For the Newbie Runner: Part 3

Today's Newbie Running Tip is to Run Unplugged.

Over the Christmas holidays, I saw a challenge issued by a coach and online runners to go unplugged, meaning to disconnect from technology during your run. By "disconnect" they meant remove the earbuds, unharness from your smartphone and even unstrap your running watch. WHY?

Listen to your body.

BREATHING. Runners tend to disconnect from the world around them while the earbuds are pumping noisy distraction into their heads. Because runners are so absorbed in the audio book or have the music up loud, they are missing the sound of their own breathing. Your breathing can tell you if you're fatigued or have more gas in the tank.

Personally, I chose to have my music up loud enough in my ears to cover the sound of my ragged breathing! Also, it was a tool to trick myself from how tired and winded I was.

LEGS, KNEES & FEET. With so many apps and running watches tracking routes, time, splits, averages, comparison charts, etc., runners are trying to go longer and go faster without evaluating their body currently in motion. Push harder. Harder. HARDER. No wonder there are too-much-too-soon injuries.

I rationalized that I should beat yesterday's time or distance just because it was a new day and I was rewarded by the robotic voice or blinking screen. Never mind my feet felt crippled toward the end of the run because my form was poor causing me to over

pronate/supinate and hobble toward my digital reward.

Listen to your world.

There is much to hear. Birds. Wind. Other runners. Cars thumping up to a stop sign, but not stopping as they missed seeing you. It has been reported, women with earbuds are a perfect and favored target for being attacked from behind simply because they are not listening.

That same Christmas I took the challenge during my next run. "This is no biggie. I get to hear the sounds of nature. I feel free." I was in Oklahoma where the wind doesn't have much of an opponent. It howled into my ears. The airplane overhead roared as if it were coming down on my head. My breathing sounded like heaving! My feet slapped-slapped-slapped-slapped the paved trail like they were clown shoes. I was so distracted by all I heard, I couldn't run 2 miles for the frustration of it all. Since then, I decided to pull the plug on earbuds while running. 

It is important to note some organized races strongly discourage or do not permit smartphones, MP3s and earbuds, but encourage the runner to engage in the experience of the race. Typically, during my morning runs, I have my iPhone running app open to know the distance, but I'm listening to what matters. 

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For more Newbie Running Tips, be sure to check out: 

"For the Newbie Runner: Part 1" 

• Shoes: All Feet are Not Created Equal
• Intervals: A Mile is a Mile
• Running Groups: Never Say Never

"For the Newbie Runner: Part 2"

• Stretching: Impatience can Cause Injury
• Cross-Training: Getting Stronger all Over

Sam's Middle Half

Back in June a couple of weeks prior to my 50th birthday, my hubby and I joined the limited registrants for the Murfreesboro Half Marathon commonly referred to as "The Middle Half." It's a fast, flat course everyone says is great for newbie HMers and helps their PRs/PBs (personal record or personal best) sparkle.

Today marks 70 days until the gun starts the race on October 11. I'm feeling anxious. 

As of this writing, the farthest I've gone using intervals (running with walking intervals) is 8 miles. A half marathon is 13.1 miles. So far, my training has been casual, but it's time to focus. I've never done anything like this. And, already it's pushing me waaaay beyond my comfort zone. Did I mention I'm feeling anxious? I'm gonna be straight up with ya... I need help!

I have 2 requests:

1. Follow me on Twitter at @SamaleeAllen or on Instagram at @samaleerose.
2. Daily/Weekly/Sporadically send some motivation or a swift kick-in-the-pants my way using the hashtag, #SamsMiddleHalf.

That's it! I plan to live my training socially out loud to hold myself accountable which will serve, also, as a strong motivator. Your digital cheers will mean a great deal to me. Thanks, in advance for your support!

<inhale> Ok. Here we go! <exhale>

My Day at Apple

Too slowly do I catch-on my hostess, Shirley, has set a course toward 1 Infinite Loop. Apple. Once realized I exclaim that I will be the envy of many at my church who are the Apple Loyal.

While waiting in the lobby of Building 6 for our personal tour guide (Pam a 14-year director who is making a difference in the recycling initiative for repurposing old products) the faint fragrance of Macintosh Apples wafting catches my attention. How clever! It seems the ventilation system of each building is infused with the scent. We sign in on the new computer which prints out my name badge permitting entry. I swallow down a shriek of delight. 

