Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Trader Joe's Roasted Coconut Chips are Back!

Just had to report a sighting! I spotted (and hoarded) some bags of Trader Joe's Coconut Chips today after some people commented that they might be out of stock. I am happy to report that the Alameda Trader Joe's has the Coconut Chips back in stock! YAY!!!


Sunday, November 4, 2012

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice is pure heaven in a bowl:  creamy, slightly sweet, slightly salty...completely yummy!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 cups jasmine rice (washed)
1 (13.5 oz) can of coconut milk
2.5 cups of water or as much water is necessary for the water level to reach your middle finger knuckle
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
Fried shallots for garnish

Heat coconut oil in large dutch oven pot. Add rice and coat with oil to toast lightly. Add coconut milk and water (pour water in coconut milk can to get every bit of milk out). Add salt and sugar. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer; cover and cook for 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat and let rice sit 10 minutes and fluff with fork or chopsticks when ready to serve. I had to gently mix the rice with a rice paddle a bit because some of the coconut milk mixture settled on the top. I should have cooked it a little longer than 40 minutes, but after it sat for a while, the rice was perfect. Jasmine rice is so fragrant and wonderful on its own, but cooking it in coconut milk just gilds the lily!

*To make fried shallots, simply slice shallots thinly. Fill a small pot with grapeseed oil and add shallots on low heat. This will take about 30-40 minutes to bring up to temperature and fry slowly on low heat. If you add shallots to hot oil, they will singe up almost immediately and burn. So, be patient and these will fry up gently and eventually get nice and crisp. When the shallots are golden and crispy, remove and place on paper towel to absorb oil. Sprinkle with salt. Set aside for garnish for coconut rice.

Coconut rice is a great snack all on its own or makes a nice side for almost any meal. It really makes your dinner feel special and extra tasty!