Coconut Cooler

Coconut cooler is one of those exotic drink that will instantly transport you to the tropics. It's one of those love at first attempt thing. The first time we had it in PF Changs, we regretted ourselves that we never thought of making such a drink though we had lived under those luscious coconut groves.

Whenever we think of coconut tree we have the coconut water (actually that's the coconut milk) rather than having the coconut milk (originally the cream). Better late than never we have had this and making it as often as we could.

As it is Ramadan we make fresh drinks every evening for Iftar (breaking fast). This is one of the most appropriate drink for iftar.

INGREDIENTS:

Makes 3 tall cups

11/2 Cups coconut milk (water)

11/2 Cups coconut cream (milk)

1 Cup ice cubes

1/4 Cup simple syrup

Simple Syrup:

1 Cup sugar

1 Cup water

 Mix sugar with water in a pan and heat under medium flame. Once the sugar is completely dissolved and comes to a boil, switch off the flame. Simple syrup is ready. The excess can be stored in tight containers in the fridge and used in drinks.

METHOD:

Blend together the simple syrup along with ice, coconut water and milk until smooth and frothy in a food processor and serve immediately.

Alternatively you can mix syrup, coconut water and cream in a shaker and serve over ice.

Simple yet delicious and real easy to make.

Rose Palmalooda

Wonder why this name?...Its quite an interesting story. I wanted to make Falooda for my folks but the problem is everybody had their own choice, when one didn’t like the noodle the other opted out the jelly and another wanted a refreshing drink. Guys what do you think? Am I running a restaurant or what?

So I came up with an idea to replace the noodle and jelly. Basil seeds are a perfect substitute for the noodle and palm seeds are a great replacement to the jelly. This idea worked out really well and I'm so happy that I came up with this. This drink is an ideal one for a hot summer afternoon or for Iftar on a Ramadan evening. Just give this a try and you will be really happy that you did it.

Ingredients:

Milk                          :1½ Cups

Heavy Cream            :3 Tbsp

Vanilla Ice cream       :3 Scoops

Basil Seeds               :3 Tsp

Strawberry Preserve  :3 Tbsp

Rose Essence            :Few drops

Palm Seeds               :3/4 Cup

Sugar                       :As needed

Method:

 Soak the basil seeds in 2tablespoons water and keep aside. Chop the palm seeds into small cubes (You can either use fresh or canned). Using a blender, mix together milk, heavy cream, ice cream and the rose essence (if this is not available you can use few drops of red food color and 2tsps rose water). Add sugar as needed.

Layer individual cups with strawberry preserve topped with soaked basil seeds and then the palm seeds. Now pour the rose milk shake over this. Serve your Rose Palmalooda really cold.