It's Monday New Hire Day with a line of hopefuls filing into the atrium of climate-change-variable trees where sets a diorama of the planned "Mothership" to land just down the road in Cupertino. I'm not embarrassed to snap a sacred photo with my outdated iPhone 4.

We walk through guarded double-glass portals to the center garden,hub to all six buildings on the campus of Infinite Loop. Long blades of drought-tolerant grass serve as seating to many idealistic young brains chomping on lunch and surely talking in whatever code idealistic, young brains converse. 

A soulful foodie, my heart leaps with joy over what greets me in the cafeteria, nay, nourishment center of this techie universe! Food stations with enough variety to feed Olympians. I opt for the Mediterranean Whole Bowl from the power foods bar with Baby Spinach, Roasted Chickpeas, Cashew Tzatziki, Toms & Cucs, Almond Hummus and Quinoa! Texture and flavor and happiness!

We settle for a small table shaded from the lovely California sun. Conversation is of answered prayers and of dreams coming to fruition by patience, sweat and hard work. 

Our final stop is to The Company Store. I purchase a couple of branded items side-by-side with Japanese high school students and other fellow loyals.

A couple of quick photos and a hug, later, we retrace our steps through scented facilities and back to the car.

...with my complimentary, crisp apple from lunch!

Its the Little Things: Community

Flying over the patchwork quilt
of farming somewhere over Colorado 

Transposed the days of the Little Things to breathe-in and include the joy of travel! To stay put in one place and never experience other cultures, food or air would leave me feeling suffocated. Even as I type that last line, my respiration quickens to a small implosion of panic. My personality is wired to explore and experience and my husband is gracious to oblige speaking my love language.

As I write, seated on a plane next to me is a fellow-Nashvillian-replant. She from Portland, Oregon, and me from - welpst, all over. 

After babies and 52 years in one state, she relocated to our little city of hospitality about eight years ago and loves it. However, it's the personal history with friends and locale she misses from home. She longs for the instant connectivity of falling into easy conversation with a former high school classmate or giving directions to the favorite coffee spot known to locals. She skis and misses the quick one hour to perfect, snowy slopes.

I get it.

Although being from everywhere and nowhere, I enjoy my longtime association with Music City and the nooks out of sight from tourists, but am eager to direct the tourists to my favorite locals' haunt. 

There is community in living in one place where neighbors check on neighbors leaving veggies on the porch and friends become family when Thanksgiving finds the road too long and the holiday weekend too short. And, if you're blessed to have them nearby, real family hugs you tightly each time you see each other, picks up the mail and takes care of your dog while you're away.

See, I do get it.

I will always adore the thrill of new places and the journey to get there, but am growing to appreciate there's truly no place like home.

Zucchini Bisque

My neighbors and friends passed along veggies from their gardens. With a good supply of bountiful zucchinis and needing inspiration, I turned to my equally bountiful supply of cookbooks. I'm still working my way through Forks Over Knives and discovered Zucchini Bisque. I have plenty of zucs in case this doesn't go so well.

But, it did go well! I really thought the bisque was good. My hubby was not as thrilled. It's not everyday people crave the zuc as soup. I'm a little joyous about the nutmeg coming through. And, the lemon zest adds the sunshine. I froze the rest for this winter when I'm longing for the fresh taste of summer.

For this recipe you will need either an immersion blender or a regular blender to zip down the cooked veggies into a pureé. If using the countertop blender, be sure to hold the lid in place with a towel.

Zucchini Bisque
(page 89, Forks Over Knives)

1 medium Yellow Onion, peeled and finely chopped
4 medium Zucchini, finely chopped (I removed the seeds. They're no fun to eat.)
2 cups Vegetable Stock/Broth
1/2 teaspoon Thyme (I used what I had on-hand, dried.)
1/4 Nutmeg
Zest from one Lemon
1 cup Unsweetened Plain Almond Milk (Or any milk or cream.)
S&P, to taste
**optional: olive oil

• Sauté onion in a large saucepan over medium heat 7-8 minutes or until onions are tender. Use either the dry sauté method with 1-2 tablespoons of water, at a time to keep onions from sticking to the pan OR use the same amount of olive oil.
• Add zucs, veggie stock, thyme, nutmeg and lemon zest and cook until zucs are tender.
• Pureé soup using the immersion blender or in smaller batches in the countertop blender.
• Return pureé to pot, add milk and salt and pepper. 
• Cook until heated through.

Serve hot with croutons or a crusty bread!

