Mise’s coconut ice: the perfect retro present
Well, well, well, hello again! We’re all moved over to the UK (after much swearing and broken fingernails packing the house up, then a ferry crossing from hell with storm force winds and high seas). We’re moved into English Towers Mark 2 (kitchen is a B+ but garden’s a C-) but sadly I’ve no internet connection, so I’m going to hand you over to my lovely friend Mise for a little retro pressie making. Chat soon!
Hi there, I’m Mise from Pretty Far West and I’m here to help. You’ve been reading the lifestyle blogs and you’ve realised that this year you can’t just buy junk from the ‘For Her’ and ‘For Him’ stands of the chain-stores as Christmas gifts, as they won’t show that you’re Vintage, Frugal, Retro and Caring. So what can you do? Well, while you’re thinking about it you could make a batch of old-fashioned Coconut Ice to give to your aunts in beautifully-wrapped little boxes. Here’s how.
You’ll need:
250g sugar
75 ml milk
a splash of rose water or 1 tsp vanilla essence,
75g desiccated coconut
a few drops of red food-colouring.
1. Heat the milk and sugar in a heavy saucepan until the sugar has dissolved, then simmer it gently until it reaches the soft ball stage. That means that if you drop a spoonful into a glass of cold water, it’ll form a soft ball. Don’t worry if you boil it for too long: it may turn into coconut toffee.
2. Remove from heat, stir in the coconut and rose water or vanilla. Mix well (it’ll start to become firm).
3. Turn half of the mixture out onto a sheet of greased greaseproof paper (in a square tin or just on a big plate).
4. Add a few drops of red food-colouring to the rest, mix it in, and press the pink mixture down on top of the white. Tidy the edges a bit if you like by pressing them in with a knife.
5. In a few minutes it’ll be firm enough to cut into squares (this should make about 16 pieces). Leave it in the fridge for an hour and then remove from the tin or plate.
I was surprised at how well this turned out – it was delicious and much sought after. Add more colouring if you prefer a brighter pink. Play the Bee Gees while you’re working to enter fully into the spirit of the thing. And tell your aunts I said hello.
Off to the kitchen with you then, and I’ll be back soon with more guest posts and fabulous ideas for a cracking Christmas. Mwah! x
35 Responses to “Mise’s coconut ice: the perfect retro present”
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Mmmm…coconut…looks gorgeous Mise.
Can it be a present to…um…myself?!!
EnglishMum, I’m delighted to hear you are there and unpacking. You will make the place your own soon. How about some pie??