No-Bake Energy Bites

It seems like forever ago, a friend, Alison, posted a recipe on Facebook for these No-Bake Energy Bites and we thought they would be a hit with Maisie.  That thought was immediately confirmed when Alison shared some of the ones she made with Maisie and she begged to make them that very night!  We have made these bites numerous times and they’re still a requested favorite.  They are simple to make and hold up well in her lunch and gym snack bags. 

The original recipe came from Maggie’s blog, Smashed Peas & Carrots, where she states “You can substitute almost anything for any of the ingredients to work around food allergies, special diets, etc. Soybutter, almond butter, cashew butter, sun butter, etc all works in place of peanut butter. You can use creamed or liquid honey, or agave nectar or even maltitol syrup in place of the honey. If you do not like or cannot eat coconut try some type of crushed cereal, wheat germ, whole wheat flour, granola, cocoa powder...the possibilities are really endless. If you cannot find ground flaxseed you can buy it whole and grind it yourself in a coffee grinder or magic bullet or you can substitute any other dry ingredient in it's place. Yes, the mini chocolate chips can be regular sized or carob or you can use raisins, cranberries, goji berries, or crushed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, whatev) of some kind.”  We have stuck to the recipe below because it’s a winner in Maisie’s book but if you try other options, let us know what you did and how they turned out!

No-Bake Energy Bites  (from here)

• 1 cup oatmeal 
• 1/2 cup peanut butter  (or other nut butter)
• 1/3 cup honey  
• 1 cup coconut flakes  
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed   
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate bits  
• 1 tsp vanilla 

In a medium bowl, mix everything above together until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Enjoy!

Coquito ~ Puerto Rican Eggnog

Yet another holiday treat, finally being posted in April! 

Many years ago we attended a Christmas party where the most popular drink being poured was coquito.  The coquito was smooth, creamy, delicious and honestly you’d swear it didn’t have much, if any, alcohol…until you tried to stand up and walk and then it hit you!   Since that party, this delicious drink has replaced traditional eggnog in our home, making an appearance most holiday seasons.  Coquito is simple to make, but be sure to prepare it at least 24 hours ahead so that the flavors have time to meld perfectly together.  If you’d like to make an alcohol-free version just replace the rum with coconut water.

Coquito ~ Puerto Rican Eggnog

• 1 15-oz. can cream of coconut 
• 1 13.5-oz. can coconut milk 
• 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 12-oz. can evaporated milk
• 8-16 oz. rum, amount based on preference, can use white, gold, dark or spiced rum (or 8 oz. coconut water for an alcohol free version)
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
• pinch of ground allspice
• 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• roasted cinnamon for garnish

Add all the ingredients except the roasted cinnamon, to the jar of a blender and process until smooth and blended.  Pour the contents into bottles and refrigerate for at least a few hours, preferably over night, allowing the flavors to blend.  Shake bottles well before serving.  Serve the coquito cold, as small portions, dusted with some roasted cinnamon. 

Enjoy!

Coconut Crusted Tilapia in a Coconut Garlic Lemon Sauce

A fast but fancy, perfect for family or company, delicious way to enjoy tilapia or other white flaky fish.  The fish cooks quickly in a pan making a crunchy delicious crust while keeping the fish moist and tender.  The coconut milk adds a creaminess to the strong lemon garlic sauce without adding dairy so perfect for everyone in our home with diets and allergies.  Interestingly we all love this fish freshly made but I think we like it even better the second day.  Got to love easy leftovers! 

Coconut Crusted Tilapia in a Coconut Garlic Lemon Sauce

• 1 lb. tilapia filets, or white flaky fish of your choice
• 1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt 
• fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 c. arrowroot powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 c. water
• 1/2 c. unsweetened shredded coconut 
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt
• 2-3 TBS. coconut oil

Sauce

• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 14 oz. can coconut milk 
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced
• Himalayan salt
• fresh ground pepper

Rinse and with paper towels, pat dry the filets and then season with 1/2 tsp. salt and fresh cracked pepper. Set aside.  Prepare 3 shallow bowls.  In the first mix the arrowroot, garlic and onion powders. In the second bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and water together. In the third bowl, mix the shredded coconut, paprika, thyme, and 1/2 tsp. salt.

