Sugar 1, Willpower 0.

Sometimes I get a craving so strong that all I can think of is satisfying that craving.  These days, my willpower doesn’t just lose; it takes a beating, turns around and runs the other way screaming for help.

Today it was sugar, coconut candy coated sugar.  I had boxes to pack (moving soon) and meals to cook but all I wanted to do was make coconut candy.  Sickly sweet coconut candy that leaves your teeth feeling like it could do with a good brush – with an industrial sander.  Coconut candy that leaves your saliva so sugary that it makes you cough as you swallow.  That’s all I wanted. 

A quick rampage through my cupboards and I was one step closer to satisfying that craving.


The recipe is based on this one from allhealthyrecipes.net however I doubt that there’s anything healthy about all the sugar.410g light condensed milk

1.5 cups caster sugar (original recipe used 2 cups)
3 cups desiccated coconut
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

1. Heat the condensed milk and sugar in a pan.

2. When the sugar has dissolved, add the vanilla.

3. Make sure the fire is turned down low, add the desiccated coconut to the mixture and stir until it thickens.

4. Add any colouring (optional). 

5. This article suggests a way of testing if the candy is ready by dropping a spoonful into a glass of water.  If the candy hardens and doesn’t crumble or break, it’s ready.

6. Spoon the candy mixture into a tray and press firmly.

I had some natural food colouring to use up so added a few drops to the finished candy, which made it look slightly marbled.

To make it slightly less heart-stopping, I reduced the sugar in the original recipe and left out the butter (original recipe added 100g butter).  I meant to give some of the candy to friends but ended up eating more than I should have!

As I sit here chomping on my umpteenth piece, I wish you all a happy weekend and hope your willpower wins over any sugar cravings.