Recently, I was reading one of my favorite blogs and started thinking about what my life would be like if I weren’t working from home. If I had never quit my full-time job and became a food blogger and still had an office job in advertising. Let me re-phrase that. . quit my high stress, working crazy long hours with some crazy, demanding clients, but job that I loved, job.
What would my life be like if I were still working and couldn’t be home with my kids? Would I like it better? Would I be more stressed out? Would my kids be better off?
I have to trust that things happened for a reason and even though sometimes I feel like it’s harder to work from home because there’s really no separation of work and home and that hopefully one day I will look back and know that this is how my kids were supposed to grow up.
With me being here when they get home from school. With me being able to schlep them all around Madison when they have horse back riding camp and are carpooling with two other kids. With me being able to volunteer in their classrooms and attend class field trips.
Some days I hate it. I hate being home. . because work is work and work can be stressful sometimes and I can’t always drop everything to play Barbies with them when they want me to.
But on a day this week when we got back from the library and were able to sit outside with my neighbor and admire her garden and just chitchat and not have to worry about anything and coming back into the house to get dinner ready. . and pinning the kids’ summer reading program charts (that we had just picked up from the library) to our bulletin board and hearing Phoebe reading a book to Madeline as I was making dinner, made me realize how grateful I am to be home with my kids.
Sure, I’ll always have days where I’m stressed out and the kids are driving me crazy and I’ll want to toss them out the window but hopefully there will be more days where I’ll just want to hug and kiss them and hold them tight.
Because they are my people. They are my children. They are a reflection of me and my husband, Paul.
We’re here today to celebrate my dear friend, Zainab. She’s having a baby boy and I am so happy for her. Like, so happy I could cry every time I think about the miracle of childbirth, holding your baby for the first time, knowing your baby’s smell and watching them sleep for hours.
Bringing a little person into this world is life changing and people aren’t joking around when they say “your life will never be the same.”
For Zainab and Justin, my wish is that their lives only get better, stronger and filled with more love. And for her baby boy, who I’m sure will give Zainab the easiest childbirth ever and be the best baby ever . . you are so lucky little one. You have parents who are going to love you. Love you no matter what. So be good to them. They are your family.
Zainab loves coconut so I thought mini coconut cream pies were in order. And ok, yes, I kind of overdid it with the shredded coconut. I couldn’t help myself.
Because I love coconut too.
This fabulous coconut custard recipe comes from Allie from Baking A Moment. . she was my consultant on this recipe. . I chilled my coconut custard and then filled my mini springform pans and then froze them overnight so they would hold their shape. The freezing overnight probably wasn’t necessary but I wanted to ensure these babies would hold up for their photo shoot.
- 1½ cups coconut milk
- 6 egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
- 5 or 6 graham crackers, broken into large pieces
- 1½ tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
- 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temp
- fresh whipped cream
- blueberries
- Using a small pot, heat the coconut milk over medium heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edges.
- In a separate medium sized mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks together with the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly pour the hot coconut milk over the egg mixture, while whisking continuously.
- Place the mixture back into the pot and place over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble and becomes very thick.
- Transfer to a heat safe container and let cool slightly. Mix in the shredded coconut and the coconut extract. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Using your food processor, pulse together the graham crackers, flaxseed meal and butter until the mixture comes together and resembles coarse, wet sand.
- Using your greased, prepped mini springform pans, lay in the crust and press down to fill up the bottom of the pans. Top with the coconut custard mixture and place into your freezer overnight. When ready to serve, leave out at room temp and when the pies have reached the desired temperature, top with fresh whipped cream and blueberries and enjoy!
Coconut custard recipe from Baking A Moment
Zainab, we love you so much and wish you, Justin and baby the BEST!!!! Enjoy today and your virtual baby shower!!!
