*NOTES:
~Not all Coconut Milk is created
equal! A product with added cellulose is going to be a different texture and
flavor. Don't be fooled by the description on the can label...read the
ingredients. If Coconut Milk is not the first ingredient listed, be wary. There
is even one variety that I have seen in stores which has no actual coconut milk
in it and is flavored only with extract. BAD choice. In general, the fewer the
ingredients, the more pure your coconut milk will be. Also be aware that added
emulsifiers are meant to keep the product well-mixed, ie: not allowing the
"solid" to separate from the "liquid". While that may be
desirable for some recipes, for others it is not. Coconut "whipped cream"
cannot be made with an emulsified product. For recipes where a
"stirred" coconut milk is suggested, it's easiest to just shake the
can vigorously. Conversely, if you want a separated product, treat the can with
care! It does help to refrigerate the appropriate minimal-additive milk
overnight to encourage separation of the solids.
~"Cream
of Coconut" is not the same as Coconut Milk, nor is the drinkable coconut
milk that you find in the dairy case the same as canned coconut milk. The
drinkable version is nothing like the canned version as the solids are greatly
reduced in the production process. The texture is not interchangeable in most
recipes.
~Cream
of Coconut is equivalent to Sweetened Condensed Milk, in that it is a canned
milk combined with a large amount of sugar. I call it "Manna from
Heaven"....it's THAT good. You can substitute it in recipes calling for
the other. My syrup recipe above is similar to cream of coconut, but not as
thick and without the solids in it. The syrup cannot be substituted for
sweetened condensed milk, but it is good on pancakes.
~Once
you open a can of coconut milk, the remainder must be refrigerated. I would not
leave it in the can, but transfer it to a glass jar. The recipe I have given
today uses 2 full cans of coconut milk. I developed these recipes to use every
last drop of both cans with nothing going to waste. Always try to use any
leftover milk you may have within 5 days of opening the can. It will spoil just
like a dairy or fruit product.
~One
last tip about Coconut Milk....it is a natural laxative. Be forewarned! If you
eat ALL the portions of this particular recipe by yourself, you will be in the
bathroom a lot for a few days. It's "slippery", and if your digestive
system is not accustomed to a large amount of it, it's best to enjoy it in moderation! A
regular recipe, where at least 4 servings are allowed per can used, should not
have an adverse affect on anyone except small children. It's not a painful
experience, just inconvenient.
~"ULTRA
GEL" is a Utah-made product that I am very fond of. I have been using it
for 10 years and I cannot be without it in my kitchen. It's an instant
thickener that does not require heat to set, and it will thicken any liquid
that it is added to. I can't say enough good about it. You can find it online as
well as at many local grocery chains.
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