Book Review: A Harvest of Joy

A Harvest of Joy:
A Mother - Daughter Memoir
by Tammy L. Webb-Witholt
Tate Publishing, 2012






No heroine of any historical fiction could quite measure up to the life's journey of real-life woman of courage, Dorothy "Dot" Webb, when the journey includes lives eternally effected. But, wait, this book is a mother-daughter venture. Most of this adventure is and continues to be shared!

Not only has Tammy Webb-Witholt written this book, but has lived it's pages in true living color with the main character. Many hours spent with her mother in the retelling of each event, Tammy has captured her mother's childhood in Alabama to life as a missionary family in Africa to "retirement" often with vivid, emotional details. Dot's humor shines through her daughter's words so naturally there is a seamlessness of literary voice.

The thread of God gloriously using the modest and willing soul for extraordinary service recurs with such consistency, any reader would be moved to offer their own lives anew.

Recently, my hubby and I visited with Dot. I watched as her eyes brightened with a funny story from the missions field and, then, would soften recalling God's provision. I left our visit uplifted in my spirit by this beautiful lady of grace and joy! 

A Harvest of Joy can be purchased on Amazon either as paperback or as a digital download.

Summer Squash Pie

My good friend, Julie Wharton, gave me this recipe, years ago, when our children were toddlers. We enjoyed it! Why has it taken me so long to pull it back out, again? 

With a bumper crop of summer's prolific yellow squash, one simply cannot deprive oneself of a slice of this goodness! And, with the crust made of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, it's an entire meal!  I'll make this as quick and easy to understand, as possible, so that you'll have time to rush, mind you, rush to the store for whatever you need!

 Summer Squash Pie

4 cups Yellow Summer Squash, round-sliced
1 cup Onion, diced
Olive Oil
1/4 - 1/2 cup Butter
1-2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/2-1 teaspoon Fresh Basil, chopped
1/2-1 teaspoon Fresh Oregano, chopped
1/2 teaspoon each Salt & Black Pepper (S&P),
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella
1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar
2 Eggs, beaten
1 tube pkg Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (I believe there are 8 rolls in the pkg)
1 tablespoon Spicy Brown Mustard or Dijon

• Pour a couple of turns around the skillet with olive oil and add butter. Butter cannot take high heat by itself. The oil helps the butter cook at a higher temp without scorching.
• Sauté squash and onions until soft; adding a little olive oil, if needed, to keep veggies from sticking and scorching. You can always turn the heat down a little to control the sauté.
• Add garlic and sauté a little longer.
• In another bowl, combine the cheeses, eggs and fresh herbs and S&P. I prefer the blend of cheeses; however, feel free to use 2 cups of only one type, if you prefer.
• Stir squash mixture into cheese mixture.
• Press 1 tube package of crescent rolls into a pie pan sealing edges to each other. (It won't be pretty. It'll resemble Grandma's crazy quilt.)
• Thinly spread or brush the bottom-only of the doughy crust with the mustard.
• Pour squash - cheese mixture in over the doughy crust and spread to edges.
• Bake at 375 degrees for 20+ minutes. The edges of the crust will brown.
• Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Pair it with a side of veggies or green salad or sliced flavorful garden tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and fresh basil! Nom! Nom!

This pic is from my 50th birthday dinner with my hubby, and Andrew & Julie. We closed the restaurant down, that night sitting outside laughing, reminiscing and dreaming about the next 50 years! We discovered all 4 of us have some pretty big, God-sized dreams, yet to be accomplished!

Sweat PInk Summer Instagram Challenge RECAP

From July 1 to July 10, I participated in the Sweat Pink Summer Instagram Challenge sponsored by FitApproach and fellow Sweat Pink Ambassador Sister, Jill Conyers, sharing photos with other #sweatpink sisters! Such a fun, healthy and active bunch! Here's the recap of my ten days...

 Day 1: Fave Summer Snack
I like cooling off on the inside with Edy's Outshine Pomegranate Popsicles! That's #pinksnacking!





Day 2: Fave Workout Gear
I love running in skirts! They are cool, comfy and provide the modesty I require when I #runlikeagirl! I have several skirts. If you're interested, check out Skirt Sports!


Day 3: Fave Vacation
My fave is always my last vaction. This pic was on a hike up out of Keystone, Colorado, last summer. Once in sight of the mountains, my body and mind relax. I just had to use one of my fave quotes by John Muir.

