Simple recipe for a coconut dessert that adults and kids alike will love.
I just love easy recipe so much. I can't help myself, any chance I get to whip up a quick dessert I jump at it.
I'd like to say there's some complicated or honourable reason for it....
but...
I just like tricking people.
There I said it.
I love the idea of people thinking a recipe took a long time to make. I encourage people to think I spent hours in my kitchen working long, tiresome hours in order to satisfy their sweet tooth, and widen their waistlines.
I love the feeling of bursting their bubbles at the end of the night and telling them the food took 5 minutes to make. They inevitably ask what I do with the rest of my free time.
Um,
nap...
watch t.v.....
my life is hard people.
So hard. And when the going gets tough, the tough make cute little 5 minute desserts.
And in our productive free time we get to interview fabulous bloggers like Ramona of Curry and Comfort. I love my life people!
Recipes in the collage are:
Tomato Lentil Curry (Vegan Dish)
Vegetarian Eggplant, Broccoli and Pepper Pizza
Strawberries and Cream Layer Cake
Burning Down The Kitchen with Ramona of Curry and Comfort:
1. What inspired you to start a food blog?
Before I started blogging, I used to post step by step recipes in a cooking club my cousin started on Facebook and enjoyed it very much. My mother suggested I start a blog so I signed up with Google Blogger and created Curry and Comfort. Blogging has been a wonderful and fun experience ever since that first post.
2. What’s the most enjoyable aspect of blogging for you?
I thought the only pleasure I would have doing the blog would be the cooking part. Now, I have come to learn that there is so much more to blogging than just the cooking (that’s the easy part). I have really started to take an interest in food photography and I am learning something all the time on how to improve my photos. I also never expected to find the friendships I have found through the food blogging community. I have met so many wonderful food bloggers that love to share their recipes, lives and knowledge. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know so many people out there with a mutual love of food and recipes.
3. Is there anything about it you don’t like?
If I had to pick a “don’t like” it would be all the dishes and cleaning up that comes with blogging. I get so excited when I cook that I just grab pots, pans and dishes because I am concentrating only on the work at hand. It’s only after I have cooked that I turn around to see the sink full of dirty dishes{{cringe}}. Cooking is the fun part, the cleaning up is the boring part. I don’t like to see my kitchen in disarray for long so I always try to get it cleaned up after dinner so I can have a fresh clean kitchen to mess up the next day.
4. Does your hubby or children cook with you?
I usually cook alone. However, I do love to cook with my mother when she comes to my house and it’s almost like a play date for us. My kids are usually in the kitchen with me at dinner time or on the weekends. I have started their “mini-chefs” training recently. Right now they are my official potato and carrot peelers. My young daughter sometimes gets overly eager and peels most of her carrot and leaves me with a tiny stick, but they are learning and that is what’s important. I want to teach them how to be confident in the kitchen and cook using their instincts and never be afraid to experiment.
5. Tell us a little bit about your kitchen, things you love, things you don’t.
I have a love/hate relationship with my kitchen. My kitchen is perfectly functional for cooking, but not for a food blogger with a shopping addiction. I have totally run out of space for all the serving dishes, plates, glasses, cups and tableware that I buy to take my photos. Not to mention the baking trays, place mats, napkins, pots, pans and equipment that I “just had to have” for the sake of the blog. I have not met a blender, food processor, pot, pan, mixer or kitchen doodad that I thought I could not live without. Of course I could probably function with just a knife, cutting board and one pot…. But what’s the fun in that?
6. Take us a through a typical day in the life of Ramona, mom, wife, food blogger.
My life might seem very mundane and routine, but I like it that way. I try to cook a dish every day for the blog (sometimes more if I’m in the mood). Of course, there are days that I just don’t get to cook because I have to run a bunch of errands, do volunteer at the kid’s school, or help my parents out. But for the most part this is my schedule…..
6:00AM: Rise and Shine. (Even on weekends). I take the dog out, walk and exercise, and then get dressed for the day.
7:30AM: Get the kids ready for school, make breakfast then walk them to school.
9:00AM: Jump on emails and work on blog.
10:00AM: Call my mother. I call her every day at this time. We can talk for a few minutes or for an hour depending on what’s going on.
10:30AM: Start cooking. I sometimes cook only one dish... sometimes if I’m adventurous 2-3 dishes.
12:00PM: Take photos and edit them for the blog post. I find this is the perfect time of day to give me the adequate daylight for my photos.
1:00PM: Eat lunch, then I either watch some TV that I tape on the DVR or jump back on the computer and do more blog stuff.
3:00PM: Get the kids from school. It’s a whirlwind when they get home with making after school snacks, helping them with homework and taking them to after school activities.