In a large skillet, melt 1-2 TBS. of coconut oil over medium-high heat. Lightly dredge the fish in the arrowroot mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip the fish in the egg mixture and finally dredge it in the coconut mixture, again shaking off any excess.  Lay the filet carefully in the hot pan. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

Cook until you see the edges of the filets turn opaque and the bottom crust is golden brown and crispy, then carefully turn the filets allowing the second side to crisp and brown.  Do not over-cook as you want to keep the fish moist.  Add additional coconut oil if necessary. Once cooked, remove the fish to a plate.

In the hot pan add the minced garlic and sauté quickly until fragrant but not browned.  Add the lemon juice and stir in any remaining crunchy bits in the pan.  Add the coconut milk and stir well.  Simmer the sauce until reduced and it thickly coats the back of a spoon.  Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley and season to taste with salt & pepper.  Plate the fish and top with the sauce.

This was served with a delicious and perfect accompaniment, Coconut Carrot Soufflé, click on the link for the recipe.

Enjoy!

Coconut Carrot Soufflé

A delicious personal-sized side dish or grab-and-go snack.  These petite soufflés have all the flavor of carrot cake with the texture of a light baked custard.  With no added sugar it’s decadence with none of the guilt!

Coconut Carrot Soufflé (adapted from here)

• 1 lb. carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 cups 100% carrot juice
• 1/4 cup coconut butter
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. ground vanilla
• pinch of Himalayan salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. unsweetened shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350F.  Line six muffin cups or custard cups (placed on a baking sheet) with foil cupcake liners.  Place the carrots and carrot juice in a pot and bring to a simmer.  Cover partially and cook until the carrots are very tender.  Remove the lid and bring to a boil.  Cook until all of the carrot juice has been absorbed and evaporated.  Add the carrots and all the other ingredients except for the shredded coconut to a food processor or blender and process until smooth.  Divide the batter equally between the six cups.  Sprinkle the shredded coconut on the tops of the carrot batter.  Bake for 30 minutes, until slightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Allow to cool slightly and then remove the foil liner.  Enjoy hot or cold.  Reheats easily in the microwave.

Enjoy!

Paradise Mango Curried Shrimp

It’s Secret Recipe Club time again and after missing last month because we were away for a few weeks on a transatlantic cruise, it’s great to be back!  This month I was assigned the Chef & the Lucky Wife’s blog, The Saturday Evening Pot.  As always I was excited to get my assignment and as usual, it was terribly difficult to pick a recipe to make and feature.  In the end it came down to Maisie and my wanting to make a meal that she would eat and love.  Maisie adores shrimp and rice so the Chef’s Paradise Shrimp over Jasmine Rice had all the makings of a meal that we all would enjoy and it was Maisie “safe”, no wheat, egg or dairy. 

I did of course make a few little changes to the Chef’s recipe because when do I ever make a recipe as written?  First off I changed the rice from Jasmine Rice to Saffron rice, just because that’s what Maisie requested.  In the Chef’s recipe he uses mango juice and mandarin oranges but I had some fresh mangoes in the house so I skipped the mandarin oranges and just used the fresh mango in its place.  I also decided to add a bit more spice to the recipe by upping the allspice and adding some hot Jamaican curry powder.  My final little ingredient change was that I used cilantro instead of parsley, because that’s what I had in the house, and I added a bit of toasted unsweetened coconut as a garnish. 

The meal was loved by all of us and even using the hot Jamaican curry powder, there was just the slightest kick, not too spicy for even Maisie.  For something even less spicy use regular Jamaican curry powder or, check out the original recipe over on the Chef & Lucky Wife’s blog.

Paradise Mango Curried Shrimp (adapted from here) 

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, raw, peeled and de-veined
• 2 TBS. olive oil 
• 1/8 cup finely minced onion
• 1 14-ounce can lite coconut milk 
• 1 1/2 cups 100% pure mango juice
• 1/2 tsp. allspice 
• 1 tsp. hot Jamaican curry powder (can substitute mild but use Jamaican curry powder)
• 1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper 
• sea salt to taste
• 1 package Saffron rice, uncooked
• 2 TBS. unsweetened coconut, toasted
• 1 mango, diced
• (to garnish) cilantro, chopped

Cook rice according to package directions and set aside.