Blackberry Coconut Cupcakes, by Baking a Moment
Blueberry Coconut Meusli Bars, by The Spiffy Cookie
Blueberry-Ginger Coconut Cheesecake Popsicles, by Floating Kitchen
Caramel Coconut Cluster Bars, by Eats Well with Others
Chocolate Coconut Cake, by Brunch with Joy
Coconut Breakfast Pudding with Sauteed Nectarines, by Cooking and Beer
Coconut Cake, by I am Baker
Coconut Cream Pie Ice Cream, by The Recipe Rebel
Coconut Energy Bites, by The Kitchenarium
Coconut Key Lime Angel Food Cake Roll, by Flavor the Moments
Coconut Key Lime Pie Cookie Bars, by Two in the Kitchen
Coconut Key Lime Macarons, by Life Made Sweeter
Coconut, Lime, and White Chocolate Milkshake, by A Clean Bake
Coconut Pineapple Banana Smoothie, by The Bitter Side of Sweet
Coconut Pineapple Fried Rice with Shrimp, by Healthy Nibbles and Bits
Coconut Sweet Potato Muffins, by Luci’s Morsels
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Toasted Coconut, by The Cooking Actress
Key Lime Coconut Button Sandwich Cookies, by Culinary Concoctions by Peabody
Key Lime Coconut Pound Cake, by Grandbaby Cakes
Lavender Coconut Macarons, by Broma Bakery
Macaroon Tarts with Ginger Coconut Whipped Cream and Pineapple, by A Cookie Named Desire
Mango Coconut Donuts, by Chez Catey Lou
Mango Coconut Smoothie, by Jessica in the Kitchen
Mango Summer Cake, by Keep it Sweet Desserts
Mini Coconut Cream Pies, by Hip Foodie Mom
Pina Colada Pie, by Life, Love, and Sugar
Skinny Blueberry Lime Scones, by Club Narwhal
Spiced Lentils with Toasted Coconut, by This Gal Cooks
Toasted Coconut Banana Meringue Pie, by The Sweet {Tooth} Life
Triple Coconut Rum Layer Cake, by bethcakes
Tropical Pineapple Coconut Sangria, by Shared Appetite
White Chocolate Coconut Key Lime Cookies, by Culinary Couture
I know how you feel, Alice! I just quit my full-time (very stressful and high-demanding) job three weeks ago because I’m finally in the position where I can blog full time as my career. I thought I would be working on my blog less since I could do it during the day, but I’m working on it even MORE! It’s crazy, but I love it just the same. I’m sure you made an excellent decision, especially since you’re home with your kids. Now onto these pies! They look so delicious! Love that they’re mini! What a great way to celebrate Zainab!
Awww, you almost brought me to tears! Good wisdom and advice, I’ll tuck it in my pocket for when I’m a mom!
I could totally relate to what you were saying about not always knowing if blogging and staying at home is best.. I feel that way sometimes too.. but although we dont have loads of free time, even though we work at home, we get to be there for our kids. When I grew up my Mom worked full time and I remember that sagging feeling coming home everyday to an empty home. I think our children are blessed..
ps. Love these tarts. Coconut, next to Caramel are my favorite, favortie 🙂
These are so cute. Plus, I am a firm believer that if a dessert is mini, you can eat 4 of them 😉 haha
Such great advice for Zainab and for all of us! I love these pies – so coconuty and delicious! What a great way to celebrate! Thanks for organizing this fun shower!
What a sweet post for a sweet lady! All the best to Zainab and her baby to be! These mini pies are just perfect Alice 🙂
What a lovely post! And these pies… too cute:-)
Whoa, you worked in advertising! I work in advertising now! I do love it, but I can see how I would want to slow down when the time comes for kiddos. Honestly, I appreciate how candid you are about the “love/hate” feelings you have about being home. It feels more human, more genuine that way, because life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows! I can only imagine how I would feel about one day, lol. You’re doing great things for the food blogging community, so keep it up! (Virtual high five)! 🙂
YUp! Started out as an account executive and worked my way up. . when I left I was a Digital Program Manager, managing a pretty big team of digital producers, flash artists and flash developers. . I loved my job even though it was super high stress. oh my gawd, you are too sweet Heather. . thank you so much for reading!!!
SUCH a fun way to celebrate Zainab! Mini pies are the best for baby showers and I love that coconut, summer goodness! Pinned!
What a lovely post, Alice! So glad you can enjoy your family and so happy that we can celebrate Zainab’s growing family! Thanks for all your hard working organizing this! XO
I think I’m going to drop what I’m doing and come hang out in your kitchen, Alice! These looks amazing!
Awe, Alice! I think you are very lucky to be able to be home with your kids. 🙂 And this is such a sweet post to honor motherhood and Zainab’s little bun. These mini pies are lovely!
Oh Alice, what a beautiful post! I feel the same way about how tough and stressful it can be working from home and at the same time feel so blessed that I get to be home with my kiddos. You are doing an amazing job mama! xo Love these mini coconut cream pies you made for Z, they look perfect! Thanks so much to you ladies for organizing the shower!:)
I’ve been looking forward to this post since yesterday when I saw that cute little hand grabbing for one of these little beauts…This looks wonderful and such a sweet tribute to your friend! Congratulations to the Blahniks!
These look fantastic!!
I’m so in love with this post. I know Z’s baby will be the best baby boy ever and give her an easy childbirth too. I am in love with these cream pies. They are so beautiful dear. What a special day!