Day 4: July 4th
Spent the morning with Terry hiking 2.7 miles in Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Tennessee! We learned about the bloodiest 3 days of the Civil War in December 1862, when 81,000 troops gathered and almost 25,000 died.



Day 5: Fave Yoga Pose or Stretch
I don't know what this thing is called! I think I saw Coach Jenny Hadfield do it on YouTube. In this pic: left leg crossed over right leg which is bent and being held behind the knee with left hand (usually both hands, but I had the camera in my right hand). Allow left hip, glute and IT Band to open up. Then, change legs. I prob made it sound so confusing! But, it hurts so good like a #bendypretzel!


Day 6: Sweat Pink in Nature
If by "in nature" you mean... "Outside Pool" on a Sunday for a Preacher's wife while helping my vacationing neighbors... HA! This is my #dayofrest after I fed my neighbors' animals.







Day 7: Fave Way to Sweat Pink
...is during my fun Zumba zweat hour with fun friends! Zumba fitness has and continues to make me stronger for running. I tried to draw attention the sweat drops all over my head! 


Day 8: Fave Book
My current fave read is by author and seasoned leader, Jodi Detrick, who believes "If you have the heart, you can learn the skill." Develop 10 Leadership Qualities for Enduring & Endearing Influence. I did a review on this blog. See Book Review at Book Review: The Jesus-Hearted Woman.



Day 9: Sweat Pink with a Friend
Terry, my [best] friend & hubby, of almost 29 years and I went for a run! He is my inspiration and motivation!







I did a blog post for Newbie Runners and posted the pic of my Brooks Pure Glycerin lightweight runners with the Sweat Pink Ambassador Shoelaces!




Day 10: Fave Summer Activity
For the final post of the challenge, I chose to go barefoot! #nakedtoes #southerngirl #chickenmcnuggettoes #crinklecutfriestoes #summertoes #happytoes and #sweatpinktoes!!!


Thanks, Jill & Fit Approach, for 10 days of summer fun in the sun!

Blueberries and Rett Syndrome

Just over the Cumberland River Bridge into Trousdale County is Kelley's Berry Farm offering freshly picked strawberries, blackberries and blueberries while the season lasts. However, the real fun is to pick the berries, yourself or with friends!

A camera-shy Tabby

I got to hang out picking blueberries with a couple of Tennessee southern
sweethearts, today, for a little while before the heat sent us looking for relief. It was a berry happy birthday for my friend, Curry W., who was looking to do something different for her special week. When I suggested blueberry pickin', she decided to bring along her charge for the day, Tabby!

Tabby is an adult with Rett Syndrome. This disease is a rare genetic disorder occurring most exclusively in girls during childhood slowly taking
over their bodies. Because the onset is later, the girls experience the frustration of not being able to do the things they were previously capable of as they lose their voice and control of motor skills. Other characteristics of Rett are seizures, brain size being up to 30% smaller, swallowing difficulties,
scoliosis and lack of mobility.

Curry is amazing! She lifted Tabby out of the car and into her lightweight wheelchair and hauled all the gear to make Tabby comfortable. To be straight up, I was concerned Tabby's wheelchair was not going to be able to get her to the blueberry field due to the thin wheels burying up in the sandy, loose soil. But, Curry jiggled the chair, popped a wheelie --a very small wheelie-- and off we went!

Blueberry pickin' is fun and tasty and easy to have good conversation over the row of bushes laden with hundreds of berries. Curry mentioned she wishes for Tabby to have a running wheelchair like Team Hoyt, the father who pushes his adult son in a special wheelchair in marathons and triathlons.

We picked our fill and grazed our way back to shade and our cars! Not sure how, but I hope Curry's birthday wish for Tabby comes true!

It's the Little Things Remix

Following with what Lauren Serks initiated on her blog, I found myself thinking throughout the week about those little things that make me smile and catch me by surprise. Little things are really big things when one has a thankful heart. Things like...

Shoulder Sweat!

...Sweat! 
This paragraph is difficult to write. No doubt for you, it's difficult to read! Why would I be happy about sweat? I have been a poor sweater as far back as puberty. I tend to get overheated due to the lack of perspiration during outdoor activities and have passed out. Knowing this about myself, I try to be cautious. Recently, I'm sweating more freely during fitness sessions and running and believe it's more than just because I'm 50 years old. <rolls eyes> For whatever the reasons, I'm thankful! 

