coconut

Every so often I come across a simple recipe and wonder — why on earth didn't I think of that?! While browsing a recent issue of Bon Appétit, this was the case with frozen chocolate-dipped bananas. Frozen chocolate banana Popsicle are a fave, but, with their variety of toppings, these bites are even better!

The banana bites are quick to make and once the dipping and coating starts, things get messy. Kids would have a great time preparing them.

Toasted hazelnuts, shredded coconut, crushed creme-filled cookies. and chocolate covered pretzels were my toppings of choice. Be sure to remove the bites from the freezer at least 10 minutes before serving, so the frozen banana can slightly soften. If you have extra candy from Easter lying around, melt it down or crush it up to get started on your own scrumptious banana bites! For the recipe, read more

Everyday chicken doesn't have to be boring, especially when using exotic ingredients.

With its coconut milk, fresh ginger, and fish sauce, this recipe is inspired by Thailand. It's surprisingly quick to make — you simply boil the sauce components and toss in the chicken pieces — and delicious to eat.

If you dislike cilantro, substitute finely chopped basil. For the recipe, read more

For my uncle's birthday, I always bake him a German chocolate cake. However, this year I was bored with the regular old recipe and decided to try something new. Inspired by the classic Hostess Cupcakes, I created a rich German chocolate variation. First, I baked a moist chocolate cupcake. Next, I filled it with a coconut-pecan mixture. Finally, I topped it with a luscious layer of chocolate ganache.

Although the cake, ganache, and filling are simple to make, assembling the cupcake is more difficult. I tried using a pastry bag to stuff the center of the cupcakes, but quickly realized the pecans were too large and clogged the tip. Determined to fill the cakes, I used my finger to create a small cavity on the bottom of each cupcake and gently placed the filling inside. Any minor cracks were covered with thick a layer of ganache, so luckily, none of my guests noticed! To make your own scrumptious Hostess-inspired German chocolate cupcakes, read more

• Few things are simpler, less expensive, and more satisfying than homemade shortbread. — Los Angeles Times
• Restaurants, facing dire consequences, are now willing to bend over backwards for customers. — New York Times
• How has the classic martini transformed itself over the years? — Washington Post
• Coconut comes in different varieties; pick the sweetness and texture that suits your palate. — The Oregonian
• This Winter welcome the earthy, bittersweet flavors of radicchio into your kitchen. — San Francisco Chronicle
• Did you know that avocados are better sipped than dipped? — Chicago Tribune
• This Valentine's Day, give in to the allure of complex chocolate desserts. — Boston Globe

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I've been dreaming of classic Christmas desserts, so this holiday, I thought I'd bake a bûche de Noël. Rather than opting for excessive designs and detailed accessories, I made a modern cake roll that looked (and felt) effortless. My guests couldn't get enough of the moist, light mocha sponge cake, which was a nice contrast to the sweet and nutty German chocolate filling. Impress your guests when you read more

Couscous is a staple common to North African cuisine. Instead of serving it as a savory part of my dinner menu, I decided to use it to make a sweet dessert. Most people have had rice or bread pudding, but the majority of my guests have yet to experience couscous pudding.

This variation is made with fluffy whipped cream, sautéed bananas, and fresh pineapple. This type of dessert is ideal for a dinner party because it can be made well in advance. To take a look at the recipe, read more

Passover begins this weekend and that means macaroon time. If you're looking for a more traditional recipe than the recipe I posted last year for Almond Macaroons, then check out this recipe. This recipe is a bit more traditional since these macaroons are made with shredded coconut, sliced almonds, and egg whites. Plus they're cholesterol free (yes, coconut is cholesterol free). Shredded coconut and sliced almonds add a little fiber to these cookies, which we all could use.

To check out the recipe, just read more

Cream pies are one of my favorite types of desserts. Refreshingly cool, with a smooth filling, and pillows of whipped cream, they are absolutely delicious. This recipe takes the classic cream pie and turns it into a more portable bar. The best thing about these coconut cream bars is that no pastry dough is needed. The crust is a mixture of shortbread cookies and coconut, while the filling is a coconut custard, and the topping is sweet whipped cream. Doesn't it sound divine? Wait until you read the recipe! Do so now when you read more

If you love the way that chocolate and coconut pair together, then you should definitely take a stab at making your own chocolate covered coconut burfi. It looks relatively simple and absolutely delicious, I can't wait to give it a try. — Mahanandi