Coconuts and Other Simple Pleasures

For months (and perhaps even longer) Abby has been extremely intrigued by coconuts every time we pass them in the produce section. "Mom, can we please get one of these?!" I don't really like Coconut and I've seen too many movies with people making fools of themselves trying to open one. So we never did.

But last week our friends Jason and Candace invited us over for a Hawaiian themed dinner, and she asked me to make coconut rice. Knowing very little about coconut or coconut milk, I purchased pretty much all varieties. Coconut milk, coconut creme, and of course, the real deal. Abby was beside herself with excitement and couldn't wait for us to crack it open. (I have to admit being a little curious myself.)

Turns out... 1) It wasn't that hard to open. They do all the hard work for you beforehand. 2) I was pretty intrigued to try what's inside. There was TONS of liquid sloshing around inside. We eagerly tried it out to see what it tasted like. It was fairly flavorless. The stuff in the can was much tastier. 3) Also tried making our own toasted coconut flakes. Well, we succeeded in toasting them for sure. But they tasted nothing like the packaged ones.

So why have I spent this long blogging about an anticlimactic coconut experience? I'm still not entirely sure. I guess the fact of the matter is, the coconut was secondary. Abby and I had a lot of fun trying something new and hanging out in the kitchen together. I love seeing the smile on her face brought on by a coconut or a hug or by her making up a "new recipe" (there have been some very interesting ones lately!) I'm so thankful for my sweet girl!