture to distribute. Add the cream mixture and bring the dough together by folding gently with a spatula. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead–the goal is to bring the dough together in under 12 turns of kneading. Once the dough has just come together, pat it out into desired thickness (go for a rough circle to cut triangles, makes about 8), cut with a biscuit cutter and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each scone with egg wash and sprinkle with coconut. Bake in the center of the oven for 10-13 minutes or until tops and bottoms are just golden and scones are baked through.

 

 

 

 

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Maple-Pumpkin Granola

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Sometimes, when stressed and trying not to eat a whole pizza worth of feelings, I turn to something crunchy. It’s just so dang satisfying and if I’m going to eat my feelings, my jaw should have to work a little for it.

Enter granola. I tend to make it pretty healthful–reaching for honey or maple in place of plain sugar, and filling it with plenty of seeds and nuts for texture and interest. Granola can be as plain-jane as you want it or as crazy as you’d like–it’s versatile that way. This batch is flavored with lots of maple for sweetness and fragrance, olive oil encourages maximum crunchiness, pumpkin makes a subtle earthy appearance, warm spices and toasty nuts + seeds add depth, thick-rolled oats add great chewy-crunchy texture. This granola makes a great pair sprinkled over yogurt or swimming in a bowl of milk. It’s also great, out of hand, for crunching through some stress.

Maple-Pumpkin Granola

Adapted from this recipe. 

I use Bob’s Red Mill Thick Rolled Oats here, which I find at any supermarket in the natural foods section. I like the more substantial chew of these particular oats, but any brand you like works just as well. The pumpkin isn’t front-and-center in this recipe, it’s mostly a background flavor, as the puree softens the oats and works against that crunchy texture so beloved in granola. Also, I added a variety of seeds and nuts–I usually just add whatever is left over from other recipes–feel free to switch them up or omit as desired. 

3 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup raw walnuts

1/2 cup raw almonds

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

3 Tablespoons flax seeds

3 Tablespoons sesame seeds

pinch of salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 Tablespoons plain pumpkin puree

Preheat oven to 325*F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

In a large bowl combine oats, nuts, coconut, seeds, salt, and spices. In a large measuring cup whisk together maple, oil, vanilla, and pumpkin. Pour the maple-pumpkin mixture over the oats mixture and stir to coat well. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in an even layer and bake 15 minutes, stir, and continue to bake in 10-15 minutes intervals, stirring well between each, until the granola is uniformly golden and no longer moist. The granola will crisp a bit more as it cools. Store completely cooled granola in airtight containers for  1-2 weeks.

 

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Creamy Coconut Ice Pops {Plus, Giveaway!}

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First thing, these pops. They are easy going, laid back, summertime dudes. They are dairy free, egg free, gluten free, and totes vegan. I almost never try to make my food vegan, but sometimes it happens and it’s a total bonus. Second bonus, you can make these with just THREE ingredients, plus a tiny pinch of salt and spice.

These pops happened that way, I wanted to make an easy, frozen treat and since coconut milk is such a creamy-dream and super easy to find, I decided to make it into an ice pop. For extra goodness, I added a liberal amount of toasted coconut flakes and a pinch of cinnamon, since I find it amazing with toasty coconut, as well as pure maple syrup to sweeten the deal. The pops are super coconut-y, decadently creamy and sweet, and just a hint spicy. They are cooling, yet feel so indulgent…and are perfect for sharing with your coconut loving comrades.

Second thing…GIVEAWAY! This giveaway is just a few favorites that I love to bake with or just have around to fancy up my life. I purchased all of the items below from Bake It Pretty. You can enter this giveaway THREE times.

1. Leave me a comment, tell me what you’re obsessed with lately (I’m obsessed with ice pops, Game of Thrones, and pink nail polish, fyi…).

2. Follow me on Twitter and share this post…come back here and leave a comment to let me know!

3. Follow Hungry Girl por Vida on Facebook and share this post…come back here and leave a comment to let me know!

Please be sure to leave your email or a link to your own blog (if you have one), so I can contact you if you win. Giveaway closes on Tuesday, July 31st at midnight. Any entries after midnight will not be counted. I will choose a winner at random (via random.org) and announce the winner on my blog on Wednesday, August 1st. Good Luck!

