Kanom Krok is one of my favorite Thai-Lao snack. They are like little coconut treats. And it’s also one of those food that require proper tool and time to make.  The tool being an iron cast pan with divots. 

Since I don’t have the special traditional pan, I used my mini electric cupcake maker.  The electric cupcakes maker is perfect for making cupcakes or muffins.  So I thought why not make Kanom Krok with them.

It may not look like the traditional Kanom Krok, but it does taste authentic.   The outside is crispy and the inside is soft and creamy.  This was made with Recipe #2 which is much more dense and filling.   This version would taste better will peanut dipping sauce.

It takes dedication to make these because you have to sit there and monitor the progress. The cupcake maker does make it easier since you just let it cook and can walk away. At least for a few minutes.

I like to start cleaning up the kitchen while it’s cooking. Once the bottom is cook, you use 2 bamboo skewers to flip it around and cook the other side. Takes about 5-7 minutes to cook.

When using this Bella Cucina cupcake maker it can get very hot. So don’t open or touch with bare hands - use a mitten. I learned the hard way and almost burned my hand with the steam and heat.

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Ever since Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries came into the health market, it’s interest has not slowed down. Native Brazilians have been eating acai berries long before the rest of the world knew about it. And to the natives, it’s just part of their daily diet.

My latest bar of Açaí Berry Superfruit handmade soap.  It’s made with acai berry extract. And also other superfruit such as pomegranate juice powder.  I also included organic beet powder and grape seed extract.

Acai has also found it’s way to the beauty industry too.  Some of Ikove Amazonian beauty products are made using Açaí as it provides a remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help to combat premature aging.  It contains essential amino acid complex and valuable trace minerals.

The Acai berry extract or pulp can be added to anti-aging creams, after sun products, body creams and lotions. Science Daily News noted, “Acai berries are packed with antioxidants that are essential to assist our bodies as they help fight illness and reduce the aging process.” It’s just good all around.

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If you’ve always wanted to publish your own books, there are many ways to do it.  Thanks to some online self publishing services.  I haven’t tried any of them myself, but I thought it would be good to know what is available.

Lulu.com: This place allows you to publish and sell your book on their website.  In 5 easy steps, you are on your way. They provide the templates and layout, but you are not able to change them.  A standard B&W softcover book,  100 pages, would cost about $5.50 to publish.  Mininum pages to print is about 35 or more.  You can also add ISBN for distribution through Amazon.com. But there is a selling fee.  Be sure to read the fine print.

Below is one of the books sold at Lulu - children section.  Saving Pocket, a true story by Elizabeth Bernays and Linda Gheen.  $13.80

Printed: 34 pages, 7.5″ x 7.5″, perfect binding, full-color interior ink.  Description:  “This is the true story of a desert cottontail rabbit that the authors raised from birth after the death of her mother. They photographed her growth and her release into the wild, as well as her continued progress in the desert.”

Createspace:  Since they are part of Amazon.com, you can get free distrubition with Amazon.  They don’t provide hardcovers, just softcovers.  It’s the only one of the self publishing services that let’s you create an ebook in the Kindle format.  Standard B&W starts at $3.66 per book; Standard Color starts at $6.55.