Cooking Lessons for Dad

Cooking Lessons for Beginners

Toasted Coconut

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Learn to Toast Coconut in a skillet on the stove and in the Oven, Microwave and Broiler! You can toast shredded coconut and flakes and chips in minutes. It is so easy! Toasted coconut adds a rich nutty flavor and crispy texture to your recipes. In this cooking video Karen Breyer will show you step-by-step how to make Toasted Coconut with 4 easy methods. Watch this cooking video and toast some coconut today!

Yield: Varies

Toasted Coconut

Ingredients

  • Coconut, shredded or flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)

Instructions

  1. OVEN METHOD: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Spread the coconut in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Place pan on the center rack in a 325 degree oven. Bake 5 -10 minutes or until the coconut is light golden brown. Stir a couple times during baking for even browning.
  2. SKILLET METHOD: Heat skillet to medium heat. Add coconut and heat for 3 -5 minutes or until nicely browned. Stir frequently.
  3. BROILER METHOD: Preheat the broiler. Spread the coconut in thin layer on a baking sheet. Broil 4 - 5 inches from the heat until golden brown (about 1 - 4 minutes). Watch the coconut carefully as it can burn very quickly.
  4. MICROWAVE METHOD: Spread the coconut in a thin layer on a microwave safe plate. Microwave in 30 - 60 second increments. Stir after each time. Continue cooking until the coconut is to your desired level of browning.

Notes

Toasted coconut adds a rich nutty flavor and crispy texture to your recipes.

Sweetened coconut takes less time to toast because sugar speeds up the toasting process.

Cool coconut slightly before using.

© Karen Breyer

 

Chia Pudding

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Want to try Chia Pudding but not sure how to make it? Chia Pudding is a super easy, healthy recipe that is perfect for breakfast and as a snack or dessert!  Customize your chia pudding by adding a variety of additional ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, spices, extracts, sweeteners, cacao powder and more!

In this cooking video Karen Breyer will show you step-by-step how to make this Chia Pudding recipe! I think you will love Chia Pudding and add it to your list of favorite healthy recipes. Watch this cooking video and make some delicious Chia Pudding for breakfast or dessert!

Yield: 4 - 6 servings

Chia Pudding

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 3 cups milk, dairy free (more or less to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, stir together the chia seeds and water. Make sure the seeds are completely covered. Soak a few hours or overnight.
  2. Stir the rest of the ingredients into the soaked chia seeds.
  3. Add additional ingredients if desired.
  4. Serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

Add additional ingredients as desired. Some tasty options are cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa, vanilla, flavored extracts, orange and lemon zest, berries, diced fresh fruit, dried fruit, chopped dates, nuts, honey, maple syrup, fruit jams, agave, and more.

You may want to add a pinch or two of Kosher or sea salt to taste.

© Karen Breyer

 

Chocolate Ganache Filling

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Try this rich, creamy decadent, healthy Chocolate Ganache Pie Filling in your favorite pie or tart crust! This chocolate ganache in my Cinnamon Pecan Pie Crust is my all time favorite dessert right now. With all healthy ingredients I enjoy this amazing dessert guilt free!

In this cooking video Karen Breyer will show you step-by-step how to make this healthy Chocolate Ganache Filling. It is perfect for your pies, tarts, pastries and desserts! If you like, top with whipped cream, sherbert, fruit sauce or any other complementary topping. I love it with mango sherbert or whipped cream and raspberry fruit jam!

Pour this no-bake chocolate ganache filling in your favorite pie or tart crust. If you don’t have a favorite yet, I recommend serving it with my Cinnamon Pecan Pie Crust which is also an easy, healthy, no-bake recipe.

This is a no-guilt recipe as it contains all healthy ingredients including raw cacao powder. This easy Chocolate Ganache Filling will be perfect for lots of your casual or fancy desserts and treats! Watch this cooking video and make this easy, healthy Chocolate Ganache Filling recipe today!

Chocolate Ganache Filling

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/2 cup date paste
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar
  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon tamari
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1 cup cacao powder, raw
  • 1/2 - 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Put the almond butter, date paste, agave nectar, tamari and vanilla in a food processor or strong blender. Blend to combine ingredients.
  2. Next add the cacao powder and 1/2 cup of the water. Blend until thick and smooth. Add a little more water if needed but keep the mixture thick.
  3. Pour the Chocolate Ganache Filling in a no-bake pie crust or tart crust. Refrigerate for about an hour until the ganache is fully set.
  4. Once set, cut your chocolate ganache pie or tart and serve. Top as desired (whipped cream, fruit topping, sorbet or other tasty topping…)

Notes

You can use maple syrup in place of the agave.

If you use a blender, scrape down the mixture occasionally.

You can also set the ganache in the freezer for about 20 minutes instead of the refrigerator.

© Karen Breyer

 

Date Paste

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Looking for healthy, natural sweeteners that taste amazing? Try this tasty, sweet Date Paste recipe! It is so easy to make and only 3 ingredients! Use date paste as a substitute for unhealthy sweeteners in your recipes, smoothies, oatmeal and more!

In this cooking video Karen Breyer will show you step-by-step how to make Date Paste. You can make a batch (or 2 or 3) and keep leftovers in the fridge to use anytime. Watch this cooking video and make some healthy, tasty, sweet date paste today!

Yield: About 1 1/4 cups

Date Paste

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dates, pitted
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Place the dates in a bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight (or until soft) in the refrigerator.
  2. Drain soaking liquid and reserve.
  3. Add the dates and vanilla to a strong blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add the soaking liquid as needed to make a smooth paste.
  4. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Date paste can often be used in place of sugar or other sweeteners in cooking and baking. Try date paste to sweeten your smoothies, oatmeal and homemade salad dressings.

Date paste can be frozen for several months. It stays a bit soft in the freezer so you can scoop out just the amount you need.

You can add other seasoning such as nutmeg, cinnamon or a bit of Kosher or sea salt.

© Karen Breyer

 

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