DIY Coconut Milk

Just like almond milk in Costa Rica coconut milk is also ungodly expensive. After I became confident making almond milk I figured I would get a little crazy and experiment with coconut milk.

Cold coconuts in Costa Rica are a common and delicious treat. Many of the local people make their living selling coconuts at stands by the beach for a dollar piece. There is a coconut stand right outside my house with a huge hand written sign that reads: "PIPA FRIA". Pipa fria is what they call coconuts we drink in the North West region of Costa Rica, but, f you go to the store and ask for a pipa fria you would walk out with a smoking pipe.

The health benefits of these pipa frias are also included on this sign. Some listed include: natural diuretic, lower blood pressure and increased sperm count..... cool? Well, I don't care about the coconut water itself in this situation because what I need the coconut for is for its white meat on the inside of the coconut.

After I run home and pour the coconut water in a glass I ask my pipa lady, Bridget, to take her machete and chop the pipa in half... or if I savor the coconut and take it back home I use a rock to crack the coconut open. Real fancy right?

I f you can' use the coconut right away store it in the fridge. And be careful not to press the coconut against your clothes. The husk will stain it really bad.

Pictured: My beloved pipa lady, Bridget, cracking open a cold one for the boys errr... for me.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

-2 Coconuts

-Machete or Hammer

-Blender

-Whisk

-Cheese Cloth

DIRECTIONS:

1.Pour the water from the coconuts into a large measuring cup and record how much water came out. Add regular water to coconut water to make 4 cups of liquid. Set aside.

2.Crack open both coconuts via machete or hammer. BE CAREFUL OF YOUR FINGERS! If you're not comfortable doing this find someone who is.

3.Scoop the flesh of coconuts out with a spoon and put into blender.

4.Add 2 cups of the coconut water + regular water mixture to blender.

5.Blend until no there are no chunks of coconut. This may take awhile.

6. Add the other half of the coconut/regular water mixture to the blender and whisk.

7.Pour the coconut mixture through a cheese cloth into a jar. Squeeze until there is no more moisture.

7.Store in an air tight container in your fridge for up to 5 days.

ENJOY!