Tag Archives: coconut

Pink-a-Colada

Today is officially my last day at my job. I wish I could tell you that I’m going to be able to work full-time on this blog which would make me so happy but that’s not the case. Here’s the short of it: my office was relocated from Philadelphia to Connecticut and I didn’t want to make the move. Fortunately, I’m taking a new job starting Monday. The past year and nine months since we’ve known about the move have been stressful, gut wrenching and tiring. Watching friends and co-workers leave to go to other jobs was sad. Watching everyone getting packed up and spending the last week in an empty office was even sadder. So because of our “end” and because the summer heat is in full force, why not celebrate it all with a fruity, coconuty cocktail like these Pink-a-Coladas?

Cranberry juice, coconut water, pineapple juice and coconut rum are mixed together for a perfectly summery sweet warm weather cocktail. I’m not the biggest fan of coconut water and since the rum is already strong enough, I’m not really sure it’s necessary. Don’t worry if you don’t have some. Coconut rum and pineapple juice is already so good together but adding in some tart cranberry juice cuts down some of the sweetness which makes these cocktails go down waaaaaay too easily. As bittersweet as my job’s move has been, I don’t know what else to do but just raise my glass and say…Cheers! Here’s to new beginnings.

The ingredients:

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large pitcher.

Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

Additions: None

Omissions: None

Substitutions: None

Overall Rating: Love It

Source: Coastal Living Magazine

Easy Granola

April 23, 2012
Shannon
2 comments
almonds, coconut, dried fruit, food, oatmeal

Spur of the moment trips are always the best. I was at work on Thursday when I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and take Friday off. When I talked to my friend who lives close by, she said she was headed to Chicago over the weekend for a meeting. “Take me with you!” I exclaimed. Next thing I know, I booked a flight and jetted off to my favorite city for an impromptu weekend trip. After I’d packed and was killing time before heading to the airport, I decided to make a quick snack that would not only be great for the flight but could easily be tossed in our bags as we roamed the Second City.

Easy Granola is nutty, slightly sweet, slightly salty and well, easy! Oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, and coconut are mixed together with syrup and a little canola oil and baked until golden brown. Dried fruit added at the end provides a sweet, tart, and chewy delicious touch. I used a combination of almonds and pecans since I had them on hand so feel free to use any combination of nuts like walnuts, macadamia, cashews, etc. I also used less coconut since I only had sweetened coconut on hand and didn’t want this too sweet. I used dried cherries but any dried fruit – cranberries, blueberries, apricots – would be delicious. And lastly, I substituted blue agave syrup for the maple syrup since I had that on hand also. This is such a versatile recipe that any combination of nuts, fruit and syrup with make this a delicious snack. Keep this stored in an airtight container to eat as a snack or toss in with yogurt or over ice cream. This kept us going all weekend!

The ingredients:

Combine all of the ingredients, except dried fruit, in a pan or bowl and toss until well combined. (I didn’t read the directions correctly and added the dried fruit here. It worked out okay but try to add the fruit at the end.)

Spread mixture onto a large baking sheet and bake in a 350° F oven for 25 minutes.

Toss the mixture once during baking so the edges don’t burn.

Add in the dried fruit and allow mixture to cool before storing in an airtight container.

Additions: None

Omissions: None

Substitutions:

Pecans and almonds
Blue agave syrup
Sunflower seeds

Overall Rating: Like It

Source: Real Simple Magazine

Hello Dollys

I’m sure you’ve had these before but maybe you don’t know them by the name Hello Dollys. These are nothing more than seven-layer bars but my mom always called them Hello Dollys so I can’t call them anything else. There is nothing different here than your normal seven layer bars but they are a holiday favorite of mine and the only time of year I make these. It’s nothing more than layers of butter, graham crackers, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, walnuts, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut baked until lightly browned. While I make these with the traditional ingredients, one thing I love is that you can mix it up with whatever suits your fancy. Don’t like butterscotch? Try peanut butter chips or white chocolate. Don’t like walnuts? Try almonds or pecans. These are decadent, rich, gooey little pieces of heaven so enjoy every bite.