And, HERE is what you can win…finally, jeez.

{PS…I won’t be responding to comments as-usual for this post since it’s a giveaway. Please feel free to email, tweet, or leave me a message on facebook if you have any pressing questions or comments.}

Creamy Coconut Ice Pops

Originally, I had the idea to use honey for the sweetener, but to keep it on the vegan side I used maple syrup instead. If you want to ensure vegan satisfaction, use 100% pure maple syrup. 

1 can coconut milk, stirred well

1/3 cup maple syrup

heaping 1/2 cup toasted coconut flake, unsweetened variety

tiny pinch each cinnamon and salt

Stir together all ingredients to combine well. Divide mixture among 6-7 popsicle molds and freeze for 30 minutes. Insert sticks and continue to freeze for at least 6 additional hours.

 

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Coconut Crumble w/ Summer Fruit & Vanilla Ice Cream

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Even though I complain about the heat and humidity for the entire summer–I’m a fun housemate–there are still times that I HAVE TO turn on the oven. If I didn’t, there wouldn’t be pies and crumbles made with the bounty of summertime fruit that I just can’t resist buying.

While pies take a touch more time and care, and though they are always worth the effort, a crumble is an easy, laid back reminder that summer baking can be done without much fuss and with ingredients that are often already on hand. You can really use any fruit you like for the filling and the topping can take any number of mix-ins, or can be kept simple with just flour, sugar, salt, and butter. I love a crumble topping with lots of texture and this one delivers with chewy oats and toasty coconut. The warm richness of the topping pairs so nicely with the off-tart flavors of plum, raspberries, and blueberries.

Coconut Crumble w/ Summer Fruit

Feel free to use any mixture of fruit, I had about 4 1/2 cups and only sweetened it lightly, as the topping and ice cream are both a sweet compliment to the tartness of the fruit. 

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

pinch of salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

6 Tablespoons butter, cubed

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and work butter into the mixture with fingertips until you have coarse crumbs–some sandy bits and some that stick together in chunks. Set in refrigerator while you assemble the filling.

2 plums, seeded and sliced

8 ounces raspberries, rinsed and dried

12 ounces blueberries, rinsed and dried

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1/4 cup sugar

Preheat the oven to 375*F.

Combine all ingredients for the filling in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine. Scrape the fruit mixture into a 8-inch pie dish and top with refrigerated crumble. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the juices are bubbling.

Vanilla Ice Cream

adapted from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home

If you don’t have a vanilla bean, use 2-3 teaspoons of extract. 

2 cups milk

1 vanilla bean, split and seeded

4 teaspoons cornstarch

1 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

3 Tablespoons (1/5oz) cream cheese, soft

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of milk with the cornstarch, set slurry aside. Set the cream cheese in a large bowl with a mesh strainer over the top. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan heat remaining milk with the cream and vanilla beans + pod. Heat to a simmer, cover, and remove from heat. Let steep for 30 minutes. Remove the vanilla pod from the milk mixture and add sugar, corn syrup, and salt,  reheat to a low boil. Quickly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to boil, whisking, until thickened. Whisk a ladleful of the hot mixture into the cream cheese, before straining the remaining hot mixture into the cream cheese mixture and whisk to combine. Prepare an ice bath and pour the hot ice cream base into a large plastic bag. Chill bag in ice bath until cooled and process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturers instructions.

 

 

 

 

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Recipe: Chocolate Mendiants

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Tempering chocolate is one of those things that freaks me out.

Not the kind of freak-me-out that spiders induce–you know, the screaming, running, jumping kind–but rather, the kind that looms large on the horizon. The kind that chips aways at my brain, promising disaster, wasted pounds of ingredients, time, and mountains of frustration. The kind that I have always wanted to attempt, but always approached with such trepidation and nerves, that I have avoided it for years now.

