Monday, September 3, 2012

Coconut Ice Cream With Toasted Coconut


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You might remember my confession on a previous post about food that I used to dislike when I was younger but adore now.  Okay, here’s another one from that list, it’s coconut!  I think the word dislike doesn't even come close to describe how much I didn't like this thing.  I don’t want to use the “h” word, because, I simply don’t.  The problem is, if I see coconut in front of me, I’ll just run walk the other way.   

Back then when I was still living in Hong Kong, some street vendors sell fresh coconut juice on hot summer days all over the place. That simply gross me out. GROSS ME OUT!  I didn't understand why and I couldn't imagine anyone would want to drink that.  The thought of having coconut milk running down my throat made me light headed.  But obviously, there’s a market for that for those vendors to survive summer after summer.

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Now, I can’t get enough of this beautiful and healthy fruit.  I put them in my homemade granola, in this Chinese New Year treat, use the coconut oil in the homemade sugar scrub, and even in the chocolate to create magic!

What converted me to a coconut lover? Well, it’s ice cream related. But not this particular ice cream though.  It happened a few years ago when my hubby and I had a gathering at his friend’s place. After dinner, one of them prepared dessert. It was simply store bought ice creams with different toppings. Right before serving, my hubby's friend toasted some coconut flakes on the stove. While the coconut was toasting, something magical happened.  The aroma was amazing. The whole house simply packed with a sweet scent that I’m not familiar with.  Honestly, I wasn't convinced, even after that lovely aroma. I was going to just have ice cream, a little whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

Toasted Coconut and Ice Cream Cone

I don’t remember how the toasted coconut flakes got into my ice cream bowl!  HELP!  I almost panicked. But since the coconut flakes were already there, I guess it’s alright to try a small bite with the ice cream, hoping the ice cream will masked the coconut flavor.  After the first bite, that aromatic, crunchy and sweet toasted coconut got me. I’m surprised it tasted way better than the ice cream itself.  So, I started to try more coconut products since then and I really enjoyed them.  With this recipe, you get the best of both world.  The slightly sweetened, soft and creamy ice cream along with a toasty and crunchy topping.  It’s out of this world scrumptious.  Did I mention this ice cream is egg free, sugar free, and dairy free?  I’m telling you, it’s totally awesome too.  Who knew vegan ice cream could be so tasty?


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What is the moral of the day?  Even if you don’t make this coconut ice cream, you should still try to make the toasted coconut flakes for your other ice cream flavors!  Wait, that’s not it.  I meant to say, don’t be afraid to try new things, you'll never know what you’re missing until you took that first step, get out of your comfort zone, and conquer your fears.  And I was totally serious about making the toasted coconut flakes too!



Coconut Ice Cream With Toasted Coconut: (Printable Recipe)
2 cans (14-ounce) unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a pinch of kosher salt
1 cup toasted coconut flakes*

In a blender, add coconut milk, agave, vanilla and salt together. Blend until smooth.  Place the blender in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.  Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.  Transfer to airtight containers and store in the freezer until ready to serve.  Take ice cream out if the freezer for 3 to 5 minutes before scooping.  Top with toasted coconut flakes and enjoy.

*To make the toasted coconut flakes:

In a large non-stick skillet, heat the coconut flakes on medium low heat.  Stir often with a wooden spatula until the coconut turns golden brown.  The coconut flakes might seems soft, but they will turn crunchy once completely cooled.  Store extras in an air tight container.   

32 comments:

  1. I think the star for this coconut ice cream is the toasted coconut! Got the crunch when slurping down the ice cream too! Must be real yummy!

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    1. You're totally right. The toasted coconut is the star! :) I can eat that alone all day long. :P

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  2. Isn't it funny how our taste buds change? I LOVE coconut ice cream!

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    1. Oh yeah. :) I can't believe I changed a 180 degree!

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  3. Yummmmmmmm no wonder this must taste heaven ^__^

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    1. Thanks. Yes. It's really good. Have a great weekend.

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    1. hehe...yes, it's now my favorite too. have a wonderful weekend.