An extremely gifted friend is launching a business. It's more than that, it's a God-sized, God-given dream! With this launch comes transition from the former employer, mandatory legal, insurance and government yada-yada all while continuing to do the things we wives and moms do. Can you imagine the stress? Here's to a short season of little oxygen and little sleep! I'm honored and thankful to just be her friend and sounding-board!

I received a basketful of summer bounty including one of my faves, beets! I love 'em! More importantly, I love the veggie-givers! Each member of their family is a giver, which makes them a gift to anyone who knows them!

And, speaking of gifts, mine arrived in the mail from my favorite sister-in-law for my 50th birthday! It's a subscription to NatureBox stuffed full with healthy goodies to share...or not.

Is your heart full? Are you grateful

for the little as well as the big things? 

Let me encourage you to take a moment

to journal your reasons for a grateful heart.

For the Newbie Runner: Part 2

In the post "For the Newbie Runner: Part 1," I offered three tips learned since I started running...

1. Shoes: All Feet are Not Created Equal
2. Intervals: A Mile is a Mile
3. Running Groups: Never Say Never

My disclaimer is that I'm still a Newbie Runner, too, and eager to steer you towards success in your new quest. As of this post, I've only run a couple of 5Ks (3.1 miles) and one 10K (6.2 miles). My intimate knowledge of the running race world is extremely limited. But there are many miles logged prior to each of these races which is where I will draw from for tips.

4. Stretching: Impatience Can Cause Injury

With just a 5-minute stretch before bolting down the road, you can reduce your chance for injury. Cold muscles do not want to work. Tight muscles are like a ball of taught rubberbands. Try to immediately engage those cold, tight muscles for high performance and you may end up with severe pains, strains or even bone fractures. After the run, reward those muscles with unrushed stretching. As you hold a pose, relax into that held pose intentionally focusing on specific muscles. It'll hurt so good!

I was involved with a new yoga studio a friend launched, over a year ago. In that 30-day period, I had unlimited access to all classes from gentle (newbie) flow to the crazy Hot 26 where the room is heated to 95 degrees and my elbows sweat puddles! Turns out, being rung out like a sponge and getting all bendy-pretzelly for an hour alleviated some muscle and tendon issues I was experiencing. Now, I do those flexibility and stretching exercises at home in air conditioning!

5. Cross-Training: Getting Stronger All Over

More studies are proving stronger runners are created in the gym. Cross-training such as weights, plyometrics, swimming, etc., help strengthen different muscle groups while the other set recovers. Why does a runner want to cross train?

*Balance those non-running muscles for overall strengthening.
*Reducing the risk for injuries.

I hated running. I felt weak and winded. Ultimately I just quit trying. After participating in Zumba classes 2-4 times a week for about 7 months, I decided to give running one more chance. Oh, and to make it more of a challenge, I opted for a hilly route. Incredibly, I felt strong, as if I had been running for months! Benefiting from the results of cross-training, I'm intentionally active in dance (cardio) fitness and running. Some weeks, I add a resistance band with flexibility stretches. 

Balance your weekly workout and get stronger!

How do you cross-train? What types of stretching and flexibility exercises are you doing to improve your muscle balance?

Book Review: The Jesus-Hearted Woman

The Jesus-Hearted Woman: 
10 Leadership Qualities for
Enduring & Endearing Influence
by Jodi Detrick
Influence Resources, 2013
and in association with The Quadrivium Group

The church-world is full of broken-hearted people. What's worse? The church-world being full of broken-hearted leaders.

A compassionate leader and communicator, Jodi Detrick believes "If you have the heart, you can learn the skill." Although this book's title would suggest it is targeted exclusively for the female leader, not a single man could nor would deny the leadership pattern of Christ is for all from those just starting out to those serving for many years in any position. 

Jodi designed each chapter for the reader-leader to draw from her personal leadership experiences through humor, others' lives and God's Word. Ending with a section of coaching questions, a devotional and lesson for the newbie leader, you'll find golden boulders --not nuggets-- of wisdom to immediately put into action.

Are you open to learn? Are you willing to take on the qualities not typically discussed in secular leadership conferences? Are you prepared for that seedling sown in your heart long ago to germinate?

Ok, then! Order your personal copy or several copies for a group development ---> HERE! or at Amazon.

Learn more about a Jesus-Hearted Woman at JesusHeartedWoman.com and about the author at JodiDetrick.com.

Adding Value

While social media tends to pander our self-regard with everything from mundane to once-in-a-lifetime events, let's consider shifting the focus toward others. I am just as indulgent as the next vegetarian in sharing what was on my all-day menu for #MeatlessMonday.

