A few days ago I posted a Spiced Pina Colada Recipe. While I was preparing to write the recipe I did a bit of research about the difference between Coconut Milk & Cream of Coconut.  I learned Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream are pretty much the same. Coconut milk is thin and the consistency of milk, coconut cream is thicker.  Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream are both made by combining hot water (near boiling) with the flesh of coconut, blending and straining it. However Coconut Milk is much thinner than Coconut Cream.  Coconut milk is made by simmering equal parts of shredded coconut and water. For example 1 cup of coconut and 1 cup of water.  Coconut cream on the other hand is made by simmering four parts of shredded coconut to one part water. For example 4 cups of shredded coconut to 1 cup of water.  Cream of Coconut is just sweetened coconut cream.  

Honestly after learning this information my mind was blown 🤯.  I thought ohh what the possibilities. I could add spices to it and make a spiced coconut milk or cream of coconut, which after I made it, I thought to myself I should’ve added a little something to it. But it was just my fist time making it, so I needed to just test the method.  The sky is literally the limit when making something from scratch. 

 Coconut Milk

Directions

1. Add coconut and water to a sauce pan.  
2. Heat until the water is warm, over low to medium heat.  
3. Carefully pour the coconut mixture into a blender. Blend on high for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined.  
4. Line a fine mesh strainer with cheese cloth over a bowl. Spoon coconut mixture on the cheese cloth.  
5. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Be careful the water may be very warm.  

Cream of Coconut

Directions 

1. Add sugar and water to a sauce pan, bring to a simmer.  
2. Add the coconut, and continue to simmer another minute or two. 
3. Carefully pour the coconut mixture into a blender. Blend on high for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined.  
4. Line a fine mesh strainer with cheese cloth over a bowl. Spoon coconut mixture on the cheese cloth.  You may have change the cheese cloth, and repeat the next step. 
5. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Be careful the water may be very warm.