What are you taking to your 4th of July gathering this year? Why not snag an in-season watermelon at a great price, one raw coconut, which are always at a low price and some blueberries, which may be in season and at a good price depending where you live. Then throw them together in a fruity, nutty salad. I shared this recipe last year, but it's worth repeating because it's so festive and nutritious! Note: I preferred it without the strawberries and bananas.
See it here along with other recipes in This Mama Cook's round-up of other Red, White and Blue salads.
Frugal
Do you ever serve raw coconut? It's the most frugal, high nutrient steal in the produce department in my opinion. I've never paid more than .99 for a whole coconut! The only drawback to raw coconut is it's high prep time. Chez nous, coconut flesh harvesting is usually a family affair, which makes it a fun activity. We'll do it at family gatherings when the kids are playing and the adults are catching up, or on family tv night when we're sitting around the tube and have the munchies (and plenty of idle hands). The kids love pounding on the whole coconut with a hammer to crack it, and capturing the water. Packed with good fat, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals it's the perfect snack food. I admit, I don't love it, but it's growing on me- especially when I pulse it up in the mini-chop and top with melted dark chocolate. Don't waste the water, save it and add in lieu of water/milk in a pancake recipe or throw it in your next smoothie. You can freeze it if you can't use it immediately.
While I'm on the subject of coconut, the Boos and I tried a Coco Joy bar sent to us by the folks over at blue mountain organics. It was really tasty. The boys both liked it, I barely got a nibble. If they weren't made with agave, and were more affordable, I could condone their regular consumption. I certainly understand why the price is high with quality organic ingredients and minimal processing, but high cost snacks rarely make their way into our routine eating. Blue Mountain has a robust product list coming out of their raw bakery, check them out for your snacking needs.
This post is participating in Pennywise Platter and LifeAsMom's Ultimate Recipe Swap, which is themed 4th of July food. Stop by and check out frugal and festive recipes in these blog carnivals.
Do you have other ideas for what to do with raw coconut or coconut water?