6:00PM Make and eat dinner with the family and then do the dreaded cleanup of the kitchen.
7:30PM: Jump on the computer for a while to see what’s going on before I turn off the computer for the night.
8:00PM: Get the kids ready for bed. Their bedtime is 8:30PM… but I’m lucky if I can get them to go to sleep by 9PM.
9:00PM: I finely get some time to relax again and watch some TV or read a cookbook (sometimes both).
11:00PM Sleep…. Zzzzzzz…. (If I’m lucky)
7. How many cookbooks do you own?
Before I answer this question, let me preface it with the fact that I love cookbooks and I have been collecting them for almost 20 years. Opening up a new cookbook makes me actually giddy… even looking at an old cookbook that I have not looked at for some time makes me happy. I love the recipes and more than that I love the pictures of food, so I always try to buy cookbooks with photos. Cookbooks inspire me. Okay, I guess I can tell you now that I own…390 cookbooks. Wow!! Even I’m surprised by that number, I never counted them before. I may need a self-help group.
8. Do you have a favourite cookbook that you would recommend to new cooks?
I can’t pick one favorite cookbook because I love them all for different reasons. But for a new cook, I would recommend any cookbook that teaches you how to create basic dishes with detailed directions. I love any cookbook that gives step by step instructions and lots of pictures. I think every recipe deserves a picture so we can see what the final dish should look like. This is why I try to do step by step photos on my blog. I want my readers to feel like I am right there cooking with them and show them that the recipe is doable.
9. How do you manage your time, any tips for those of us juggling food blogging, kids and a busy household?
Juggling is a perfect way to describe how I feel sometimes. Blogging has added a few more balls in the air for me to keep up and not drop. I am lucky that my blog is basically about cooking the food I make for my family, so making dinner is part of my blogging job. When it comes to juggling the house and cleaning... I try not to sweat the small stuff too much. I don’t want to be remembered for the house always being picture perfect. I would rather have my kids remember their childhood filled with the fun meals, long talks and time we spent together as a family. When I look back at my childhood the time I spent with my family watching movies, listening to my parents childhood stories, cooking and sharing meals are what I cherish most. I love a clean house… but I love spending time with my family more. I say spend time with your family, make dinner, play games, make memories. Clean tomorrow.
10. What other hobbies do you have outside of cooking?
I love to read, especially cookbooks (hee!hee!). I also love to scrapbook. I actually was a little obsessed with scrapbooking when the kids were babies and I bought out half of Michael’s scrapbooking department. The blog keeps me pretty busy today… but I need to get back to scrapbooking too because I have a mountain of photos waiting for me. I just wish there were more time in the day.
11. Do you prefer sweet or savory?
I prefer savory, but saying that I do love the sweet and salty combination from time to time.
12. Do you like non stick pans, cast iron, or stainless?
I have them all. I think all three are important depending on the food you are cooking. Of course I am a little pan obsessed so I have way more pans that I ever would need to cook with, but I like having options depending on my mood.
13. Do you prefer fruits or veggies for a healthy snack?
I love them both. But if I had to eat just one alone for a snack it would be fruit. I love pineapple, mangos, peaches, cherries and strawberries to mention a few. I could make an entire meal out of them sometimes.
14. What’s your favourite type of chocolate, milk, dark or white?
Dark chocolate is my favorite. But I would not kick any chocolate to the curb.
15. If you had to choose would you cook with oil or butter?
I generally cook with canola oil.
16. Tell us a little bit about cooking curry? Is there a right or wrong way?
The first thing about cooking curry is to not feel overwhelmed with it all. I know there are a lot of spices and ingredients sometimes, but after a while you will see many ingredients and methods are repeated with just the main ingredient (veggie or protein) switched up. I say just find a recipe you want to try and jump in and do it. Just learn to cook to your own palate. If you don’t like spicy food, then add only a little spice. Don’t ever think that a recipe is written in concrete… adjust it to your tastes. So to answer your question, there is no right or wrong way… just make it your way and have fun experimenting in the kitchen.
17. Favourite spice to use in your dishes?
Well, I have to say red chili flakes/ powder because that’s a given for a spicy girl like me. But I think my favorite spice will surprise most of you… it is cumin. I love the flavor of cumin and it can be used in Sri Lankan, Indian, American, Latin, African and Mediterranean cuisine so it very important to have in my spice cabinet. I also love the versatility of it this ingredient that you can eat whole or ground.
18. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world who would it be and why?
I cannot pick one person, so I pick my entire family. I wish I could get everyone that I call family (most of whom are scattered all over the world) together for one big party. Now that would be FUN!
