Coconut Strawberry Cupcakes

Karen wanted a fruity dessert for her b-day....So, I created something that was a 'lil more healthy than boxed berry cake. The cake turns out kinda like pound cake - but WAY less butter! I ended up making cupcakes & cutting them in half.  Topped em with whip and strawberries. Everyone ate 1/2 the cake they usually would...but with the same satisfaction.

•  2 cups sugar
• 3 1/4 cups flour
  
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, soft
• 1 1/4 cups light coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Directions

Cream sugar, vanilla & butter in blender on medium speed. Add all other ingredients OTHER THAN EGGS. Continue to beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Add each egg 1 at a time. Blend for 30 seconds after each egg.  Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray your pan or muffin tin. Add mix. Cook muffins for 20-25 mins & cake pan for apx 30-35 mins. Poke with toothpick. Get any goo?- put back in the oven. Topping 1 cup diced strawberries + 2 teaspoons sugar Canned whip cream Combine Strawberries and 2 tsp. sugar Cut muffin cakes in half spray with whip and top with Strawberries.

Cutting the muffins & topping with whip means less calories & less fillers than the nasty store bought frosting (but just as easy). Top with more coconut ( I ran out :(((). Fancy it up by toasting your coconut. Put shredded coconut in the oven under the broiler (on tinfoil or baking sheet) and toast for a few mins till it turns brown. Coconut Milk adds fun FLAVA & has great value for your body! Coconuts are seen by some as a miracle food, helping protect and cure the body of internal and external ailments. Coconut milk has many uses, most of which build up the immune system and the body's defenses. You can find coconut milk in the ethnic foods section of a local grocery store or make it at home. Nutrients Coconut milk contains many vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, including potassium, calcium and chloride. Saturated Fat The saturated fat in coconut is made up of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids the body quickly turns into energy instead of storing as fat. Therefore, even though it's high in saturated fat, coconut can aid in weight loss. Lauric Acid Half the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut milk are composed of lauric acid, which is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. Coconut milk can help boost the immune system. Dairy-Free Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to animal milk. This vegan drink is also soy-free, gluten-free and nut-free. Relief of Ailments Coconut milk is known to relieve the symptoms of sore throats and ulcers. Read more: Coconut Milk Health Benefits | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_4744724_coconut-milk-health-benefits.html#ixzz1IDf7mLdZ