The other day, I decided to go for it. It’s one of my goals of the year that I can now check off my list. Not that my list is long and/or difficult, but it feels like an accomplishment nonetheless. Tempering the chocolate gives the finished candies stability, an even, satiny appearance, and delightful snap when broken. I found an approachable technique on Martha Stewart’s website that worked really well for me. Instead of using the microwave–mine is in  an awkward area of my kitchen–I used the double boiler method. The heating pad trick is genius and instantly set my mind at ease, knowing there would be some insurance for keeping my painstaking efforts at temperature. Majorly big sigh.

These little gems are simplistic in composition. A disk of chocolate studded with fruits and nuts. Mendiants are a French confection, generally found around Christmas, but with Easter around the corner, I thought these would make a wonderful, adult-like treat in lieu of (or addition to!) chocolate eggs and bunnies.

Chocolate Mendiants

Technique found on Martha Stewart

Since the ingredient list here is simple, I would encourage using your favorite chocolate for these, as well as quality ingredients for nestling. You could certainly make these without tempering the chocolate, though you may find that you need to refrigerate to keep the candies hard. 

1 pound good quality chocolate–I used Callebaut

assorted nuts, fruits, salt for topping–I used blanched/toasted almonds, toasted hazelnuts, toasted coconut, candied orange peel (recipe here), and smoked sea salt

Cover a heating pad in a clean dish towel and set pad to lowest setting. Using a sharp knife, shave the chocolate. Prepare two baking sheets with parchment or silicone liners.

In a heatproof glass bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt 2/3 of the chocolate while stirring, until the chocolate registers 120F on an instant read thermometer.

Remove from heat and stir in remaining chocolate–I did this gradually–stirring, moving the mixture up the sides of the bowl and back down into the mixture until the temperature reads between 86-89F. To test the chocolate, drizzle a small amount onto a stainless steal surface–the chocolate should harden into a matte finish in about 5 minutes. Place the bowl on the heating pad and working quickly spoon level tablespoons full of chocolate onto lined baking sheets. Allow the chocolate to begin to set before studding with desired fruits, nuts, etc. Once completely set, chocolates can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

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Recipe: Coconut Oil Granola

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This is a far different breakfast post than the last. Rainbow doughnuts aren’t exactly the wisest of breakfast choices, but oats definitely can be.

We all know oats are a super healthful breakfast choice…the thing is, I kind of, sort of don’t love oatmeal. Not really at all. I know a lot of people that are big fans of the stuff, but I just can’t get with it. I can, however, get with granola. I think it’s the crunchy, toasty nature of the stuff that wins me over. Add in some nuts, spice, and any number of mix-ins and I’m sold.

This batch has is full of toasty coconut, as well as coconut oil, macadamias, sunflower seeds and almonds for nuttiness, chewy and sour dried cherries, a little lemon zest for brightness, a variety of spices for warmth, and honey for a little something sweet. There’s also a beaten egg white in there, making this granola the chunky variety. Granola comes together quickly and only requires a bit of baking and stirring before you have crunchy, golden brown goodness for topping yogurt or tossing into a cereal bowl with milk.

Coconut Oil Granola

Adapted from The Kitchn and this recipe.

You can switch up the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to your liking. You can also use olive oil instead of coconut. Chocolate chips even make a great mix-in, but should be added after baking and cooling.  

3 cups rolled oats

2/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup dried sour cherries

1 cup unsweetened coconut chips

pinch of salt

zest of 1 lemon

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon allspice

3/4 cup honey

1/2 cup coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg white, beaten

Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment.

In a large mixing bowl combine oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, cherries, coconut, salt, lemon zest, and spices, toss to combine well.

In a medium saucepan melt together honey and coconut oil, just to combine. Add vanilla, remove from heat and pour over oat mixture, stirring to combine and coat well. Add the egg white and mix to coat well. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in an even layer and bake 15 minutes, stir and continue to bake in 10 minute intervals, stirring between each until granola is uniformly golden. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking up and storing in an airtight container. If you do not allow it to cool completely the granola will not be chunky, but just as delicious still.