Alice this is the most touching post! I totally feel you on so many levels. I wonder about the same kind of things every day, but in my heart I do feel it’s all for the best. And you brought me right back to those precious moments, watching my perfect babies sleep… I still do it now sometimes. Family is everything and there is no job more important or rewarding than being a mother. So happy Zainab will soon be “part of the club!”
Allie, you’re making me cry again!!! love you, sister!!! and yes, it’s motherhood. . my crazy hormones and crying at the drop of a dime. 🙂 but I love it! most of the time! 😛
First of all, you’re an awesome friend. To Zainab, for whom this awesomeness was made, and to whom I wish so much joy. And also to me. I appreciate the shout out and your friendship, Alice! I really hope we meet for reals in the not too distant future.
Every mom has to do what she needs to be happy. For me, that’s part-time motherhood. I would just be such a witch if I stayed home. Bu I’m jealous and in awe of women like you who do it all so well. I wish I could be like that! I’m so glad you’re doing it your best way!
Awh, I feel the same way about you, Mir!!! I don’t do it well. . !!! I just try and take each day as it comes. . but I did have a very happy/sweet moment that day and was filled with gratitude .. 🙂 I admire YOU for being a teacher!!! that’s not for everyone. . and you rock! and you care about your students!!!
I wonder all these things too Alice, but I definitely wouldn’t trade being home with my kids since time goes by too fast! I will never regret it, and I’m so lucky I’ve been able to find a job I can do from home so I’m around for them more. 🙂
These mini coconut cream pies are for big coconut lover’s, and I happen to be one of them! And thank you so much for hosting this lovely shower — Zainab is truly a special lady and will make a wonderful mom! I’m happy I could be a part of this! 🙂
I love me some pie! That coconut custard sounds to die for!
Congrats to Zainab! love these coconut cream pies, the custard sounds amazing!
PS: you write so well Alice, it’s always a pleasure to read your thoughts! xoxo
ohmygosh!!! you are too sweet Manali! I think I write too casually and too conversationally, but thank you!!!!
I swear that reading all these posts about children are making me a wreck!! I love your honest portrayal of being a work at home mom and how there are ups and downs. But overall, the joy it brings you and your family are all worth it!! These cream pies are to die for and perfect for Zainab’s shower!! Thanks so much for arranging it all Alice! You, Jocelyn and Allie did a great job! 🙂
Alice, this is such a sweet post. Sigh, I know how you feel about work-life separation when you work from home. I remember several times being very stressed out by blogging stuff, and I snapped at my husband a few times. It’s tricky working the balance, but I also need to remember how I enjoy blogging much more than what I would have been doing. Having said all that, I think you are doing a fantastic job!
And Alice, you can never overdo coconut! LOVE these cream pies. Wish I had some right here to try!
These are too cute Alice! Love them! Love this post! Congrats Zainab!
Ack, the SAHM/working mom blows sometimes. But then I remind myself how lucky we are, too. Juggling act, for sure! We definitely give up SO much after having babies. Of ourselves, our freedom, our life. But the rewards are ten fold. Congrats to your friend. Deliver some of these pies to me? PLEASE. Because omg.
Alice this is such a fabulous, heart warming post! Z is lucky to have you as a friend! And she is super lucky you virtually made her these delicious morsels of coconut heaven ♡ My husband and I can’t have children, so I don’t fully relate… but we have dogs.. and they drive me crazy! 🙂 Anyways, these look fantastic – like everything you create! Cheers, my friend! Xo
I love that you made minis! Perfect for a baby shower.
This is so funny to read, because I am counting down the days until I can work from home! Going to work isn’t all that glamorous, trust me : ) These mini coconut cream pies sound delicious! Happy baby shower to Zainab!
These pies are the cutest, I love the mini size!
This post! I’m 18 and I’m teary over the joys of motherhood haha 🙂 Love all these baby shower posts, they’re adorable and the food is incredible. These mini pies are a coconut lover’s dream! So yum.
You’re such an inspiration Alice, and you’re such a wonderful person! I always love reading your blog and seeing your delicious recipes, so I’m so glad that you create all of this amazing work! These coconut cream pies look so stunning – and a great way to celebrate for Zainab!
Touching post! Group (((HUG))) ! 🙂 And these mini coconut cream pies are enticing!
Congratulations Zainab!!
Oh these look so good! And I’m with you, working from home can be difficult at times, but it’s so much better than working for someone else.
Magical just magical! I love these mini coconut cream pies Alice! They look incredible! Zainab is one lucky lady 😉
What a beautiful, sweet post! This shower was such a lovely idea, I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s coconut recipes and yours look particularly wonderful!
