Coconut ice

Coconut Ice Recipe - Vegetarian Dessert from United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Coconut ice is a sweet and colorful treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe combines the flavors of coconut and vanilla to create a delicious and creamy confection that is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

Coconut ice has been a popular sweet treat for many years, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, where it was often served at tea parties and other social gatherings. The combination of coconut and sugar creates a unique and tasty treat that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

450 g granulated sugar
150 ml water
1 tsp vanilla extract
100 g desiccated coconut
red vegetable colouring

How to prepare

First, line an 18 cm (7 inches) square tin with nonstick paper.
In a medium-sized, heavy-based saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat gently, without boiling, until the sugar has dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer steadily until the temperature reaches 120°C (240°F) on a sugar thermometer, or until a small amount of the syrup dropped into a cup of cold water forms a soft ball.
Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla extract and desiccated coconut. Stir the mixture for 5–10 minutes, or until it begins to thicken and set.
Pour half of the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth it out to create an even layer.
To the remaining half of the mixture, add a drop or two of pink food coloring to achieve a pale pink color. Pour this pink mixture on top of the white coconut ice, spreading it to the edges and ensuring it is level.
Press the mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon and let it harden.
Once hardened, remove the coconut ice from the tin and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares.

Variations

For a twist on the classic coconut ice recipe, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture before setting. You can also experiment with different food coloring to create a rainbow of colors for a fun and festive treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making coconut ice, it is important to use a heavy-based saucepan to ensure even cooking. Be sure to stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning, and be careful when adding the food coloring to achieve the desired shade. Additionally, make sure to let the mixture cool and set properly before cutting it into squares.

Serving Suggestions

Coconut ice is perfect for serving at tea parties, baby showers, or as a sweet treat for friends and family. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

Cooking Techniques

When making coconut ice, be sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature. This will help the coconut ice set properly and achieve the perfect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have desiccated coconut on hand, you can use shredded coconut instead. You can also substitute the vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Coconut ice can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or special occasions.

Presentation Ideas

To make your coconut ice even more visually appealing, try cutting it into different shapes using cookie cutters. You can also sprinkle shredded coconut on top for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Coconut ice pairs well with a variety of beverages, including tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Enjoy it as a sweet treat on its own or serve it alongside other desserts for a delicious and indulgent spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover coconut ice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of coconut ice contains approximately 150 calories, making it a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for enjoying in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of coconut ice contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates, making it a sweet and satisfying treat that is perfect for satisfying your sugar cravings.

Fats

Coconut ice is a rich and creamy treat that contains approximately 10g of fats per serving. While it is high in fats, it is a delicious indulgence that is perfect for special occasions.

Proteins

Each serving of coconut ice contains approximately 1g of proteins, making it a sweet and satisfying treat that is perfect for enjoying in moderation.

Vitamins and minerals

Coconut ice is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, but it does contain small amounts of calcium and iron. Enjoy this sweet treat as part of a balanced diet to ensure you are getting all the essential nutrients your body needs.

Alergens

Coconut ice contains coconut, which is a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this treat to friends and family.

Summary

Coconut ice is a sweet and creamy treat that is perfect for satisfying your sugar cravings. While it is high in fats and carbohydrates, it is a delicious indulgence that is perfect for special occasions.

Summary

Coconut ice is a delicious and creamy treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its rich coconut flavor and colorful appearance, it is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy this sweet treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for coconut ice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret in her small coastal town. We had spent the morning walking along the beach, collecting seashells and enjoying the salty breeze off the ocean.

As we made our way back to Margaret's house, she mentioned that she had a new recipe she wanted to try out. She called it coconut ice, a sweet treat that she had discovered in an old cookbook passed down from her grandmother. Intrigued by the sound of it, I eagerly offered to help her make it.

Margaret led me into her cozy kitchen, where she pulled out the worn cookbook and flipped through the pages until she found the recipe for coconut ice. The ingredients were simple – just sugar, coconut, and condensed milk – but the process seemed a bit more complicated than I had anticipated.

As Margaret began to measure out the ingredients, she explained that coconut ice was a traditional British confection, popular at fairs and festivals. It was a sweet and creamy treat, with a chewy texture and a hint of coconut flavor. I could already imagine the taste of it melting in my mouth.

We mixed the sugar, coconut, and condensed milk together in a large bowl, stirring until the mixture was smooth and well combined. Margaret then poured the mixture into a square baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula before placing it in the fridge to set.

While we waited for the coconut ice to firm up, Margaret regaled me with stories of her childhood and the memories she had of making this sweet treat with her grandmother. She spoke of lazy summer afternoons spent in the kitchen, laughing and chatting as they stirred the mixture together.

As the coconut ice finally set, Margaret cut it into small squares and placed them on a decorative plate. The vibrant white and pink colors of the coconut ice looked like little slices of heaven, begging to be eaten.

I eagerly took a bite of the coconut ice, savoring the sweet and creamy flavor that melted in my mouth. The chewy texture of the coconut mixed with the sugary sweetness was a delightful combination, and I couldn't help but reach for another piece.

Margaret smiled as she watched me enjoy the coconut ice, the memories of her grandmother and their time spent together in the kitchen flooding back. She told me that this recipe was a special one, passed down through generations and cherished for its simplicity and deliciousness.

I thanked Margaret for introducing me to the joy of making coconut ice and promised to carry on the tradition in my own kitchen. As I left her house that day, a small container of coconut ice in hand, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life – good friends, good food, and the joy of discovering new recipes. And I knew that this recipe for coconut ice would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the sweet moments shared with loved ones.