Pantry
Desiccated coconut
Also called dried shredded coconut, coconut threads, unsweetened dried coconut
Finely shredded dried coconut flesh, unsweetened unless the bag says otherwise.
Origin
Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Indonesia produce most of it.
Flavour
Nutty, sweet, dry.
How to use it
Roll lamingtons and lolly cake in it, stir into macaroons and curries, or toast it for a topping.
Storage
Airtight pantry. The oils go rancid after a few months, so smell it before using.
Recipes using it
Lolly cake
A no-bake log of crushed malt biscuits, butter and condensed milk studded with chewy fruit puffs and rolled in coconut.
Very easy
Caramel slice
A coconut shortbread base, a thick layer of condensed-milk caramel and a thin snap of dark chocolate on top. Cut into squares.
Easy
Hedgehog slice
A no-bake chocolate slice of broken biscuits and walnuts set in butter, sugar, cocoa and egg, under a layer of chocolate icing.
Easy
Chocolate Coconut Squares
Chocolate Coconut Squares from Australia.
Medium
Nanaimo Bars
Start by making the biscuit base. In a bowl, over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter with the sugar and cocoa powder, stirring occasionally until smooth. Whisk in the egg for 2 to 3 mins until the mixture has thic
A bit of work
Alfajores
Alfajores from Argentina.
Medium
Coconut quindim
Coconut quindim from Brazil.
Easy
Corn on the cob with lime, green chilli and coconut butter
Corn on the cob with lime, green chilli and coconut butter from Antigua And Barbuda.
Medium