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  5. I am the same way when it comes to coconut. As a kid, I loved it, but then I went through a phase where I just didn't touch it. Now? I'm back to adoring it -- thankfully. ;)

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    1. :) Glad to have you back in the "coconut loving club". I'm so glad I'm in it too. hahaa....Have a great weekend.

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  6. You are so funny! I think I don't know any Asian who dislike(d) coconut until I read your story! LOL! But glad to hear toasted coconut flakes converted you. I LOVE toasted coconut flakes (I can eat it by itself) and I love coconut. Anything coconut actually. I didn't grow up eating coconut at all (not common in Japan) so I'm enjoying coconut flavor right now. :) Your ice cream is calling my name~~~!

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    1. hehe...yes, I'm so glad the coconut flakes converted me too. I didn't know what I missed out until so late. hahaah...but yes, I can eat the toasted coconut flakes by itself all day long (what a great way to make up what I missed). Wish you a great weekend.

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  7. Wow Amy, your coconut ice cream looks delicious...I yet have to try to make ice cream, so far being making frozen yogurt :)
    Thanks for this delicious recipe and hope you are having a wonderful week!

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    1. Thank you, Juliana. I love frozen yogurt too. Just can't get enough frozen treats in the summer. Wish you a great weekend too.

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  8. Hubby's coconut is hubby's favorite food. When I see ice cream in stores, I grab it cause it's rare that I see one....Christine

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    1. hehe...yeah, I love coconut ice cream. Actually, I started to see them more especially in health food store. But for me, making them at home is simple and just wonderful. Have a great weekend, Christine.

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  9. Glad to hear I'm not the only one! I used to be (or at least thought I was) an avid coconut hater, until I found out that those cocktail buns from Chinese bakeries that I grew up eating had shredded coconut up in them. I'm still not the hugest fan of coconut, but I'll definitely go for fried coconut ice cream, and this looks like a great base recipe!

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    1. hm...fried coconut ice cream sounds divine. :) maybe I should find out how to make them. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  10. I totally agree with you about the toasted coconut..it's out-of-this-world. It's interesting how our tastes change isn't it? I used to not be a *huge* fan of coconut..I'd eat it but I wouldn't crave for it. But now? Simple put, I'm addicted.

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    1. :) Good to hear so many coconut lovers out there with me, yay! :) have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by.

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  11. I love our posts. Thanks for sharing your love of coconut!

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    1. Thank you, Carolina. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  12. I am totally intrigued by this vegan ice cream Amy. And i am very happy to note that my daughter may yet grow into coconut. I can't begin to understand why she doesn't like it but you are giving me hope.

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    1. I'm sure she'll learn to like it some day. The toasted coconut flakes are really good. You might want to try that as a start. ;) Have a wonderful weekend.

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  13. You can't go wrong with coconut! I am glad you learned to like coconut!

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    1. Thanks. Yes, I'm glad I love it now too. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

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  14. I remember my mother used to come home with a whole coconut when I was little and my dad would crack it open with a hammer on the sidewalk. I've always loved it and glad you like it now too. Toasted coconut is so delicious on ice cream sundaes!

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  15. What a delicious rich & tasty ice cream. Beautifully done!
    Kristy

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  16. Looks so yummy! I couldn't help myself, I'm drooling! lol. Well anyway, any products that come from coconut is really my favorite due to the coconut oil benefits that it gives. From coconut milk to its meat, I really love 'em all!

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  17. I got to this post from your recent coconut-related post. I like food related to coconut from young and still do. Fresh coconut juice from young coconuts is really refreshing on hot days and I also couldn't imagine driinking coconut milk because as for as I know, coconut juice is very different from coconut milk. Coconut milk is obtained from the white flesh of the coconut whereas coconut juice is well, liquid from the coconut when you cut it open. Just curious, are you using the words coconut juice and coconut milk to refer to the same thing in this post or did I misunderstand your intended meaning? :)

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    1. I guess I was the one who's confused! hahaha...I dislike coconut so much when I was young that I just simply try to avoid it all together whenever possible.

      But I have to agree, the young coconut juice is so refreshing especially in the summer. I guess as I get more mature, my taste buds changed and I love and try more varieties of food in general. :)

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    2. I also find it quite true that our taste buds change as we mature. :)

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