Coconut Cream Cheese Pie

Both The Captain and I are big fans of desserts that include cream cheese . . . we are definitely making the pie this week!  

This recipe from Kraft.com is quick and easy . . . only 15 minute prep time!  

Please note the substitutions at the end of the recipe for flavor variations, how to make a lower fat version and how to toast coconut.

Ingredients:

48 vanilla wafers, finely crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)

1/4 cup butter, melted

1-1/4 cups BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut, divided

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, divided

2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding (see substitutes at the end of recipe)

2 cups plus 1 Tbsp. cold milk, divided

2 cups thawed COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping

1 Tbsp. sugar




Directions:


Heat oven to 350º F.

Combine wafer crumbs, butter and 1/4 cup coconut. 

Press into bottom of 9-inch pie plate. 

Bake 10 minutes. 

Cool.

Microwave cream cheese in bowl on HIGH 10 seconds or just until softened.  Stir until creamy. 

Beat pudding mixes and 2 cups milk in large bowl with whisk for 2 minutes. 

Add half the cream cheese and mix well. Stir in 3/4 cup of the remaining coconut and 1 cup COOL WHIP.  Pour into crust.

Add sugar and remaining milk to remaining cream cheese and mix well. Stir in remaining COOL WHIP and spread over pie. 

Refrigerate 3 hours. 

Toast remaining coconut.
Sprinkle toasted coconut over pie just before serving.




Substitutions:

Prepare using 

JELL-O Coconut Cream Flavor Instant Pudding 
. . . or . . . 
JELL-O SIMPLY GOOD Vanilla Bean Flavor Pudding

For a lower fat version, substitute low fat or no fat milk and cream cheese.  I have used them in many recipes and can barely notice the difference.



How to Toast Coconut:

Spread BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut evenly in shallow baking pan. 

Bake at 350°F for 7 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. 

Or, spread in microwave pie plate. 

Microwave on HIGH 3 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring every minute. 

Watch carefully as coconut can easily burn!



Recipe and Photo Source

Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

I never would have thought of this very clever combination of my favorites!

This seems like a quick and easy recipe!  The most difficult part is stuffing the pasta shells.  I was thinking that this recipe would also work with manicotti pasta shells.

The recipe comes from Pillsbury.

Ingredients

8 oz uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about 24 shells from 12-oz box)

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix

1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained

1 package (8 oz) shredded Mexican cheese blend (2 cups) 

1 cup diced plum (Roma) tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro




Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. 

Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on box.

While cooking pasta, cook beef  in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. 

Add taco seasoning mix, crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of the shredded cheese; stir well until cheese is melted.

Fill each pasta shell with about 1 tablespoon beef mixture; place in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Top filled shells with plum tomatoes and chopped cilantro; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Source:  Pillsbury.com