HOW TO MAKE COCONUT CANDY AT HOME(with health benefits)

HOW TO PREPARE COCONUT CANDY A NIGERIAN SNACK

Nigerian Coconut Candy is made with grated/shredded coconuts and granulated sugar.
This is one of those yummy goodness that brings back a lot of good childhood memories.

INGREDIENTS

** 250 gram Coconut meat/flesh or 1 medium coconut
** 200 gram White Granulated/castor sugar
** 125 ml(half cup) Water
** A Spatula for mixing 

TIP: A good substitute for white sugar in this recipe is unrefined cane sugar(panela).

PREPARATION METHOD

1. Break the coconut and pry out the meat/flesh(that's if you're using whole coconut).
 Grate the coconut flesh and set aside.

2. Combine the water and sugar in a pot and boil on medium heat. Without stirring.

3. As the mixture begins to look thicker and the color changes to a very light brown. Reduce the heat to low.
  Add the coconut and mix thoroughly with a spatula, until it is well incorporated.

4. Keep on stirring until the mixture is a ''browner'' color  and feels ''kind-of'' grainy on your spatula. Then Put off the heat.
          TIP: The sugar caramelizes faster at this stage, and can get burnt and ruin the recipe. So watch it closely.

5. Transfer the coconut candy into a wide tray/plate, spread it out and leave to cool a bit. 
   You can mold into any shape of choice or simply leave it to cool completely and harden. Then cut into square or rectangles.
 TIP: Place in the freezer or refrigerator to harden faster.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT CANDY

1.   It increases energy expenditure, helping the body burn more fat.

2.   It contains lauric acid that fights bacteria, viruses and fungi helping the body stave off infections.

3.   It improves blood cholesterol level and lowers risk of heart disease.

4.   The vegetable oil used, aids in lowering low-lipoprotein (LDL) which is known as bad cholesterol level.

5.   It contains Vitamin B5 which helps the formation of co-enzymes which aids cell respiration.

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