19. If you could cook with anyone in the world who would it be and why?
Hands down my mother! I always say my mother is the best cook I know and she’s was my first teacher in the kitchen. I still have cooking days with her (not as many I like). My wish is to document all her recipes so we have them for generations to enjoy.
20. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Is blogging still a big part of the picture?
At my age, 5 years does not seem like such a long time away anymore (the years are flying by). I hope to keep blogging and enjoy it as much as I do today.
Dare Portion of Burning Down The Kitchen:
Dare Option # 1:
Show us a picture of your kitchen, all the better if you’re in the photo.
Dare Option # 2:
Show us a picture of your fridge, without tidying it up first.
Dare Option # 3:
Take a photo of you among all your cookbooks.
I just love this lady. Ramona is just good people. She's sweet, and supportive of other bloggers. Her talent is shown in every recipe she makes. I love her stir fry recipes, and her desserts just blow my mind. She has such a range in her style and is able to make anything. I really dig blogs that are varied in their recipes.
There were so many recipes of Ramona's I wanted to try. I had planned to make her Chicken Tikka Kebabs but hubs was away for a couple of weeks, and mini-me doesn't eat chicken. So I put a pin in that recipe for another time. I've also earmarked her Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple. Her Quick Sausage Fried Rice is also on my to do list, it looks so good. I perused her desserts I had bookmarked and the Funfetti Fruit Tart was really calling my name but I finding decent fruit here this time of the year is a bit hard. Her Milky Way Cheesecake Pie is one I'd love to make when we have company over. I wanted to make so many dishes but the one that was calling out to me the most was her Easy No Bake Coconut Cream Pie. I just kept going back to it over and over.
I had made some no bake desserts recently so most of my tiny glasses were in use. Then it occurred to me to make it into a cookie stack. So that's what I did. When it doubt, or too lazy to wash your dishes, stack! Stack the heck out of things. It's so much fun!
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Coconut Cream Cookie Stacks
Ingredients
- 24 Wafer Cookies
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
- ¼ to ½ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a stand mixer combine the heavy cream, confectioners sugar and extract. Mix on slow until it starts to come together (otherwise it will end up all over your backsplash). Then you can rev up the speed to full and let it mix until light and fluffy.
- At this point you can decide if you want coconut in the cream itself. I didn't but it would be lovely inside for sure.
- Transfer the whipping cream to a pastry bag with a large tip.
- Place one cookie down (helps to touch a little cream to the plate first to secure the first cookie) and pipe whipping cream on the cookie, stack second cookie and continue 6 deep. Pipe a nice top on each one. Sprinkle the top with shredded coconut.
- Place in the fridge for about an hour, two maximum.
- Serve with a big old coconut smile!
Notes
These are so adorable I could barely stand it. So I ate 'em all. I mean hiding all evidence of adorableness is a must right...
no...
hm...
*rubs her bellah*
I want to thank Ramona so much for allowing me to interview her. It was such a pleasure to work with Ramona on this project. She is kind, giving and so creative.
I encourage everyone to stop by Ramona's site, Curry and Comfort. You should follow her blog so you keep up to date on all her delicious recipes. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and G+.
Tune in over the next few days for Grilled Cheese Week. I have 3 great Grilled Cheese recipes to share with you. You're going to love them!
If you missed my Meyer Lemon Recipe Round-Up make sure you stop by and check that out. Over 125 Meyer Lemon Recipes that will blow your mind.
Toodles and smoochies! xx
P.S. If you enjoyed this post consider signing up for an email subscription. Just fill your email into the pink box so you Never Miss A Bite!
CCU
OMG YAY RAMONA 😀 - Sorry big fan, big fan, what a gorgeous recipe and wonderful choice of burning down the kitchen 😀
Cheers
CCU
Kim Beaulieu
Me too Uru. I just love Ramona. She is such a sweetheart. Thanks for visiting. xx
Ramona
Yay!! Thanks for having me over!!!! I am so glad you asked me to do this too. 🙂 I wish I could grab myself a stack of that.... and then I would be rubbing my belly too. 🙂 Hugs KIM!
Kim Beaulieu
I'm so honoured you did this Ramona. I just love your site. Your recipes are such an inspiration to other bloggers. It's been such a pleasure getting to know you better. Thanks so much for being so open and for the collage as well. You're welcome over for dessert any time lady.
shannon
KIM!! those are so cute and so easy! How much fun would those be for parties? SO much fun, that's how much.
Kim Beaulieu
Thanks Shannon, you are so kind. I love these for parties, people would love them.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
Another awesome post in my favorite series 😀
these cookie stacks DO look super easy and soooooooo tasty!