Peel and de-vein (if necessary) shrimp, keep cool, and set aside.   Heat a 10-inch covered, deep skillet over medium heat.   Add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté lightly, until the onion is softened but not browned.  Add the allspice & curry powder and continue cooking for approximately one minute, stirring continuously, until fragrant.  Turn heat to low and add the coconut milk, mango juice, pepper & salt.  Stir to blend well and bring the poaching mixture to a simmer.  

Add the raw shrimp to the poaching liquid, cover tightly and immediately remove from the heat.  Allow the shrimp to poach for 15 minutes, until cooked through.  Once the shrimp is cooked, remove the shrimp from the poaching liquid, cover and set aside.  Turn the heat to high and allow the poaching liquid to reach a boil.  Stirring constantly, reduce the poaching liquid until it thickly covers the back of a spoon.  Add the shrimp back into the thickened poaching liquid and quickly toss to coat the shrimp. 

Portion the rice onto 4 plates and top with the shrimp.  Add the thickened poaching liquid, diced mango, cilantro & toasted coconut.

Enjoy!

My previous Secret Recipe Club Recipe Posts: 

Laura Goodenough’s Apple Coffee Cake 
Loaded Potato Soup
Lemon Almond Biscotti 
Creamy Mints 
Thai Peanut Noodles with Chicken 
Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings 
Fried Green Tomatoes 
Chicken Satay Noodle Salad 
Double Chocolate Mousse Cake 
Candied Popcorn
Fruit, Nut & Poppy Seed Chicken Salad 
Broiled Sushi 
Health(ier) Peanut Brittle 
Crunchy Fudgy Heart Bites 
Texas Chicken with Lime Butter 
Pork Belly Soup with Collard Greens 
Thin Mint Irish Coffee 
Levain Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies 
Welsh Cakes 
Nutella Crêpes 
Cilantro Lime Chicken 
Holy Guacamole 
and
Home Style Chicken Curry

Curried Grilled Thai Chicken Salad

I know that it seems like I’ll never stop posting about the meal I made when friends Lisa, Doug & Briana came to visit, eat and play almost two weeks ago.  I’m telling you the food was delicious, Grilled Thai Chicken and it’s perfect complement, Thai Cucumber Salad with cukes fresh picked from the garden.  Then to satisfy my rib cravings, Chili Maple Mustard Ribs and my still un-posted chocolate dessert recipe which will post on Monday, July 9 as my Secret Recipe Club entry, well the meal all around was just delicious.  I did have quite the leftovers though and I easily froze the ribs but with the Grilled Thai Chicken I decided to make it into a curried chicken salad using flavors to compliment the marinade already grilled onto the chicken while using ingredients I had already in my pantry.  I made the recipe up as I went along but I’m so pleased that I had the sense to write it down as I went along as this chicken was absolutely wonderful and a huge hit with both Eammon and I.  I know that I’ll be making this salad again even using plain grilled chicken breasts if I don’t have leftover Grilled Thai Chicken breasts because this salad was the bomb!

I would have had this recipe posted sooner but between Maisie’s always busy schedule and the fact that I have been suffering with a major sinus infection and a wicked ~going on five days already~ migraine, well just staying up and out of bed with my eyes open is a huge accomplishment for the day when I can do it…but trust me, this recipe was worth the wait and I hope that you’ll give it a try.

Curried Grilled Thai Chicken Salad 

• 3-4 leftover Grilled Thai Chicken breasts, small dice (or leftover grilled skinless, boneless chicken breasts)
• 1/2 c. Hellmann’s real mayonnaise 
• 1/2 c. sour cream (I prefer Breakstone Sour Cream)
• 2 TBS. Major Grey chutney 
• 1 TBS. Jamaican curry powder 
• 1 Granny Smith apple, small dice
• 1/4 c. golden raisins 
• 2 TBS. finely minced cilantro
• 1/4 c. slivered almonds, toasted
• 2 TBS. unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted

In a large bowl mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chutney & curry powder.  Add the diced chicken, diced apple, raisins & cilantro.  Using a large spoon, mix everything together until well blended.  Top the chicken salad with the toasted almonds and Coconut.  For myself, I served the chicken salad on full leaves of romaine lettuce so that the whole thing could be rolled into a little wrap.  For Eammon I took the entire serving above, lettuce and all and put it onto some toasted multi-grain bread and he enjoyed it as a sandwich.  So many options and all delicious.