Beautiful post, Alice! And what a great way to celebrate Zainab’s new baby. I am so bummed I missed out on this celebration! I love Z and her blog and can’t wait to hear all about her new baby. I wish I had one of these coconut cream pies to celebrate.
You’ve captured I think about what any parent feels. Your post is so touching and just makes me so thankful even more for my own kids! Thanks for putting this together! Such beautiful pies you’ve made!
Oh no bake! Well, stove top, but still. Love the idea.
Oh Alice!! These mini cheesecake are blasting with coconut. Girl I love them. And love that M helped decorate them 🙂 I agree with you, working from home can be challenging but also a blessing being able to be there with the kids and making a living. THANK YOU so much for the amazing shower. You are good….great people and I feel so lucky and blessed to have you as a friend. Love you lady!! You made this day extra special.
Zainab, you deserve it!!! I’m so happy you enjoyed the day!!! and so many great recipes!!! I can’t wait to see photos of your baby!!! Getting all teary eyed. . if you have any questions about labor or childbirth or anything, let me know! love you, sister!
These are perfect for her! I love the overload of shredded coconut, they sound great!
What a fun recipe! It looks perfect for the long weekend. And I totally feel ya about the working from home thing. Some days it is the best thing ever, but then other days I kinda wish I had a way to get out of the house…so that when I came back home, I could just “turn off” and relax. Oh well, in the end, this little gig we call blogging is pretty darned awesome, so I’ll take it! Oh, and what a fun way to celebrate Zainab’s upcoming bundle of joy. 🙂
Such a sweet post! It’s a blessing to be able to work from home, but so hard to step away from the work. My son is going off to college in August and I cannot believe how fast the years have flown by!
I can never resist a coconut cream pie and these mini pies look extra irresistible!
Thank you guys so much for including me!!!! Z is just the sweetest ever and she really deserves all this love! These coconut cream pies look incredibly delicious toooo btw–like…I want 10 of em methinks 😛
Those mini pies look SO adorable, Alice! And of course they look amazingly delicious too!! 🙂
These little pies are so cute, Alice! They’re so perfect for Zainab and celebrating her new little one. Thank you so much for putting all of this together! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on parenthood and for organizing this wonderful party for Zainab and Justin! I am so grateful to have been a part of it 🙂 PS: Those pies look AMAZING!!
This is fantastic, Alice! I don’t have any children, but I do have two pups who follow me around the kitchen. They are sometimes needy and just want to be played with while I’m trying to bake or cook; however, I do make the time to go outside and throw the ball around with them. My mom stayed at home with us for a few years before she went back to work and I still have some of the fondest memories from that time. 🙂 Coconut cream pies…oh my goodness. These look beautiful.
What a lovely dessert for a virtual baby shower! And it’s so great that you can not only do something you love, but also be with those that you love the most 🙂
Loved this post!! So sweet, and these coconut cream pies look incredible!! I need to try this out 🙂
I love it that you get to be home with your kids – they are absolutely darling and always look so happy.
Coconut cream pie is a favorite of mine. Love these mini-versions! Perfect for celebrating the 4th! xo
Oh goodness, I hear you on the stress while working at home thing.. It definitely has it’s challenges, even when your kids are older! And these pies, oh goodness. They look so delicious. And mini! Everything mini completely floats my boat!
Love these little pies!
These mini pies are stunning! Love the coconut! Yum – perfect summer desserts! 😀
From what I can tell, it’s just tough either way…because blogging is still a full time job! These coconut cream pies are SO CUTE. I want to hug them. Big time.
These look amazing– and I love the tiny spring form pans!
That is the goal– to be able to work from home. I am having my first baby in August (5 weeks- yikes!), and I have been working on several online projects to try to get myself to a place where I can just work from home. I would love to be more “there” for my kids. My mom didn’t work until I was 12 (I was the youngest), and we had the most amazing childhood. It was my house all the neighborhood kids wanted to come to– because my mom was there, making snack, doing crafts or taking us places. It really is so good for the kids!
I don’t think you’ll ever regret that you elected to work from home. Though stressful at times (Izzy is pushing me over the edge with her wildness in the mornings!), being home for your children is time you’d never get back had you chosen to be out in the corporate world. And you’re almost done with the challenge???? Hooray for you! I hope you saved at least one coconut cream pie to sample—they look incredible!!!
These little mimi coconut cream pies are adorable, Alice! I don’t have any kids but if I did, I would definitely want to be able to stay home with them. You’re doing what you love – blogging and being at home with your kids, which probably makes you much more happy than working in the corporate world for someone else. 🙂