COCADAS (Coconut Candies)

Cocadas is a very tasty sweet which was brought to Ecuador from the black Ecua-African culture. Ecua-Africans live mainly in the Esmeralda and Imbabura provinces in northwestern Ecuador.

In Ecuador “Cocadas” are sold in the streets and in public buses. They may be presented in bars with a form like a chocolate bar or presented as small candies. Either way, they are delicious and a treat not to be missed. When you’ve had them once, you’ll want the recipe. Here’s ours—remember your trip to Ecuador with your own, personal Cocadas.

Ingredients

2 2/3 cups shredded coconut
3/4 cup condensed milk
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon almond essence

Preparation

1. In a bowl, blend the coconut, egg, condensed milk, and almond essence until well mixed.
2. Let the preparation rest for two or three minutes.
3. Spread butter liberally onto a baking sheet.
4. Using two teaspoons to spread the mixture, put small amounts on the baking sheet.
5. Bake at medium temperature (European oven: 163 Celsius degrees; American oven: 325 Fahrenheit degrees) for twenty-five minutes or until they are golden, dry and smooth.
6. Enjoy!!