Hey, Jack, what's wrong with posting innumerable pix of cute puppies and baby elephants? Nothing, I say! Absolutely nothing!

I'm issuing a challenge -of sorts- to all you bloggers, Facebookers, Instagramers, Tweeters, Viners, Tumblr-ites and YouTubertarians to add value to your followers. Make it for a day. Make it for a week. Make it your next big milestone post!

What does that look like?

Welpst...it looks like encouraging with words and photos, "likes," asking questions, offering helpful hints and posting about something that benefits the locals or those with similar interests. Avoid cutting remarks or even responding to negativity with negativity where all of social media can see. 

Remember, emotion and voice inflection do not carry through posts, unless you use "!!!" and ALL CAPS!!!! Typically a person will read a response using their own filter. If I have a cynical disposition, chances are I will read a post viewed through my pessimistic filter. 

People struggle on a daily basis with everyday stuff. Let's, You & I, not subtract from our online friends' esteem. Instead, let's be the bright spot elevating them and adding value to their lives. You don't have to be a know-it-all, simply defer to another.

Whether we have 20 or 200,000 followers, we can add value with our platforms.

Here's to #sharingselfies! Join me?

That Which Was Lost

When Jesus spoke these words, He had just invited himself to dinner with a man who had let greed (and short-man syndrome) govern his life. During those hours reclining around the table, the savior spoke life back into a man who had lost something from the time he was a boy to just before the moment he, now an adult, climbed a tree to see the Savior walk by. 

We lose stuff daily and are not aware we have misplaced glasses, keys, cell phones and t.v. remotes until that item is needed. Frantically rushing around the house, we attempt to recall the last time we saw it.

What if we lost something more valuable? 

Hope. Dreams. Talent. Joy. Desire. Self-esteem. Creativity. Passion. (You name it.)

What if for years, because of failures or distractions we kept choking down the lie that we'll never do or become what our younger selves set out to accomplish? When did life become about surviving instead of thriving? 

Feared lost, that uniqueness which God created in us is still there, buried deep under years of numbing denial of its existence. Perhaps the only reminder being the sting of contempt for ourselves ever having thought it was possible. 

All is not lost.

I believe the Son of God came to save us from sin. I am convinced He can help us locate and reignite the spark we slowly allowed to be snuffed out. Hope. Dreams. Talent. Joy. Desire. Self-esteem. Creativity. Passion. (You name it.) I know Jesus came to find us...every part of us.

Crustless Coconut Pie

For Mother's Day, I needed a coconut pie recipe and found a delicious one posted as "Mother's Day Pie" on allrecipes.com by Jo Pelletier. It was a lovely hit! 

As we all know, I have to play with my food, and felt inspired to make slight changes. The result was an exquisitely rich dessert to leave you moaning with delight and asking for another slice...if you're a coconut lover. If not, I'm sad for you.

Crustless Coconut Pie

1 cup Granulated Sugar
2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (try the Gluten-Free Baking Mix)
1/4 teaspoon Salt
3 tablespoons Butter, melted
3 tablespoons Coconut Oil (This is usually in white, solid form until melted)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
4 Eggs
5 oz can Evaporated Milk (not sweetened condensed milk)
7 oz Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut (usually found in the baking aisle. If you cannot find it, go with all 12 oz of Evaporated Milk)
1 1/2 cups shredded Coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Grease and flour a 9 inch pie plate.
• In large bowl, mix together sugar, flour and salt.
• Melt until "just melted" the butter & coconut oil, together. (You don't want this too boiling-hot for when you add the eggs. We don't want scrambled eggs in our coconut pie.) 
• Stir with vanilla extract into flour mixture.
• Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
• Mix in the evaporated milk and Coco Lopez.
• Stir in shredded coconut and pour into prepared pie plate. (I try to guard against a possible spill-over during baking by placing the pie plate on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or my Silpat.) This pie rises while baking and, then, settles.
• Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes...or until the center has baked firm. How do you know if it's firm? Give it a jiggle!
• Before slicing, allow to cool for 20-30 minutes.

You could refrigerate before serving, but I absolutely adore a warm coconut pie! I can imagine drizzling this with dark chocolate. What do you think? Also, I suppose a Gluten-Free Baking Mix could be substituted for the All-Purpose Flour, then, this recipe could be enjoyed by those who need a sweet fix!