To make the yogurt granola cups start by macerating some berries in a bit of sugar to taste, spoon into the bottom of a clean jar, top with greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a handful of granola. If you use a jar with a lid, you can take this treat on the go.

 

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Recipe: Crunchy Coconut & Macadamia Topped Brownies

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 I love chocolate, it’s no secret. I love baking with it, it’s always a crowd pleaser. I love it’s depth, color, fragrance…it’s all good.

Sean doesn’t just love chocolate…he LOVES it. He craves it. If he’s had a stressful day, he will seek it out. I always have a stash in the pantry for him, I even make a point to put it on my grocery list. If his chocolate stash is running low, he will break into my chocolate chips and baking bars. When he gets his fix, his eyes roll back, there’s drooling, and sometimes a little moaning.

He’s a downright, certifiable, choco-monster.

Knowing this about my dear husband, I do a lot of baking with chocolate. His favorite chocolate baked treat is probably a brownie. I’ve made endless different recipes in the past, but my go-to is Alice Medrich’s Best Cocoa Brownie, from her book Bittersweet. I feel it truly is the best cocoa brownie–chewy, rich, with a little bit of crust up top–seriously divine.

I don’t just love these brownies because they are delightful, but also because they come together quickly and use one bowl.

Less dishes, more brownies.

These are the joys of life.

Sean will take a plain, un-studded brownie any day. No complaints…but, he also loves a brownie with all kinds of mix-ins and goodness up in its business. This works well for both of us since I prefer brownies with stuff. I like a plain brownie, but I love a brownie with some other textures and maybe a little salt going on.

These brownies have it all.

Crunchy, toasty, sweet coconut, salty macadamias, and the faintest hint of spice.

Oh, goodness. These are so good.

I may have eaten just the tops of a few.

Luckily, Sean was around to eat the bottoms…since he’s so indiscriminate about brownies and all.

We’re a good pair.

Best Cocoa Brownies w/ Crunchy Coconut & Macadamia Topping

This is the fusion of 2 brownie recipes. The crunchy top of one, imposed onto the basic base of another. I have made these using the original recipe for Coconut-Pecan Crusted Brownies, but I like Alice’s Best Cocoa Brownie better for the base. I just do. It’s just my favorite. 

These brownies are only made better by using some primo cocoa powder. I use Valrhona, it is hands down my ever-favorite cocoa powder. I order it online and always have a stash of it. I have never purchased it from a grocery store, but an okay, grocery store subsitute is Hershey’s Special Dark…but, I have to say, there’s nothing like Valrhona cocoa powder. And, no, Valrhona does not pay me to wax poetic about their product…they don’t know me, I’m just a fiend for it ;) 

10 Tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/4 cups sugar

3/4 cup, plus 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (natural or dutch process)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs, cold

1/2 cup flour

Preheat oven to 325F. To make bar shaped brownies, prepare an 8×8 pan by greasing and lining with parchment. To make brownie bites, line a mini-muffin tin with liners (makes about 30 minis).

Fashion a double boiler out of a saucepan and a large, heatproof mixing bowl. Add butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt–stir to combine until butter is melted and the mixture feels hot to the touch. Set aside and allow to cool to just warm.

Using a wooden spoon, stir in vanilla, then, add eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition. Add flour and combine. Once flour is incorporated, continue to stir vigorously for about 40 strokes. Pour into a prepared 8×8 baking pan or into lined mini-muffins cups. Set aside and make the topping.

for the topping:

3/4 cup sweetened, shredded coconut

3/4 cup chopped, salted macadamia nuts (if you have unsalted ones, just add a pinch of salt)

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

pinch of pumpkin pie spice

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

In a medium bowl combine all of the ingredients for the topping until everything is moistened with the melted butter. Either sprinkle topping over the batter in a pan or, using a teaspoon, heap spoonfuls onto minis.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownie comes out with a few sticky crumbs, but is not wet.

Allow to cool on a wire rack before cutting/eating.


