The Best Pink Drink Recipe!

My kids latest obsession this year is Starbucks pink drink. And I love it too but not the price tag. So naturally I set out to make it at home, and after several different attempts we've come up with one we like even better!

It's ready in minutes and truly one of the most refreshing things to enjoy on hot day.

You only need a handful of ingredients, and you'll love that they are things you can always keep on hand for when those cravings strike.

Try this and you'll see that it's definitely a staple summer recipe that people of all ages will love!

Coconut Lentil Curry

This meat-free lentil curry recipe is such a tasty main dish that pairs beautifully with white rice, cauliflower rice or naan.

It has a delicious complexity of flavor, the lentils make it a nutritious choice, and the coconut milk adds some body to make it more substantial.

It makes an excellent vegan dinner and any extra that's left is perfect for lunch the next day (you can even freeze it).

If you haven't yet had lentils this is a great place to start. With the rising prices of meat these days it's a great recipe to add into the dinner rotation since lentils are a much cheaper alternative to meat.

And by using a the homemade spice blend here (which is basically a curry spice blend) you can control the amount of heat that goes into the dish making it as mild or spicy as you prefer.

Our Favorite Chia Pudding!

Chia seed pudding is a healthy pudding made with rich in fiber chia seeds, some type of milk, a little sweetener, and optional flavorings and toppings. It is usually made from vegan ingredients and it's easy as can be to make!

All the ingredients are simply mixed together in a jar or bowl then rested overnight in the fridge so chia seeds have time to plump and soften. Then the next day it's ready to enjoy and you end with the perfect consistency and texture.

I didn't used to care much for chia pudding but that was until I started adding canned coconut milk (in addition to a non-dairy milk) for an extra boost of creamy richness, and also I added some flavorful extract (my favorite is coconut here).

I found it doesn't need a whole lot of either to really take it from bland and boring to something you'll actually crave.

Then of course, to really highlight it, I recommend finishing it with fresh diced fruit (or puree). My favorites are peaches or mangoes, especially with this coconut vibe we have going.

But truly it's a blank canvas, start with the main base then finish it off with toppings to your hearts content. And for more of a dessert, be sure to try the tempting chocolate variation as well!

Chickpea Coconut Curry

This Chickpea curry is such a hearty and flavorful Indian dish that really packs in that crave-able flavor! It's made without any meat and you won't even miss it in the slightest!

The best part, in my opinion, really is the sauce with it's vibrant taste and perfect smoothness (no chunks thanks to a quick blend).

Though it may seem like an incredibly long list of ingredients here, don't be alarmed because the majority of it is spices you likely already have on hand (plus I've even included a few as optional).

Some of you may be thinking, but wait, there's no curry? Here we make our own curry spice blend which gives us far more overall control in flavor and heat level.

And this recipe uses plenty of them for an exciting, rich depth of well rounded flavor.

Serving suggestions are of course the classic basmati rice or cauliflower rice, but if you really want to go all out serve with warm buttery naan bread. Roasted vegetables are a great side to it as well just ditch the Italian seasoning and use spices like those here instead.

Thai Coconut Chicken

It's a simple Thai style chicken recipe that finishes with incredible results, thanks to a well rounded and nicely seasoned marinade. And yes it may seem like an interesting blend of ingredients but it will remind you of a good curry.

In other words you'll never get tired of this chicken!

Pair it with steamed jasmine rice (or coconut rice) and grilled or sautéed vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, peas, asparagus, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc), for an easy and nutritious dinner.

What to Make with Extra Coconut Milk

Wondering what to make with the leftover coconut milk? Bake my favorite coconut cake (use a hint of regular milk if you're a tad short on coconut milk), add it to oatmeal, make french toast or try it in this tasty Hawaiian Fried Rice.

Fried Rice with Hawaiian Flavors

One thing we always love for dinner at our house is fried rice. I mean who doesn't love it?

It's easy, flavorful, filling and it's also a versatile dish. You can swap out the protein, add different vegetables and even include different flavors in the rice.

This Hawaiian inspired version is made with rich coconut rice (my favorite!) and that classic sweet pineapple and salty ham combo. In other words think Hawaiian pizza meets fried rice and this is what you get!

So many delicious, fresh flavors in one bowl of fried rice. You can't go wrong with this meal in one!

Coconut Rice Recipe

The great thing about this rice recipe is that it only requires a few basic ingredients you can keep in the pantry so you can make it anytime.

Once you try this you may not want plain white rice anymore! It's such a tasty upgrade on otherwise neutral rice. And you'll love how the fat of the coconut milk makes it seem almost buttery.

For a delicious summery dinner pair it with grilled chicken (it's perfect with Jerk Chicken), shrimp or salmon.

The BEST Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

After many attempts, I finally came up with my idea of the perfect cream pie. From top to bottom, you'll love everything about it!

This homemade coconut cream pie turns out perfect every time. It's thickened with both cornstarch and egg yolks so you won't end up with a droopy, soupy pie. The key is to just be sure to cook the custard long enough to get it to that nice and thick state.

Then in this recipe you'll use a little cream cheese to balance out the sweetness of the pie and to and a nice faint tang (reminiscent of cheesecake) which pairs perfectly with the coconut.

And if we are going to make a coconut cream pie it better have plenty of coconut flavor so here we use shredded coconut, coconut milk and coconut extract. No one will be left wondering what type of pie this is, it has an abundance of real coconut flavor.

It's one of those desserts that will have people fighting for the last slice. Soon enough people will be requesting this for the next holiday celebration!

The Best Coconut Cake Recipe!

I shared this coconut cake four years ago but I figured it was due time that I re-share it in case some of you may have missed out. It's a recipe book dessert staple!

Coconut Cake Video

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This is what I'm planning on making for Christmas dessert and I can't wait! Some people look forward to gifts, I look forward to cake.

This cake is elegant and sophisticated yet very traditional and simplistic and it's perfect for the holidays since it's not only incredibly delicious but it's so white and snowy looking.

I love that it's like the cake you remember your grandma serving at family parties growing up. Who doesn't love a good old fashioned recipe like this? The classics are often the best.

Finally, A Soft and Moist Coconut Cake

This will probably be one of the softest cakes you'll ever make and you'll also love that it is incredibly moist (because we all hate a dry cake right?). And it is layered with sweet, natural coconut flavor with every bite, which is complimented perfectly by the light tang of the cream cheese in the frosting.

Good luck saying your only going to have a thin slice. Not gonna happen with this cake. Try it and you'll see what I mean!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa too! I hope you have the best holiday week!