#78 Make Your Own Coconut Milk

If you like coconut milk, here is an inexpensive way to make your own, healthy milk!

Coconut milk carries with it a number of health boosts, such as:

* reduce your consumption of BPA by avoiding canned milk.
*  lauric acid, the main saturated fat that it contains, is also found in breast milk and is known to boost brain development and bone health.
( high levels of minerals like, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
* significant amount of vitamin C and E

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• 1.5-2 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Heat water, but don't boil. It should be hot, but not scalding.
2. Put coconut in blender or Vitamix and add water. (If all water won't fit, you can add the water in two batches.)
3. Blend on high for several minutes until thick and creamy.
4. Pour through a mesh colander first to get most of the coconut out, and then squeeze through a towel or several thicknesses of cheesecloth to get remaining pieces of coconut out.
5. If you have to split the water, put all the coconut that you strained out back in the blender, add the remaining water, and repeat.
6. Flavor options- add in after all coconut has been strained out: ½ tsp vanilla extract, ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries, 2 tsp cocoa powder + ½ tsp vanilla.
7. Drink immediately or store in the fridge. Should be used in 3-4 days after making for best flavor and texture. Since there are no preservatives or fillers, the "cream" of the coconut milk may separate on the top if stored in the fridge. Just shake or stir before using.

Enjoy!

"Dream as if you'll live forever... live as if you'll die today." 
James Dean