Enjoy!

Laksa

There are dozens of different varieties of laksa and I’ve enjoyed many of them but recently I just had a flavor profile in my mind and no recipe so I got creative and the outcome, totally delicious!  Don’t let the long list of ingredients scare you off, this is really simple to make and what’s nice is that when you serve it, everyone can pick out their favorite toppings to add to the bowl. It would be fun to serve at a party, instead of a taco bar or chili bar, it could be a laksa bar.   We really enjoyed the contrast between the spicy hot laksa and the crisp cold veggies.

 Laksa

Soup:
2 TBS shrimp paste (belacan)
15  large shallots, peeled and quartered
2 large red peppers, stem & seeds removed, quartered 
10 small Thai green chili peppers, stems removed
2 heads of garlic, cloves peeled
24 oz. coconut cream
28 oz. coconut milk
6 cups cheaters chicken soup
1 scotch bonnet pepper, stem & seeds removed but left whole
8 oz. yellow soybean sauce
8 oz. tamarind paste
2 TBS. fish sauce
2 lbs. large shrimp, peeled with tail left on, cleaned & deveined
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
dried rice noodle vermicelli (mie hoen)

Toppings: (below are what we used but any fresh veggie works)
garlic chives, tops left long and stems chopped
mung bean sprouts
cucumber, peeled and seeds removed, julienned
mushrooms, sliced
orange and yellow sweet peppers, julienned
scallions, sliced
cilantro

(Some of the less common ingredients so if you go shopping you’ll know what to look for.)

Crumble the shrimp paste onto a foil lined pan and roast in the oven @ 350F for 8-10 minutes until it is dry and crumbly.  Add the roasted shrimp paste, shallots, red peppers, Thai chili peppers and garlic to a food processor and process to a fine paste then set aside. 

In a large pot melt the coconut cream being careful not to allow it to burn but do allow it to toast ever so slightly.  Once the coconut cream is melted and you can smell toasted coconut add the mixture from the food processor and stirring constantly cook for two minutes.  Add the coconut milk, chicken stock and scotch bonnet pepper and simmer on low, stirring often for 30 minutes.  

Meanwhile in a food processor add the soybean sauce, tamarind paste and fish sauce and process until smooth.  After the coconut mixture has simmered for 30 minutes add the soybean, tamarind mixture and stir to combine.  Simmer for five minutes and taste.  The soup should be gravy consistency thick, a little “gritty” in texture from the ground up vegetables and shrimp paste, spicy hot, a little sour, a bit sweet and slightly salty.  Add the shrimp to the simmering soup, stir, cover and immediately turn off the heat allowing the shrimp to poach.  After ten minutes remove the pot lid and check to see that the shrimp are cooked through.  Remove and discard the scotch bonnet pepper.  Add the chopped cilantro and stir to mix.

To make the noodles bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add the noodles, cover and remove from the heat.  After 3-4 minutes stir the noodles to separate them then drain and rinse and set aside covered.

To serve, put some noodles into a large bowl and ladle in some of the soup.  Top with your favorite nice chilled fresh veggies.

Enjoy!

Caribbean Clam Chowder with Corn

I go to this wonderful local sandwich shop and the lunch that I always order is their Fried Green Tomato Sandwich.  With your sandwich you get your choice of a side and my absolute favorite is their Caribbean Clam Chowder.  The problem is, while they always have the fried green tomato sandwich on the menu, the soup and side options change.  Though all their soup and side offerings are wonderful and delicious, just knowing that I’m going there makes me crave the chowder so when it’s not offered I’m disappointed.  Sometimes I really crave the chowder so the last time I was there I brought my portion home so that I could recreate it and have it any time I wanted.

