Paleo diet?

[Owlie]

Amazingly, I can find coconut oil at Kroger. I might get some if I choose to venture further into Goan cooking, since coconut is a huge component. I can't get too used to keeping coconut products around, though. DBF hates coconut in most forms. The only one he'll willingly eat it in is this soup, which isn't terribly paleo because it uses beer as the base, but it's so good.

We do have a Trader Joe's that isn't all that far away from the bike shop. I might have to go look. And pick up some of that toffee, if they still make it.

[Tri Girl]

Isn't coconut cream just the "solid" part of the regular (not lite) coconut milk after it's chilled? Or do you use the clear stuff too?

I don't know. I just put the whole can in the fridge and use it all when making the whipped cream. The kind I've bought (Thai Kitchen) doesn't separate- it's all solid (no clear stuff). I don't get the lite version.

[Catrin]

I think it is only the "light" canned coconut milk that separates. I use the full fat version as well and so far it's not separated. I really would like to find some coconut flour locally, but it looks like I will need to get it from the internet. It isn't expensive and looks like it would be useful to have.

My first batch of chicken bone broth is still happily cooking away, it will be interesting! The farmer I get my pasture/grass-fed items from has a sale on soup bones this week so he is going to bring me some on Wednesday. I am asking him about short ribs, that isn't something that are very popular so I suspect the price will be lower.

Yes, eating Paleo/Primal can become quite expensive - but I am finding ways to bring down the cost. From the way I feel eating this way, it is worth it - and really my costs have not been way out of line.

I picked up some Belgian Endive this week for the first time, found a recipe that calls for grilling it, we will see how it goes

[Blueberry]

The whole foods brand regular (not lite) coconut milk separates.

[Catrin]

The whole foods brand regular (not lite) coconut milk separates.

Actually I misspoke. I was thinking of my canned coconut CREAM. Sadly Trader Joe's doesn't sell the full fat coconut milk and I forgot to look when I was at Whole Foods (for the first time) today. I will be back

[Blueberry]

Actually I misspoke. I was thinking of my canned coconut CREAM. Sadly Trader Joe's doesn't sell the full fat coconut milk and I forgot to look when I was at Whole Foods (for the first time) today. I will be back

They hide it on the bottom shelf, usually (their brand). The Thai Kitchen stuff is more expensive, and usually front and center. I love WF, but I find I have to search for their store brands. Their store brands are usually amazing (other than TJ's, I've never said that about a store), and are usually less expensive than organic products elsewhere. We actually do 80% of our shopping at WF, and have a very reasonable budget (the remainder is TJ's, Costco, and the very occasional regular store product).

[Catrin]

I was pleasantly surprised. My farmer beats them on meat prices, and they are competitive with Trader Joe's regarding organic goods - they seem to be within .25 of each other, at least on the things I checked. Prices on free range organic eggs were, however, much cheaper at WF. As many of those things I eat it is well worth the drive just for that!

I found the organic vegetable prices to be higher at WF but they do have a better selection. I can see starting at Trader Joe's and head to WF for what TJ doesn't carry.

[Chile Pepper]

Isn't coconut cream just the "solid" part of the regular (not lite) coconut milk after it's chilled?

In Thai cooking, the top, thick layer of coconut milk is called cream, but that is different from cans of coconut cream. Coconut cream (in a can) is very, very sweet, like sweetened condensed milk, and is mostly used for cocktails and desserts. Coconut milk is unsweetened, and that is what is used for cooking (curries and such).

[Catrin]

In Thai cooking, the top, thick layer of coconut milk is called cream, but that is different from cans of coconut cream. Coconut cream (in a can) is very, very sweet, like sweetened condensed milk, and is mostly used for cocktails and desserts. Coconut milk is unsweetened, and that is what is used for cooking (curries and such).

There must be different types. My canned coconut cream isn't really sweet at all and he can says it is just coconut meat and milk.

[Irulan]

In Thai cooking, the top, thick layer of coconut milk is called cream, but that is different from cans of coconut cream. Coconut cream (in a can) is very, very sweet, like sweetened condensed milk, and is mostly used for cocktails and desserts. Coconut milk is unsweetened, and that is what is used for cooking (curries and such).

I've purchased "coconut cream" instead of coconut milk at the Asian Market, by mistake when I thought I was buying coconut milk. I've found it to be the same as what's on top of the coconut milk and nothing more; not a sweetened product. So maybe there's different kinds of coconut cream?

Here's a tip. If you buy canned coconut milk at an Asian market, it cost lots less. I pay $1.19 for a 19 oz. can of Mae Ploy brand. I think the quality of the brands is better, too. In fact all Asian specialty items are less,(and better) and sometimes lots less, at Asian markets than other places. Recently I purchased a 6.5 oz jar of black peppercorns for $2. Take that, Spice Islands,

[indysteel]

Coconut cream is coconut milk but with less added milk. Cream of coconut is sweetened with cane sugar. It's used mostly for cocktails like piña coloda.

[Owlie]

I actually almost always buy the full-fat coconut milk--it tastes better and for the soup I posted previously, it gives a much better mouthfeel. Whole Paycheck has it in the 365 brand, so you can save a few cents. It's hit or miss in the other grocery stores around here, though.

And now I really want a pina colada.

[Catrin]

Coconut cream is coconut milk but with less added milk. Cream of coconut is sweetened with cane sugar. It's used mostly for cocktails like piña coloda.

Thanks Indy, I knew there is a more sweetened version but wasn't sure what it was called. I really like coconut cream for curries, and even for splashing into skillet with sauteed kale and spinach just before they are ready. Adds a bit of healthy fat and I love the flavor. Have to measure it though to stay in calorie targets

[Crankin]

While I was buying olive oil for cooking (as opposed to the Spanish stuff I buy on line for dressings, etc), I happened to look down and see coconut oil. It sure looked like coconut milk to me, but there it was, right in the regular grocery store.

[indysteel]

Thanks Indy, I knew there is a more sweetened version but wasn't sure what it was called. I really like coconut cream for curries, and even for splashing into skillet with sauteed kale and spinach just before they are ready. Adds a bit of healthy fat and I love the flavor. Have to measure it though to stay in calorie targets

One of my favorite chicken dishes uses coconut milk/cream (the brand of milk I use is thicker than some). Cut boneless chicken breasts into one inch cubes. Mix together 3/4 cup of the milk with a tablespoon or two of red curry paste and a little kosher salt. Coat the chicken with the marinade and let sit in the fridge for a couple if hours. Skewer them and then grill or broil.

I'm not sure if red curry paste is paleo friendly, but I recommend the dish.