Coconut Drops
Traditional Jamaican coconut candy made by simmering chunks of fresh coconut with brown sugar, ginger, and spices until a thick, sticky syrup coats each piece. Dropped onto parchment and cooled, they harden into rustic, sweet-spicy confections.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh coconut meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice (pimento)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
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1
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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2
Combine 2 cups dark brown sugar and 1 cup water in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil.
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3
Add 4 cups cut into 1-inch chunks fresh coconut meat, 2 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice (pimento). Stir well to combine.
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4
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 30 to 35 minutes until the syrup has thickened considerably and the coconut has absorbed most of the liquid. The mixture will pull away from the sides of the pan when ready.
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5
Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract.
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6
Working quickly, drop heaped spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper, spacing them a few inches apart. Allow to cool and harden completely at room temperature, at least 30 minutes, before serving.