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

 

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

 

Apple Almond Cheese Balls

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Looking for a healthy cheese ball recipe? Try these Tasty Apple Almond Cheese Balls! This recipe is easy to make and very easy to eat! Everyone will love them! In this cooking video Karen Breyer and her dad will show you step-by-step how to make delicious Apple Almond Cheese Balls!

These Apple Almond Cheese Balls are a perfect appetizer, side dish, lunchbox treat or anytime snack. Serve a new tasty recipe to your family and guests at your next party! Watch this cooking video and make some yummy Apple Almond Cheese Balls today!

Apple Almond Cheese Balls

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dried apples, chopped
  • 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons coconut, flaked
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Mix the apples, almonds and coconut together in a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Add the cream cheese and mix well.
  3. Form the cheese mixture into balls (makes about 24).
  4. Serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

You can use raw or toasted almonds.

You can use low-fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese if you prefer.

Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.

You can make this recipe in a food processor. Add the dried apples, almonds and coconut. Process until the almonds and apples are chopped or finely ground (whichever you prefer). Add the cream cheese and process until the mixture is well combined. Shape into balls and serve.

© Karen Breyer

 

Basil Pesto

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Try this fresh, flavorful easy Basil Pesto sauce recipe! It’s a tasty sauce for your pasta, pizza, bread, and sandwiches. Store some in your fridge and enjoy it anytime!

In this cooking video Karen Breyer will show you step-by-step how to make this easy, Basil Pesto recipe! This homemade pesto sauce recipe will be perfect for your next Italian pasta dinner! Watch this cooking video and make some easy, healthy, tasty Basil Pesto sauce today!

Yield: about 1 cup

Basil Pesto

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Add the nuts and basil to a food processor or blender. Pulse the ingredients together until mixed.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend to a smooth paste.
  3. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Toss Basil Pesto with pasta, spread it on a sandwich, crackers or toast, dollop over potatoes, or spread it on a pizza crust and make pizza!

Notes

You can use 4 garlic cloves in place of the minced garlic or to your taste.

Store this Basil Pesto in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Freeze for up to 3 months.

© Karen Breyer

 

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