Caribbean Clam Chowder with Corn

6 medium potatoes, peeled and quarter-inch dice 
12 oz. sliced bacon
3 TBS butter
6 jalapenos, seeds removed and finely minced
2 medium onions, finely minced
6 cloves of garlic, finely minced
3 - 12 oz. bags frozen sweet corn, thawed
3 - 8 oz. bottles clam juice
6 - 10 oz. cans whole baby clams
1 scotch bonnet pepper, stem and seeds removed but kept whole
3 - 14 oz. cans lite coconut milk
1/3 cup chopped roasted red peppers
1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt or to taste
1 tsp fresh ground pepper or to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

In a large stock pot add enough water to boil your potatoes.  When the water reaches boiling, add your diced potatoes and boil until just tender.  Drain and set aside.  In the now empty stock pot, fry up the bacon until it is crispy.  Remove the bacon from the pot and dice it finely and set aside.  Leave the bacon fat in the pot and add the butter, jalapenos, onion and garlic and saute until all the vegetables are soft but do not allow them to brown or caramelize.  In a blender or food processor add one bottle of the clam juice and two bags of corn and process until quite smooth.  Once all the vegetables are soft add the processed clam juice & corn mixture, the two remaining bottles of clam juice, the juice from the cans of whole clams, the scotch bonnet pepper and the coconut milk.  Allow to simmer for 10 minutes.  Add the diced bacon, the remaining bag of corn, all the clams, the roasted red peppers, cayenne, salt & pepper and allow to return to a simmer for 3 minutes.  Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and discard.  Adjust cayenne, salt & pepper to taste.

Enjoy!!

Oatmeal Coconut Raspberry Bars

These are delicious lovely little bar cookies that are quick to put together and totally delicious!  What I especially love about these bars is that they freeze beautifully and you can eat them straight from the freezer and when you do they’re a bit chewy and oh-so yummy!

Oatmeal Coconut Raspberry Bars  

1 1/2 c. sweetened flaked coconut
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. light brown sugar
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. butter, cut in pieces
1 1/2 c. old fashioned oats
3/4 c. seedless raspberry jam

Preheat oven to 375F. Spread 3/4 cup coconut on a baking sheet and toast in middle of oven, stirring once until golden, about 8 minutes, then cool. Blend together flour, sugars, salt in a food processor then add butter and blend until dough begins to form. Transfer to a bowl and kneed in oats and toasted coconut until combined well. Reserve 3/4 cup of dough, then press remainder evenly into the bottom of a buttered 13-by-9-inch metal baking dish and spread jam over it. Crumble reserved dough evenly over jam then sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup (untoasted) coconut. Bake in middle of oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes, then cool completely in pan on a rack. Loosen from sides of pan with a sharp knife, then lift out in one piece and transfer to cutting board, Cut into 24 bars.

Enjoy

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Tom Kha Gai

Whenever we go out for Thai food this is my soup of choice.  Tom Kha Gai is delicious as it’s just a bit creamy because of the coconut milk, it has a perfect blend of sweet and sour and just the right “kick” of spice and heat.  What makes this soup even better is that it’s oh-so simple to make and freezes beautifully.  I usually make a double batch as I love having this soup in my freezer ready for an easy dinner on a cold night or anytime I have the craving.

Not a beautiful picture but a truly gorgeous tasting soup.

Tom Kha Gai  

4 c. chicken broth
1 TBS. lemon grass, fresh minced
3 TBS. Thai fish sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 TBS. fresh grated ginger
3 Serrano peppers, thinly sliced into rounds
2 tsp. chili-garlic sauce
juice of 4 limes
2 (14 oz.) cans coconut milk
2 chicken breasts, boned, skinned and sliced thinly
1 (10 oz.) can straw mushrooms, drained
1/2 c. cilantro, chopped

In a stockpot, bring the chicken broth, lemon grass, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, Serrano peppers, chili-garlic sauce and juice of 4 limes to a boil. Stirring, add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add chicken allowing it to cook through in the hot liquid. Add the drained mushrooms and the cilantro and allow the heat of the soup to warm them through.  Easy-peasy and delicious!

Enjoy!