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Announcement and a Recipe: Chocolate Cake + Coconut-Walnut Dulce de Leche Icing

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Last weekend was kind of a big deal. I have been avoiding writing about it all week. Writing it down makes it all really, real…and really, real means both really, exciting and really, scary. Do you get that?

My dear friend turned 27, I made her this cake, and…Sean, my husband, got a job offer. A good one. One that will be great for his career as an engineer. One that will move us across the country to Michigan. Somewhere I have never even been.

It’s exciting and a little bit sad. For the first time in 13 years I will not live within 5 minutes of my best friends. People I could not imagine my life without. As I type this, tears sting the corners of my eyes, and I can’t help but wonder if I can handle it. Our conversations jump from excited chatter about where I will live, the new things to discover, and promises of visits…to the sobering reality that they won’t be moments away. Coffee and lunch dates will be missed and crafting and art projects done separately. But, I remind myself people do this all of the time, under much more serious and dire circumstances. When my mom was my age she had 2 kids, lived in a foreign country, and lost her husband to a tragic accident. Moving for a new job is cause for celebration and I count my stars.

I know I am a lucky girl. Lucky to have friends that are more than family. Lucky to have a great family. Lucky to have an amazing, supportive husband. Lucky to be able to afford a simple, yet beautiful life. Lucky to be able to dream and do what I like. Lucky, that despite these dire economic times, my husband found an excellent job, in his field, in a time when so many others cannot.

I couldn’t be more thrilled, excited, anxious, and scared at once.

I remind myself,

Homesickness ain’t nothin’, girl…plus, I have chocolate cake.

 

Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Walnut Dulce de Leche

Cake recipe adapted from Bittersweet

I used Valrhona cocoa, which is Dutch-processed. To assemble the cake as I have above, I baked the cake in an 8inch-square pan. After cooling, I cut the cake in half before dividing each half into layers…which resulted in the rectangular cake you see above :)

1 cup +2 Tablespoons sugar

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs (cold)

1 large egg white (cold)

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a measuring cup, combine milk with espresso powder and vanilla. Stir to combine and set aside.

In the bowl of a mixer combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.

Add butter, whole (cold) eggs and egg white, to the dry mixture. Mix on medium-high for 2 minutes (set a timer). Scrape the bowl and add the milk mixture. Continue to mix batter on medium-high for 2 more minutes.

Scrape batter into a prepared pan (either a 6 cup capacity tube pan or an 8in-square pan). Bake for 30-40 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Dulce de Leche Coconut-Walnut “Frosting”

This is not so much a recipe for frosting as it is opening 2 cans of Dulce de Leche and mixing in coconut + walnuts. You can find prepared Dulce de Leche in the “Latin Foods” section of most well-stocked super markets.

2-14 ounce cans prepared Dulce de Leche

1 1/2 cups shredded coconut (I used both sweetened and unsweetened…cause I had them both in the cupboard)

1 1/2 cups walnut pieces (or other nut, pecans would be lovely)

Open both cans of dulce de leche and place in a medium saucepan. Melt dulce de leche until it is smooth and easy to stir. Add in coconut and walnuts. Stir to combine and allow to cool before spreading. I found that the slightly warm dulce de leche mixture spreads best…meaning, cooled completely it was a little tough to spread.

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Recipe: Coconut-Almond Macaroons

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I’ve been on a bit of a coconut binge lately. I love the distinct nuttiness and chew. It began with the raised coconut doughnut from DoughBoys. That freaking doughnut dominates my thoughts and I would gladly eat one everyday of the week. But, alas, I cannot if I want to live past the age of 30. My heart thanks me.

To quell my cravings, I decided to make these insanely simple coconut-almond macaroons. Whoa buddy, not only are these delicious (and gluten-free by default), they took minutes to make. You simply whisk an egg white with some sugar, then throw in coconut and chopped almonds. There’s also some vanilla and a pinch of salt, but really…those are minor details.

These cookies are soft and chewy in the center, crisp and nutty on the outside and full of coarse bits of almond. If you were feeling extra decadent, you could dip the bottoms in melted dark chocolate, though I think they are perfect as is.


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