Best Colored Coconut Easter Grass Recipes

COCONUT-BRAISED COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Cut off and discard any dry or wilted bits from the collard greens and wash the remaining collards in cold water. Transfer to a colander to drain, then coarsely chop the stems and leaves into 2- to 3-inch pieces.
• In a large wok or skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-high until rippling. Add scallions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 1 minute. Add collards and cook, stirring, just until wilted, about 1 minute.
• Add coconut milk and soy sauce and bring to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, until collards are cooked to your taste, about 7 minutes for bright and crisp greens or 10 minutes for darker, softer greens.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

COCONUT EASTER GRASS FOR CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a mesh rack on top, if available.
• Put coconut in a shallow bowl. While tossing with a large spoon, add food coloring drop by drop until the desired color is reached. A little more green than yellow makes a pretty grass color. Add a few tablespoons water to moisten the mixture and help disperse the color evenly. If the color is too dark, add additional water, as needed, to dilute to the desired color. Drain the coconut in a sieve or strainer.
• Spread the coconut in an even layer on the rack, or directly on the lined baking sheet. Place in the oven until dry, about 10 to 15 minutes. Use immediately, or store in covered container for up to 3 days.

HOW TO COLOR COCONUT

Steps:

• Place coconut into a ziploc and add a few drops of food coloring. You want to use a different ziploc bag for each color that you are making.
• Close the bag well after your food coloring and coconut are in the bag. You want to make sure that you are closing the bag tightly.
• I have learned the hard way what happens when you think you have zipped the bag all the way, and it isn't. It is a HUGE mess to clean up when dyed coconut goes flying across the kitchen.
• Mix it up, then add food coloring a few drops at a time and mix well until you have the desired color you want for your coconut.
• Pour colored coconut on a baking sheet and let it dry for a few minutes. Use as you would normally use your coconut in your desserts.

COLORED COCONUT FLAKES

Steps:

• Put the coconut in a ziploc bag.
• Dissolve a few drops of food coloring in the teaspoon of water, then pour this colored solution over the coconut in the bag.
• Seal the bag and shake until all coconut is uniformly colored.
• Tip: if you make primary colors first, you can use any leftover of that color to make a secondary color (e.g., if you have leftover yellow coconut, add red to make orange).