Kim Beaulieu
Awe thanks so much Kayle. I love when you visit.
They are super easy and so yummy. I can't make stacks enough.
wok with ray
You never disappoint me because each time I visit your blog, I always smile. Okay, more on the laugh side! Those coconut cream cookies look divine. Thank you, Kim and It's nice meeting you, Ramona!
Kim Beaulieu
Awe thanks so much Ray. That's so nice to hear since I'm such a fan of your site. Thanks so much for visiting.
Liz
SO fun to see Ramona featured on BDTK! Now I don't feel so bad about my cookbook collection!
PS...just look at your darling spoons 🙂
Kim Beaulieu
Ha, I don't have nearly that many but it's my goal. Now I have something to shoot for. lol
Thanks lady. I'm still shocked they shipped to Canada. So many places don't. Makes me want to move.
Valerie @ From Valerie's Kitchen
Wow, that's a whole lotta cookbooks! I'm jealous 🙂 I agree that the worst part of blogging is the clean up. Great interview Kim and very nice to meet you Ramona 🙂
Kim Beaulieu
I know right, me too. I swear I had kids just so I'd never have to do dishes again.
Thanks so much Valerie.
Colette @ JFF!
O
M
G
Homemade coconut oreos - Nabisco is in big trouble if these ever hit the market!
Kim Beaulieu
Lol Colette. I may have to market them. So seriously yummy. I'm addicted now.
john@kitchenriffs
I love this feature! We meet so many cool people. Ramona sounds so cool - and she has even more cookbooks than I have! 390 is serious. And I love these coconut cream cookie stacks - I'm all for simple in the kitchen too. Good stuff - thanks.
Kim Beaulieu
Thanks so much John. I am so blown away by Ramona's cookbooks. I don't have any where near that many. But I'd like to, lol.
mjskit
I love Ramona! What an enjoyable interview and all those cookbooks - WOW! I wouldn't know where to start looking. I think that's great that you are getting your kids so involved in the kitchen. And what fun! You obviously enjoy spending time with your family which is fabulous. Great interview!
Kim Beaulieu
She is such a sweetie, I really adore her. I need to step up my cookbook game.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.
I just adore Ramona so much! These coconut cream stacks are gorgeous!
Kim Beaulieu
Thanks Stephanie, I feel the same way.
Janet
OK I love the picture of the cookbooks. Fabulous! I love cookbooks 🙂 I work in a library so I have means of getting them without buying but if I really, really love the cookbook then I put it on my wishlist 🙂
Kim Beaulieu
I love those photos too. So impressive, I need more cookbooks clearly. Lucky you to get to try them before buying them. I really want to buy Bouchon Bakery.
Laura Dembowski
I really enjoyed reading this! It's fascinating to learn about other bloggers and why they blog.
Kim Beaulieu
I feel the same way. It's such a cool thing to find out what makes other bloggers tick.
Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine)
Instead of extract, you can use actual coconut cream and make it dairy free AND just as amazing! Have you heard the "turn over the can and put in the fridge overnight" trick for turning coconut milk into coconut cream? Then you just open the can, scoop out the heavy cream that's separated at the top, and BAM! Coconut cream!
Kim Beaulieu
I'll totally do that next time. I love anything coconuty. It's like heaven.
Alex
Ah, the cookie stacks: heaven on earth, I say! And another great interview. I love reading them.
Kim Beaulieu
Thanks so much Alex. I love doing these interviews, they are so much fun.
suzanne Perazzini
Wow! 390 cookbooks! That's more than enough but then that new one comes out and it's impossible to resist. This stack looks crazy good even if it is simple to prepare.
Anna @ hiddenponies
So many cookbooks!! I want to move in with Ramona 🙂 I love how simple these are, and your photos are great!!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life
What an absolutely fun dessert. I am crazy about all things coconut. Those are the cutest spoons too 🙂
Christine (Cook the Story)
Wow! What a beautifully simple recipe. And Ramona sounds lovely. Can't wait to dive in and explore her blog. Thank you for the introduction!
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time
I don't think a burning down the kitchen segment has made me smile as much as this one did. I'm just sorry I'm so late in reading it. I LOVE Ramona! She's become one of my favorite bloggers (and people). I grin from ear to ear when I see her name on a comment because I feel like a friend has stopped by to visit. And, she's such an inspiration in the cooking arena. I've only recently grown a fondness for Indian-inspired food and curry so Ramona's my go-to person for ideas and recipes. Her cooking is outstanding.
And, she's GORGEOUS! This was my first time seeing a photo of her. It's so nice to be able to put a face with this person I've been corresponding with for so long. Thanks!