Coconut barfi

This Indian sweet has a special connection down my memory lane.My maternal grand mother used to make it from  the farm fresh coconut from the backyard and as kids we would enjoy relishing it under the cool breeze of coconut trees .The sweet , nutty smell coming from the kitchen window used to drive us  crazy .

We would desperately wait for it to be ready and my granny constantly warning  us "Its hot ,be careful". if u r from Hyderabad  or visited  Hyderabad you would have seen the road side vendors selling it by the name "Copra pak" which means.... copra means coconut and pak means a Telugu word paakamu for thread consistency sugar syrup.

The bright orange colour barfi with a piece of fresh coconut served definitely catches the eye of a visitor .In a bit to relive my childhood made it one day and it was successful.if u r a coconut lover or a person with a sweet tooth u will definitely enjoy it .

It can be stored for a couple of weeks ,but mine lasted for a week only.To increase the health portion of the barfi I have added almond meal to it ,You can also go with pista dust(fine pista powder) also.over .......to the recipe now

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups coconut
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp cardamom
• food colour of your choice(few drops)

METHOD

1. Add  water and sugar in a pan and keep stirring slowly,stir well so that the sugar melts in water and starts boiling.
2. Once the syrup starts boiling simmer the burner and stir it slowly  to form a two thread consistency sugar syrup.
3. To see whether the syrup has reached a two thread consistency drop a little of the syrup in cold water it will form a ball,and will not dissolve in water.
4. At this stage add coconut and almond meal ,mix it well be careful not to splash it on Ur hands cook for a while, approx 10 minutes until it comes nearer and leaves the sides of the pan to form a dough.
5. Add cardamom powder,food colour  and remove it in a greased plate or a casserole.
6. Cut it in desired shapes ,preferably squares.
7. Allow it to cool completely before serving it 

NOTES

1. This dish requires your 100% attention .make sure u don't engage your self in other chores while making this.
2. Be careful for the first step because the sugar threatens to caramelise by sticking at the bottom, so stir well until the sugar dissolves.
3. If u over cook the step 4,sugar tends to crystallise.