Do you like the smell of fresh roasted coconut? To me, it’s one of most intoxicating scents in the kitchen. In fact, next to baking brownies or sautéing some garlic, mushrooms and onions together, it would be hard to come up with something that appeals to me more. And while I sometimes think of sprinkling coconut on top my ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal, the sheer act of turning on the broiler and waiting for the oven to warm can stop me when I’m in a hurry. Fortunately, I’ve discovered a much faster way to roast it so now I can have it whenever I want.

This method is so incredibly easy I’m sure many people figured it out long ago. However, as I’d never heard of it until my wife mentioned it to me the other day, I thought I’d pass it along.

And hey, if you’re under the impression eating something as good as coconut is somehow unhealthy, think again!  According to www.coconutresearchcenter.org:

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a “functional food” because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called “The Tree of Life.

For a list of all the potential health benefits to eating coconut be sure to check out their site.  Now, let’s get roasting…

Here’s all you need to do:

"Nuke it" for about 30 seconds. It won't need much more.

Spread about a 1/4 cup of coconut out on a paper towel or plate and pop it in the microwave. Set the microwave for about 30 seconds—just keep a careful watch as it takes very little to go from “toasty brown” to “burnt”. That’s it!  Instant presto, you’re done!

I think the best part of this is how I can now toast a small amount of coconut so it’s always fresh and delicious as I add it to my food.

Enjoy!

By Bob Anderson
© 2012 Javabird LLC. All rights reserved.

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If you thought this was great, check out:
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