CocoNUTS

Have YOU ever tried to make something with a fresh coconut? Yeah...me either. So, here's a tutorial on what to do with a coconut, courtesy of the one we received today in our Bountiful Basket. Luckily, Jared and Sariah were both up for the task!

FIRST: Pole 3 holes in the top with a screw driver, an ice pick, or something similar. The coconut has 3 dark dots on one of its ends, kind of like a bowling ball. That's the spot where you want to be!

SECOND: Drain out the coconut milk. Or, as Sariah put it, let the coconut take a pee. Use the coconut milk in a coconut cream pie, freeze it, or use for a salmon glaze.

THIRD: Use the 3 holes you just poked as your reference point. Have them be your north pole. Take a hammer, and gently tap around the "equator" of your coconut. After a few rounds, it will just break open naturally.

FOURTH: Bake at 350 degrees for 7 minutes. This allows the meat to start to peel away from the shell. With a spoon, separate the meat from the shell.


FIFTH: Enlist your husband, bribe him with whatever you see fit (and be creative!) and ask him to shred the entire thing for you. Using a cheese grater is brilliant!

SIXTH: Bag it, freeze it, coconut cream pie, coconut shrimp, toast it - the possibilities are endless!


I have to say that I love getting Bountiful Baskets because it forces you to use fresh produce that you normally wouldn't buy for yourself. Jared and Sariah had a great time and I can't wait to use it!!

And I now I more sincerely appreciate the toasted, shredded coconut that you buy in the store that's already done for you!