We're Just a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts

Happy Faja's Day! 

While my Faja is off filming Tiger Woods, Katherine and I are in New York celebrating for him by honoring the other men in our family. Indeed, today is actually Poppy Murphy and Uncle Angelo Day! Who says you have to work for Hallmark to fabricate a celebration?

Our original plan was a nautical picnic; we were supposed to embark Nanny & Poppy's boat, bask in the sunshine while nibbling on homemade sandwiches and Berry treats. Regretfully, the weather has not cooperate thus far and we've been driven indoors. No bother, we know how to bring sunshine indoors and out.  

My Poppy Murphy loves Coconut Custard Pie, Licorice, Roast Beef and Pretzels. Since I seem to have caught cupcake fever once again, I decided to translate his favorite pie into a bite size treat. Creamy Coconut Cupcakes. 

It's no secret that Ina Garten has the most delicious recipe out there for coconut cupcakes. Even Martha uses her recipe and lists it on her website. Very unmartha of her. Ina's regular coconut layer cake is magical as well. Naturally, I turned to her recipe for guidance. 

I really wanted to keep her cupcakes as authentic as possible, only with a little flare. Poppy loves coconut cream pie, so somehow I wanted cream to be involved in the recipe. The addition of whole milk yogurt was my solution. It was the creamy addition that made the cupcakes special for him. 

Baking the cakes was a breeze but the recipe ended up making thirty-six cupcakes! That's a lot of snacks. I was able to pack up twelve and bring them along for our father's day adventure.

We went with my uncle to visit Aunt Margaret's grave site and finished the day with a hearty meal at my family's pizzeria out east. Our supper was huge but everyone had room for a coconut cupcake :) There are still twenty-four left. Anyone hungry? These cupcakes need a home!

Enjoy!