Homemade Coconut Cream

Julie B's Hive's Note:

Coconut cream fresh from your kitchen. Found on About.com when researching recipes for ZWT5. To be used in savory dishes, desserts, and drinks. Use within five days.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 quart

• 1 coconut , shell removed and flesh grated, coconut water reserved
• reserved coconut water , PLUS enough cream to measure 1 quart

Directions:

1. In a heavy saucepan, cover the grated coconut with the coconut water and cream. Bring slowly to a boil, stirring often. Cover with a lid and let cool to room temperature.
2. Place a sieve or strainer over a large bowl. Line it with a double layer of cheesecloth. Pour the soaked coconut with its liquid into the lined strainer. Lift the cheesecloth, pull the edges together, and squeeze out the coconut cream.
3. The remaining coconut flesh may be air-dryed and/or toasted for other uses.
4. Refrigerate the coconut cream and use within 5 days.