Coconut Water Candies (Kiribati Boiled Sweets Rolled in Milk Powder)
In short: Coconut water and sugar boiled to a soft caramel, dropped into cold water to set, then rolled in milk powder, a simple Kiribati sweet. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 130 kcal
On the atolls of Kiribati, coconut water is always at hand, and imported sugar and milk powder turn it into a simple sweet. The coconut water and sugar are boiled down to a soft caramel, dropped in spoonfuls into cold water to set and then rolled in milk powder so they do not stick. The candies are chewy, lightly coconut-scented and very sweet. Take care with the hot syrup.
Instructions
- Put the coconut water, sugar and salt in a wide, heavy saucepan of at least 2 liters (2 quarts). Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring. Keep the bowl of ice water close by.
- Boil over medium-high heat for 20 to 30 minutes, swirling the pan now and then, until the syrup is thick and light amber and reaches 118°C (245°F). Without a thermometer, a drop of syrup in the ice water should form a soft ball you can squeeze flat.
- Take the pan off the heat. Standing back, drop 1 teaspoon of syrup at a time into the ice water. Each drop sets into a small, chewy candy in about 30 seconds.
- Lift the candies out with a slotted spoon, pat them dry and roll each one in the milk powder. Set them on a parchment-lined tray for 15 minutes to dry.
- Store in an airtight container, layered with parchment, for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Hot sugar syrup causes severe burns. Keep children away from the stove, use a long spoon and change the water if it warms up.
- If the candies turn hard, the syrup went past 118°C (245°F). If they will not hold their shape, boil the syrup a few minutes longer.
Questions and answers
Can I use bottled coconut water?
Yes, choose an unsweetened one. Fresh coconut water gives the best flavor, but bottled works well.
Why are the candies rolled in milk powder?
The powder stops the sticky candies from clumping together and adds a mild milky flavor.
How long do the candies keep?
In an airtight container in a cool place they keep for about 1 week. Humid weather makes them sticky, so keep the container sealed.
How long does it take to make Coconut Water Candies (Kiribati Boiled Sweets Rolled in Milk Powder)?
About 45 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Coconut Water Candies (Kiribati Boiled Sweets Rolled in Milk Powder)?
About 130 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 29 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 130 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 115 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
