Coconut Mice Food

COCONUT RICE

Steps:

• Saute 2 tablespoons minced ginger in a saucepan with butter. Add 1 cup rinsed basmati rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat; cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, 15 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes off the heat; fluff with a fork. Garnish with cilantro and cashews.

COCONUT ICE SQUARES

Steps:

• Using a wooden spoon, mix together the condensed milk and icing sugar in a large bowl. It will get very stiff. Work the coconut into the mix until it's well combined - use your hands, if you like.
• Split the mix into two and knead a very small amount of food colouring into one half. Dust a board with icing sugar, then shape each half into a smooth rectangle and place one on top of the other. Roll with a rolling pin, re-shaping with your hands every couple of rolls, until you have a rectangle of two-tone coconut ice about 3cm thick.
• Transfer to a plate or board and leave uncovered for at least 3 hrs or ideally overnight to set. Cut into squares with a sharp knife and pack into bags or boxes. These will keep for up to a month at least, if stored in an airtight container.

CHRISTMAS COCONUT MICE

Steps:

• Mix the icing sugar and condensed milk. Mix in the coconut. Divide the mixture between two bowls.
• Dye one mixture dark red while the other eighter leave white or else dye pink. ( when I make white mice I use blue silver balls for the eyes).
• Dip a clean tablespoon ( use a dessert spoon to make smaller mice)into some water and let it drip, then lift up a tablespoon of the mixture.
• Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Press the mixture into the tablespoon and level it. Now turn the spoon over and tap it, so that the mixture will come out onto the plastic wrap.
• Pinch a nose on the narrow end , then add the eyes, the ears made out of the milky buttons or slivered almonds and push a piece of liquorice, as a tail. Allow to dry.

CHEESY COCONUT RICE

Steps:

• Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• In a saucepan set on the direct heat side of the grill, melt the butter. Add the garlic, onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are slightly translucent, 2 to 3 minutes, then add the ginger and jalapeños. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, another 2 minutes.
• Stir in the rice and continue to toast until very fragrant, about another 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock, coconut milk, shredded coconut and nutmeg, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Stir, move the pot to the indirect heat side of the grill and cover with a lid.
• Close the grill and simmer until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and fluff with a fork. Add the scallions, farmer's cheese and lime zest and, using a fork, gently fold in. Serve.

COCONUT RICE

Steps:

• In a big saucepan or casserole with a lid, gently soften the onions in the oil and butter.
• When really soft, add the rice and cook, stirring, for a couple of mins. Tip in the coconut milk with 2 cans water. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring, then cover, lower the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 10-15 mins, scraping the bottom regularly with a wooden spoon to stop it sticking. Check the rice: it should be sticky and creamy but not watery, and not quite cooked - still a bit crunchy. Tip into a big bowl that will fit in a microwave and cover with cling film. Chill until ready to serve, for up to a day.
• To serve, poke a hole in the cling film and microwave for 8 mins on High, stirring halfway, until piping hot and cooked through. Add some salt and stir through with a fork to break up the grains.

THAI COCONUT RICE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, except the crystallized ginger and sliced almonds.
• Stir well to combine.
• Cook over medium high heat, stirring until mixture comes to a low boil.
• Immediately reduce heat to low.
• Cover and cook for about 18 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork.
• The cover, and let sit for 5 more minutes.
• Garnish the finished rice with the candied ginger and the sliced almonds.