Over the last couple years I have become a huge fan of coconut. It adds such a great flavor and texture to baked goods. I’ve never really tried toasted coconut, but I was making a recipe that called for toasted coconut and thought I would give it a try. I figured out how to toast coconut, and I’ve decided, that is the way to go! Toasting coconut brings out the sweet nutty flavor that is so, so good! I think everyone should give it a try.
To start out I added a cup of sweetened flaked coconut to a skillet pan. Turn the heat to medium and let the pan get hot for a minute or two. You can use sweetened or unsweetened coconut, flaked or shredded. It doesn’t matter, the process is the same. Sweetened coconut will toast faster.
After a few minutes, use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula and toss the coconut around in the pan.
Continue stirring as the coconut continues to toast. You will be able to smell the sweetness of the coconut as it toasts. Once the coconut looks evenly browned (8-10 minutes) it’s done.
Spread the toasted coconut onto a wax or parchment paper to cool. 
Then you are ready to use it on tops of cake, in cookies, or on ice cream. If you have left over, put it in a ziploc bag and store in the freezer. You should be able to store it for a couple months. When you’re ready to use it, you may have to toast it up a bit more to take out any moisture.
It really is so easy to toast coconut. It takes just a couple minutes, but it adds so much flavor. Now that you know how to toast coconut, you really should give it a try.
Happy Toasting!
Liz
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