How to Make Easy Coconut Ice

Steps

1. Combine the milk, vanilla, and sugar in an enamel or heavy saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil and maintain it in that state for five minutes, making sure to stir constantly.
3. Add the coconut and boil the mixture for one more minute.
4. Remove it from the heat.
5. Beat the mixture while it cools until it "creams." (See the Tips for a description of the creaming process.)
6. Pour half of the mixture quickly onto a square or rectangular tray lined with baking paper.
7. Color the other half with a drop or two of cochineal/red food coloring and gently pour the remaining mixture on top of the first, uncolored half.
8. Refrigerate everything until it is firm.
9. Cut it into rectangular bars or small squares, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

• Creaming means to beat a fat and sugar together until the mixture looks pale and stiff (e.g. whipped cream, meringue, etc.). It turns pale because air has been incorporated into it.
• Substitute soy milk and use another food color to make a vegan version. (As described below, cochineal is derived from insects.)
• Brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar.
• Some people prefer to use condensed milk rather than ordinary milk due to its thicker texture and creamier taste. If you choose this path, then remember to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe, since condensed milk is already sweetened.
• This is a fabulous item for fêtes/bazaars. Wrap pieces in clear cellophane and tie them at the ends like a bonbon (use gift wrap ribbon).
• Cochineal is a red dye extracted from the cochineal beetle. It was used extensively until the 19th century, when synthetic dyes replaced the need for natural pigments. However, due to increasing health concerns, natural dyes such as cochineal are enjoying a resurgence in popularity and can be found in natural food stores. Another coloring option is powdered beet juice. It doesn't change the flavor, is completely natural, and is not derived from animal products.

Warnings

• When boiling the milk, keep a close eye on it! Remember, milk is flammable and if it boils over, it will catch on fire. If you find that the milk is getting out of control, then reduce the heat to a simmer and continue from there. For this reason, use a deep saucepan or pot.
• This treat is fairly high in calories, so if you're watching your diet, beware!

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup dessicated (shredded) coconut
• Few drops vanilla extract
• Cochineal or red food coloring