Makes: 50 units
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Level: Easy
INGREDIENTS
- 1 COCONUT, IN CHUNKS OR GRATED
- 1½ CUP SANDING SUGAR, PLUS EXTRA FOR ROLLING
- 1 CUP MILK
- 2 TABLESPOONS CORNSTARCH
- 1 TABLESPOON BUTTER
PREPARATION
Poke a hole in the coconut and remove the water (save it for another recipe). Grate the coconut, put in a pot and add ingredients. Take it to the heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture starts pulling away from the bottom of the pan, remove from the heat and transfer to a large dish. Wait it to chill. Mold little balls with your hands, coat with sanding sugar all over and place in mini paper liners.
IN DETAIL: In ancient Northeast confectionery, one would find beijos (kisses) made with milk, vanilla, sugar, coconut and egg yolks, rolled and covered in sanding sugar. Beijinho (little kiss) is much more modern, from the 20th century. Among variations, this candy can be made with or without yolks, with sanding sugar or coconut as topping, lime zest or orange juice. Many are ‘crowned’ with a clove.
