Coconut Recipes

Pa Nang Nuah, a Thai panang beef curry simmered in coconut milk with red curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and fresh basil. Rich, aromatic, and served over steamed rice.

Party pleaser meatballs: coconut-studded baked meatballs glazed in a sweet-savory sauce of grape jelly, chutney, red wine, and mustard. The retro cocktail-party appetizer that still disappears first from the buffet.

Peach ambrosia dessert made with fresh peaches, vanilla shake mix, unflavored gelatin, and coconut. A light, creamy, low-fat treat that sets up in an hour.

Oversized peanut butter pizza cookies topped with chocolate frosting, cashews, candy pieces, coconut, gumdrops, and a white chocolate drizzle. A fun decorating project for kids.

Pecan toffee bars with a buttery shortbread crust, Heath brickle bits, coconut, and melted chocolate on top. Layered dessert bars with crunch, chew, and gooey chocolate.

Classic pina colada blended with light rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and crushed ice until foamy. A tropical cocktail that takes 30 seconds in the blender and tastes like a Caribbean beach.

Pineapple coconut coffee cake with a yeasted dough base, pineapple preserves, and flaked coconut topping. Only 3 ingredients plus the dough. Great warm or at room temperature.

Thai red curry beef with coconut milk, fish sauce, baby corn, and green peas, garnished with sweet basil. A quick, aromatic curry served over jasmine rice.

Reptile pot pie poaches alligator, snake, or iguana meat in a Thai-Indian curry sauce of coconut milk, fish sauce, turmeric, and coriander. Served over baby vegetables with fresh cilantro. Bold, unexpected, and surprisingly approachable.

Thai sa-teh skewers with chicken, beef, and pork marinated in lemongrass, curry, and fish sauce, grilled fast, served with cool cucumber sauce. Street-food flavor at home.

Samar Codi is a Goan prawn curry built on fresh-ground coriander and cumin, coconut milk, and tangy kokum. A coastal Indian classic with deep spice and gentle sweetness.

South Indian sambhar made with toor dal, tamarind, coconut, and a ground spice paste of channa dal, dhania seeds, and dried red chiles. A tangy, protein-rich lentil stew for rice or dosa.

Santa's Whiskers are festive slice-and-bake cookies with candied cherries and pecans in a buttery dough, rolled in flaked coconut for a snowy, whiskery edge.

Grilled satay skewers marinated in soy, curry, and lime with a creamy coconut peanut dipping sauce. Works with chicken, beef, or pork for appetizers or a full meal.

Angel food cake slices stuffed with chocolate chips, marshmallows, fruit preserves, or coconut, then grilled golden in a sandwich maker. A 15-minute dessert kids go wild for.

Old-fashioned coconut fudge candy shaped into little haystacks. Brown sugar, butter, and shredded coconut cooked to soft-ball stage, then dropped onto wax paper. Makes about 60 pieces.