Cathy's Coconut Candy

Coconut Candy Recipe with Brown Sugar and Vanilla Extract

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Cathy's Coconut Candy is a delicious and sweet treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe combines the rich flavors of brown sugar, coconut, and vanilla to create a decadent candy that is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

This recipe for Cathy's Coconut Candy has been passed down through generations in Cathy's family. It is a beloved treat that is often made during special occasions and holidays. The combination of sweet brown sugar and coconut has been a favorite for many years, making this candy a timeless classic.

Ingredients

2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
0.25 cup unsalted butter
0.25 tsp salt
2 cups white sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 cup light corn syrup
1.5 cups shredded coconut
1.33 cups half and half

How to prepare

In a heavy saucepan with buttered sides, combine brown sugar, sugar, and half and half.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
Continue cooking until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage.
Remove from heat and add butter and salt without stirring.
Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm temperature.
Add vanilla and beat until creamy.
Fold in coconut all at once.
Pour the mixture into a square pan that has been buttered and chilled.
Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it cook for at least two hours.
Once cooled and set, cut into slices.

Variations

Add chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans for added crunch.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent twist.
Use different extracts such as almond or coconut for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent burning.

- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the mixture reaches the soft ball stage.

- Allow the candy to cool to lukewarm before adding the vanilla to prevent it from evaporating.

- Chilling the pan before pouring in the mixture will help the candy set faster.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cathy's Coconut Candy as a sweet treat after dinner or as a special snack during the day.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the sugar mixture to the soft ball stage to ensure the candy sets properly.

- Folding in the coconut quickly will prevent it from clumping together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a richer flavor.

- Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of corn syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

Cathy's Coconut Candy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the candy into small squares and place in decorative candy wrappers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Cathy's Coconut Candy with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cathy's Coconut Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow the candy to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cathy's Coconut Candy contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cathy's Coconut Candy contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cathy's Coconut Candy contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cathy's Coconut Candy contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cathy's Coconut Candy is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and coconut, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cathy's Coconut Candy is a sweet treat that is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Summary

Cathy's Coconut Candy is a delicious and sweet treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this candy is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy this timeless classic as a special treat during the holidays or any time you're craving something sweet.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cathy's Coconut Candy. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Cathy at her quaint little cottage by the sea. Cathy was known for her delicious homemade sweets, and she had promised to teach me the secret to her famous coconut candy.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out an old, stained recipe card from a tin box on the counter. The card was filled with handwritten notes and splatters of ingredients, a testament to the many times Cathy had made this candy over the years. She explained to me how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

I watched in awe as Cathy effortlessly mixed together coconut, sugar, and condensed milk in a large saucepan over a low flame. The sweet aroma of coconut filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. Cathy stirred the mixture slowly, her hands moving with practiced precision as she shared stories of her grandmother and the memories they had shared in the kitchen.

As the candy began to thicken, Cathy poured it out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. She smoothed it out into an even layer, then sprinkled it with a generous amount of shredded coconut. The candy glistened in the sunlight streaming through the window, a beautiful golden color that promised a symphony of flavors.

After letting the candy cool for a few hours, Cathy cut it into small squares and placed them on a decorative plate. She handed me a piece, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. I took a bite and was immediately transported to a tropical paradise. The candy was rich and creamy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and coconut flavor. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I thanked Cathy profusely for sharing her recipe with me, promising to cherish it and pass it on to future generations. She smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with pride. As I left her cottage that day, I knew that I had gained not only a delicious new recipe, but also a deeper connection to my friend and her family history.

Over the years, I have made Cathy's Coconut Candy countless times, always thinking of the special day I spent in her kitchen learning the recipe. Each batch I make is a tribute to the love and tradition that Cathy passed down to me, a reminder of the power of shared stories and shared meals. And as I share this recipe with my own family and friends, I know that Cathy's legacy will live on for generations to come.