Skip to main content

Coconuts

Ingredients

Preparation

  1. Can’t open

    Step 1

    Method 1: Pierce the softest of the three or more “eyes” with an ice pick or skewer, drain out the water, and crack the shell with a hammer. If you can’t get an ice pick through the eye, use a drill bit in an electric screwdriver (not an electric drill; it’ll go too fast and grab the coconut, which makes a dangerous projectile). Method 2: Bake the coconut for 20 minutes at 300°F. By the end of this time, it will have cracked itself open, or just a light tap on the noggin (of the coconut) will do the job.

  2. Dried up

    Step 2

    Put the coconut meat in a bowl, cover it with cow’s milk, and refrigerate for 1 hour. Press the meat dry in a strainer. (The milk can then be used for drinking or cooking.) A small amount of warm water can also soften your coconut, but it won’t be as tasty as the milk when you’re done.

    Step 3

    If you have time, put the coconut in an airtight container in the refrigerator with a slice of fresh bread for 3 days, at the end of which time you will have fresh coconut and stale bread.

  3. Stale shredded coconut

    Step 4

    Method 1: Soak it in cow’s milk plus a dash of sugar for 3 minutes. Method 2: Hold it in a sieve over boiling water until it is as moist as you would like.

How to Repair Food, Third Edition
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.