Coconut Palms

I recently found a few pictures that bring out the tropics in us all. Coconut palms, sea green water, beautiful warm surroundings and your toes in the sand. Only thing missing is a fishing pole and a beer in your hand.

Hope you enjoy.

Credits for the pictures go to:
Alessandro Pataro,
Images can be copied for personal or private use. For any other use, just ask for my permission, Thanks :) ale@pataro.org

Beer Battered Coconut Shrimp

Beer Battered Coconut Shrimp

Since our taste buds tingle when coconut is mentioned, why not treat yourself to one of the all time favorite appetizers. It’s easier than you think and you don’t necessarily need a deep fryer.

Perfect for a evening outside, by the BBQ or for football season fast approaching!

Coconut Flakes

Try a natural foods store for bulk dried coconut flakes.

In Fort Myers you can try Ada’s Natural foods

Most carry dry non sweetened coconut flakes - Also makes for a great snack.

What you’ll find here.

One easy recipe for Batter

Two recipes for Dipping

Ingredients - Batter

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons Essence, plus more for dusting (Emerils Southwest Essence)
• 1 1/4 cups beer ( your choice)
• 2 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes (finely shredded- see pics)
• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and de-veined, with tails left on (26-30 per pound)

Directions

In a deep saute pan or pot, heat the oil to 360 degrees F.

Combine the flour, sugar, and Essence in a medium bowl. Slowly add the beer and whisk to form a smooth batter. Place the coconut flakes in a shallow bowl.

One at a time, holding them by the tail, dip the shrimp into the batter to coat, then dredge in the coconut, turning to coat evenly and pressing to make the flakes adhere.

Fry in batches in the oil until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with Essence.

Easy dipping sauce

• ½ cup orange marmalade
• 2 tsp stone ground mustard ( whole seed type)
• 1tsp horseradish
• dash salt

Mango-Orange Chutney:

Dipping sauce – 30min prep

Very tasty, could be a little sweeter so we added some agave to sweeten it up. BAM!

• 2 large seedless oranges
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onions
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno peppers
• 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 2 cups diced mango
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest

Cut away the peel and pith from the oranges, and segment over a bowl to catch the juices.

In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, curry, salt, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the mango and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add the orange segments, vinegar, sugar, and zest, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 20 to 25 minutes.

Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning, to taste. Pour into a decorative bowl and let cool completely before serving.

Yield: about 2 cups

Hope you enjoy the tropical flavor of coconut and the variety it adds to food!

If you have a recipe???? Please share.

FL Coconuts craft show

So we went to the craft show,


Weather; was great 86 and sunny with only one little sprinkle. Awesome!!

We had a good time meeting other venders and were able to see many great ideas along with some unique pottery and wonderful art from a vender that traveled all the way from Arizona.
We were able to get some ideas for a future tent setup.

Many people liked the coconut idea, thought it was a cool idea, cute and unique. All in all it was a good experience.

Hope you enjoy!

Nice Set of Coconuts

We will be doing our first art show this weekend and look forward to see what the reaction to coconut decor is in the Minnesota area.

Coconut Palm (Cocos Nucifera)

In the beginning;

Our family eats a lot of coconut and feeling somewhat wasteful we wanted to use all of the coconut in a responsible earth friendly way.
Why not make something from the coconut shell? ! ! !
That's how we got started.
I mentioned this idea to a few friends and family, and received many replies.
Here are a few - I'll leave the names out.

* "Ya and then you could make coconut bikini tops". ( 0 k? ) Come on its probably the first thing most individuals think about.

* "OHHH "- ( translated) That seems like a tacky idea.

" I'm gonna call you coo coo for coconuts." That is tacky. ha ha

We have had fun with the idea and after producing many different items, have found that this is a fairly elegant decor for wherever you may choose to use our items.

With that being said, my friend who thought it was a tacky idea was pleasantly surprised and wanted a soap dish for the bathroom. My pleasure!

Maybe I am a little COO COO
Maybe we carry a product titled " NICE SET OF COCONUTS"
But you will not see us selling coconut bikinis!

Hope you enjoy, please leave us a note, comment, or question.
Sorry we are not accepting complaints at this time - check back yesterday if you feel like complaining.