Gato Coco is a sweet that I remember very well eating when I was a child. They were sold in every ’boutique’ around the corner, at the school’s canteen and other ‘marchands’ from the street. We never made them at home though and yet now that I have tried making them, it’s so easy! The best Gato Coco I’ve eaten were the ones that the salesgirls at our shop made and brought for us. They were so good! Basically, Gato Coco are sweets made of water, sugar, vanilla extract, food coloring and shredded coconut. Et voila! Could not be easier than that! I have to add though that they are extremely sweet! However, you can reduce the amount of sugar according to your taste. I personally have a sweet tooth!
GATO COCO
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 ½ cups white sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 drops food coloring
2 cups flaked or shredded coconut
How To:
Place the water in a medium saucepan and add the sugar and salt. Heat on medium heat. Stir and continue cooking until the mixture thickens like syrup.
Add the vanilla extract and food coloring. Mix in the flaked or shredded coconut and stir until all the syrup is absorbed.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a tray lined with a baking sheet. Allow 2 inch or 5cm space between each piece. Allow to cool then serve.