Coconut Milk

This is so easy to make, but the most difficult thing is peeling the coconut.  There are tools you can purchase to do this, but I don't have any.  The first thing I did was drain the coconut by puncturing two of the three holes and save the water for later.  I use coconut water for consumption prior to and after any long workouts.  Break the coconut and peel.  Dry the coconut "meat" in a dehydrator for at least 12 hours.  Shred the coconut.  I put two cups of shredded coconut into a bowl with 4 cups hot water.  Let sit for 2-3 hours.  Pour the water and coconut into a blender.  Blend.  Strain, if desired.  I like the coconut milk as is, but you can add vanilla, sweetener, cinnamon, whatever you like for flavor.

Not so sure about agave anymore...

Okay, I use agave to sweeten many things, but after reading this, I'm not so sure I want to use it anymore.  I will have to do some more research...


http://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/agave-syrup-is-bad-for-you

Raw Pumpkin Seed "Milk"

"High in fiber and protein, these seeds are also a rich source of minerals, especially iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in the amino acids alanine, glycine and glutamic acid.

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of five of the B vitamins. One-quarter cup of roasted seeds contains approximately 11% daily allowance of B-1, 16% daily allowance of B-2, 41% daily allowance of niacin, 4% daily allowance of B-6, and 8% daily allowance of folic acid. That’s a lot for a little seed!

Pumpkin seeds are thought to be beneficial for prostrate health, bones strength, arthritis, and killing intestinal parasites. Pumpkin seeds also contain compounds called phytosterols, which are believed to reduce levels of harmful cholesterol and also improve the body’s immune system." For more, go to:
http://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/ten-affordable-american-superfoods

1 cup soaked raw pumpkin seeds
4-5 cups water
5 dates (or other sweetener)
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp coconut oil

Soak pumpkin seeds overnight in fresh, filtered water.  Drain.  Blend all ingredients. Done. 

Notes: I do not have a high-powered blender, so dates don't do so well. I used agave nectar instead, probably about 1/4 cup.  You can alter the amount of water to desired consistency.  Coconut oil not required, but is a great addition.  Also, you can strain the "milk" through cheesecloth or even a metal strainer, but I think the tiny bits and pieces are good.  This was so good.  I put half into my smoothie and drank the other half before I could snap a photo!  I normally eat 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds daily to get enough iron, so this more than covers my daily needs for today:)