We’ve written so many times about how much we love coconut oil and indeed there are so many ways to use it too. But what about coconut milk? Are you onboard with this too? We are. And we’d like to share three little super uses for coconut milk, just to prove to you how amazing it is. Enjoy!
What’s so great about coconut milk?
Coconut is so ridiculously good for you. It’s packed with healthy fats and trace amounts of minerals, protein and carbohydrates. As milk, it works hard to help maintain blood sugar, hormonal balance and a focused mind. You can buy it easily in most supermarkets, OR you can make your own. In just five minutes. Here’s how to do it:
You need
- 85g coconut flakes
- 3 cups of room temperature water
- 2 medjool dates, pitted OR 2-3 drops of liquid stevia
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
To make the milk, simply pop the coconut flakes and water in a blender and blend. Leave for a few minutes, then add dates (unless you want it sugar-free, in which case add the stevia later) and blend thoroughly. Next, grab a jar, put the funnel over it, and a nut milk bag over that. Pour the whole mixture through to strain, using a spoon to scoop out lumps. Squeeze the bag to get as much liquid out as possible. Finally, add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and stevia (if you went the sugar-free route). Mix it up and you’re done!
Delicious!
What to do with coconut milk
You can use coconut milk in just same way as you would ordinary milk- it’s delicious in cereal, smoothies and shakes. But there are also, obviously, some special ways to use it too. Here are our top three recipes:
Vegan Fudge
Yes, it’s ok to eat fudge! This recipe uses only three ingredients and it’s super easy to make. All you need is:
- 250g dark chocolate chips
- 250g full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
To make the fudge, pop the chocolate chips in a large bowl and set to one side. Then combine the coconut milk and coconut oil in a small pan, and bring to a boil, whisking occasionally to ensure the coconut oil melts properly and the milk heats evenly. Pour the hot mixture over the chocolate, and leave for 2 minutes. Whisk until totally smooth. Then you need to fill a cupcake tin with cases, and fill each one with the mixture. You can top each one with sea salt or chopped nuts etc. Then either freeze for an hour or pop in the fridge for two to three hours. Then enjoy! you won’t regret it.
Shiny hair wash
So, just as you can use coconut oil on your hair, coconut milk too has it’s beauty benefits. This shiny hair wash will leave your hair so soft and shiny, you won’t ever look back! All you need is:
- 85g coconut milk
- 110g liquid Castile soap
- ½ teaspoon jojoba oil
- ½ teaspoon avocado oil
You can also add a couple of drops of essential oils such as rosemary or peppermint oil here too. To make the shiny hair wash, simply combine all the ingredients in a bottle and shake well to mix. Then you need just one to two teaspoons worth, massaged into a wet scalp for a few minutes. Rinse well and finish with apple cider vinegar for an extra clean condition. Lovely!
Coconut ice cream
Another indulgent treat, but again it’s healthy! So totally allowed. To make it, all you need is :
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 85g brown rice syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder
- 45g raw cacao powder, optional (for a chocolate flavour)
To make the ice cream, just mix all of the ingredients in a blender until it’s smooth and creamy. Then pour into a freezer-safe container and leave in the freezer for five hours. Alternatively you can use an ice cream maker. Yes. That’s it!
What are your favourite coconut milk recipes?
