Lemon Sugar Scrub

Not only is this a delicious-smelling way to brighten up and hydrate dry winter skin, but it is easy and economical and contains only natural ingredients (in fact you could eat it if you wanted!!)

LEMON SUGAR SCRUB

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 lemon

• Place sugar into a large mixing bowl.  Set aside.
• Measure out 1/4 cup of coconut oil and place in a microwave safe container.  Heat for 30 seconds or until liquid.  Pour over sugar and combine thoroughly.
• Zest the rind of the lemon.  Cut lemon in 1/2 and juice, removing seeds.  Add to sugar mixture and stir well to combine.
• Put into mason jars and store next to the bathtub or in the shower!
• ENJOY your newly soft skin!!

*If the mixture is too wet once the lemon juice and coconut oil is added to the sugar, simply add 1/2 cup more of sugar.

Toasted Coconut Rice Pudding with Bananas

For Christmas Eve dinner everyone chose my homemade macaroni and cheese with garlic bread for dinner, but I decided to surprise them with a traditional dessert that the whole family loves, but with a tropical twist!  I found this recipe in "Alive" magazine and it is a definite keeper!!

TOASTED COCONUT RICE PUDDING WITH BANANAS

Ingredients:

3/4 cup unsweetened coconut chips (I bought some in the organic section of the grocery store and they were made by "Hippy Snacks")

4 cups unsweetened plain coconut milk beverage (can be found in the refrigerator section at the grocery store - mine is made by "Silk")

1/2 cup arborio rice

1/4 cup short-grain brown rice

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/8 tsp ground allspice

2 bananas sliced, or any tropical fruit of your choosing (mango, pineapple, etc)

• In a large pot or large high-sided skillet, stirring constantly, bring 3 cups coconut milk, arborio rice, and brown rice to a boil.  Reduce to medium and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 20 minutes.  Reduce to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes longer. 
• Stir in remaining cup of coconut milk, 1/2 cup coconut chips, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and allspice.  Continue to cook uncovered over medium-low heat, stirring often, for 10 to 20 minutes or until mixture is thickened and rice is tender.
• Chill pudding for at least 6 hours.
• Serve garnished with banana slices and remaining coconut.
• ENJOY!

*If you cannot find coconut chips, unsweetened shredded coconut that has been toasted, is a good substitute.

*If you do not like coconut, substitute the coconut milk with almond milk, and replace the coconut chips with slivered blanched almonds.