Zucre Coco Recipe from Central African Republic | Coconut, Milk, Sugar, Butter, Lemon

Zucre Coco

Zucre Coco Recipe from Central African Republic | Coconut, Milk, Sugar, Butter, Lemon
Region / culture: Central African Republic | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Zucre Coco
Zucre Coco

Zucre Coco is a delicious and sweet coconut fudge that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe combines the tropical flavor of coconut with the creamy richness of evaporated milk to create a decadent treat that is sure to please.

History

Zucre Coco has its origins in the Caribbean, where coconut is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. 1. Line an 8x8 pan or a similar sized round pan with foil (or waxed paper if available).
  2. 2. In a heavy-bottomed 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, combine coconut, evaporated milk, and sugar.
  3. 3. Simmer gently until it reaches the soft ball stage at 238°F (114°C).
  4. 4. Stir in the butter and lemon rind, and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  5. 5. Beat the mixture until it becomes thick and glossy, similar to fudge but without losing its gloss.
  6. 6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and chill for 2 hours. Cut into squares measuring 0.5" to 1".

Variations

  • Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
  • Substitute the lemon rind with lime for a different citrus twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use moist grated unsweetened coconut for the best texture and flavor.

- Stir the mixture constantly while simmering to prevent burning.

- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the soft ball stage at 238°F (114°C).

- Be patient when beating the mixture - it may take some time to reach the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Zucre Coco is perfect for serving as a dessert at a tropical-themed party or as a sweet treat after a meal.

Cooking Techniques

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

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

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use sweetened coconut if you prefer a sweeter fudge.

- Substitute regular milk for evaporated milk if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Zucre Coco can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Zucre Coco on a platter lined with tropical leaves for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Zucre Coco pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a sweet and satisfying treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Zucre Coco in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zucre Coco contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zucre Coco contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zucre Coco contains approximately 8g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Zucre Coco contains approximately 1g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zucre Coco is a good source of vitamin C and iron, thanks to the addition of lemon rind.

Alergens

Zucre Coco contains dairy and coconut, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Zucre Coco is a sweet and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Summary

Zucre Coco is a delicious and sweet coconut fudge that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its tropical flavors and creamy texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Zucre Coco. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside of France. My mother had invited an old friend over for tea, and she brought with her a plate of the most delicious looking coconut candies I had ever seen.

I watched as my mother and her friend chatted and laughed, enjoying the sweet treats she had brought. I couldn't resist asking her for the recipe, and she happily obliged. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, and she was happy to share it with me.

I eagerly took notes as she explained the process of making the coconut candies, which she called Zucre Coco. The ingredients were simple - just coconut, sugar, and a touch of water. But the magic, she said, was in the technique.

I went home that day with the recipe in hand, determined to recreate the delicious candies for my family. I spent hours in the kitchen, carefully following the instructions that had been shared with me. I toasted the coconut until it was golden brown, then mixed it with the sugar and water, stirring constantly until it formed a thick, sticky paste.

I rolled the mixture into small balls and let them cool on a tray, the sweet aroma of coconut filling the kitchen. When my family tried the candies, their eyes lit up with delight. They were a hit, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

As the years passed, I continued to make Zucre Coco for my family and friends, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I experimented with different flavors and textures, sometimes adding a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Each batch was a labor of love, a way to share a piece of my heritage with those I cared about.

Over time, I began to collect other recipes from friends and neighbors, each one adding to my culinary repertoire. I learned how to make traditional French dishes like Coq au Vin and Ratatouille, as well as exotic dishes from faraway lands like Pad Thai and Chicken Tikka Masala.

But no matter how many recipes I collected, Zucre Coco remained my favorite. It was a reminder of that day in my mother's kitchen, when I first discovered the joy of cooking and sharing food with others. It was a simple recipe, but it held a special place in my heart.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of spices and herbs, I can't help but smile as I think back on that day so many years ago. The recipe for Zucre Coco may have come from a friend, but it has become a part of my own culinary journey, a symbol of the love and tradition that I pass on to those who come after me.

And so, as I prepare another batch of coconut candies to share with my grandchildren, I am grateful for the gift of that recipe, and for the memories that it brings. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share a piece of myself through food. And as long as I have my recipes and my stories to share, I know that I will always have a way to bring people together, one delicious dish at a time.

Categories

| Central African Desserts | Central African Recipes | Coconut Recipes | Evaporated Milk Recipes |

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