30+ Ways to Use Coconut Products

by Meghan

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Earlier this week, I shared my book reviews for two books from Hands-On-Prints, Around the World from a to z and Nuts for Coconuts.    Be sure to check out the book review for a chance to win a free book for yourself!  Big M has become quite taken with both, and she has been asking “Can we try some?” every time we read the coconut book.  As the book details, coconut and its tree produce a bounty of products with a multitude of uses.  Coconuts themselves produce water, milk, flakes and oil, which collectively can be drank, eaten and applied topically.  So, in this week’s grocery delivery, I ordered a whole coconut, shredded coconut, coconut water, coconut milk and a jar of coconut oil.  Armed with a range of coconut products to sample and enjoy, I also let the girls select a coconut recipe to make!

Nuts for Coconuts


Nuts for Coconuts – 30+ Ways to Use Coconut Products

Nuts for Coconuts has quickly become a fan favorite in the book rotation at our house.  It elicits plenty of “What’s that?” and “Can I try some?” on just about every page, as it explains in rhyme and fun illustrations how coconut and its tree is used across civilizations, cultures and products.  Admittedly, other than shredded coconut, the occasional pina colada on tropical vacations, and any incidental coconut oil in hair or skin products, I was not familiar with many of the amazing treasures and benefits of the coconut.

Taste Testing

To fulfill Big M’s desires and my own intrigue, I decided to set up a little sampling set for us all to try.  In three cups, I gave each of the Ms some coconut water, coconut milk and shredded coconut.  We smelled them all, observed the different textures and color, and then it was time to taste them.  True to character, Big M was highly skeptical of them all.  Lil’ M scarfed them immediately, and instantly wanted “More, more!”, especially of the shredded coconut.

Coconut Taste Test

Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

From the 30+ Ways to Use Coconut Products below, I let the girls pick a recipe to make.  Girls after my own heart, they opted for these decadent looking cookies.  I have never baked with coconut oil before, but after eating these cookies, I don’t think I’m ever going to use butter again!

You can get the complete recipe at Averie Cooks.  These cookies do not disappoint – they look even better than they taste, and mine, even with two kids under 4 assisting, came out looking just like her pictures.

PGPB Guru Tips: Zap coconut oil for about 30 seconds in the microwave to just melt enough to blend, without turning fully to liquid.  Then, skip the dough in the fridge for three hours, and just put each tray of cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking.

As Lil’ M says, “‘Licious!”

Oatmeal Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

30+ Ways to Use Coconut Products

In my quest to find a recipe to satisfy Big M’s intrigue, here are the list of options I uncovered… can’t wait to try a few more of these too!

  1. Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies from Averie Cooks
  2. 20 Mama & Babe Approved Uses for Coconut Oil from Mama.Pappa.Bubba
  3. DIY Coconut Milk from Instagrammer What’s Baby Eating? (stay tuned for her blog, coming soon!)
  4. Whipped Coconut Chest Rub, for those awful colds, from HEN Family
  5. Coconapple Smoothie from Epic Fun for Kids
  6. Allergy-Friendly Anzac Biscuits (or cookies as we say here stateside) from Danya Banya
  7. Coconut Cream Pie Smoothie from Averie Cooks
  8. Easy Coconut Cream Pie from Kraft Recipes
  9. No Bake Energy Bites from Cooking Classy
  10. Healthy Chocolate Coconut Banana Muffins from Mama.Pappa.Bubba
  11. And two from our other favorite Coconut Tree book… Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Magnetic Sensory Bin from Mama.Pappa.Bubba
  12. And Chicka Coconut Banana Booms from Growing Book by Book

Nuts for Coconuts


Don’t forget to check out our official book review for your chance to win a book from Hands-On-Prints!  What’s your favorite coconut-based recipe?

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3 comments

More to love on Playground Parkbench

3 comments

Evelyne May 24, 2015 - 7:46 am

I love cocunut!! Thanks for putting this together!

Reply
PGPBMeghan May 24, 2015 - 1:54 pm

Me too… I don’t know why I don’t use it more often. I certainly will now!

Reply
Montessori Inspired Books by Hands-On-Prints - Playground Parkbench May 23, 2015 - 3:02 pm

[…] varied uses from water and milk, to topical creams and oils.  Come back later this week to see our coconut recipe round-up and taste-testing of a host of coconut […]

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