Cocada is a traditional sweet treat from Aruba, a Caribbean island known for its stunning beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture. Cocada is made with grated coconut, sugar, and a variety of other ingredients, and it has a unique texture that's both crunchy and chewy.Cocada is a popular sweet treat that originated in Brazil but is also commonly enjoyed in other parts of South and Central America, including Aruba. It's made with grated coconut, which gives it a rich, tropical flavor, and is sweetened with sugar to create a sweet, chewy texture.The process of making cocada involves cooking the grated coconut and sugar together until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This mixture is then flavored with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and optionally, chopped nuts can be added for some extra crunch. The mixture is then spooned onto a baking sheet and baked until golden brown and crispy around the edges.One of the great things about cocada is its versatility. You can experiment with different flavorings and add-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a splash of rum for an extra kick. The texture of cocada can also be adjusted depending on personal preference, with some people preferring a softer, more gooey texture, while others enjoy a crunchy, caramelized exterior.In addition to being delicious, cocada also offers some nutritional benefits. Coconut is a good source of fiber and healthy fats, while the nuts can add some protein and additional healthy fats. However, cocada is also high in sugar and calories, so it's important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

If you're interested in making this delicious dessert at home, here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

1- 3 cups of grated coconut

2- 1 cup of sugar

3- 1/2 cup of water

4- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

5- 1/4 teaspoon of salt

6- 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved completely.

3- Add the grated coconut to the saucepan and stir until well combined.

4- Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

5- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and chopped nuts (if using).

6- Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7- Bake the cocadas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they're golden brown around the edges.

8- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cocadas cool completely before serving.

Note:

1- Cocadas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

2- If you prefer a softer texture, you can add a bit more water to the sugar mixture before adding the grated coconut.

3- You can also experiment with different flavorings, such as lime zest or cinnamon, to give your cocadas a unique twist.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 156
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 56mg
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 1g

Let's break down the nutritional information for each item:

3 cups of grated coconut:

• Calories: 1,050 (350 calories per cup)
• Fat: 102g (34g per cup)
• Saturated Fat: 89g (29.7g per cup)
• Carbohydrates: 36g (12g per cup)
• Fiber: 18g (6g per cup)
• Protein: 9g (3g per cup)
• Sodium: 75mg (25mg per cup)

benefits:

• Rich in Nutrients: High in fiber, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals (such as manganese and copper).
• Heart Health: Contains healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may support heart health.
• Digestive Health: High fiber content aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health.
• Boosts Immunity: Contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.

1 cup of sugar:

• Calories: 774
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Quick Energy: Provides a rapid source of energy due to its simple carbohydrate content.
• Flavor Enhancement: Improves the taste of foods and can balance flavors in recipes.

1/2 cup of water:

• Calories: 0
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Hydration: Essential for maintaining body hydration and overall bodily functions.
• Calorie-Free: Adds volume to recipes without adding calories.

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract:

• Calories: 6
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Antioxidant Properties: Contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Flavor: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to dishes without adding significant calories or nutrients

1/4 teaspoon of salt:

• Calories: 0
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 581mg

benefits:

• Electrolyte Balance: Essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and nerve function.
• Flavor Enhancement: Enhances the flavors of foods and can help bring out the natural flavors in ingredients.

1/4 cup of chopped nuts (optional):

• Calories: 207
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits:

• Nutrient-Dense: High in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals (such as magnesium and vitamin E).
• Heart Health: Contains heart-healthy fats that can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
• Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that can help fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Weight Management: Provides a satisfying crunch and can help keep you feeling full, aiding in weight management.

Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary based on the specific brands and varieties of ingredients used. Additionally, the values for water, salt, and vanilla extract are negligible as they provide minimal calories and nutrients. The nutritional information is based on typical values for these ingredients.

Enjoy your delicious cocadas from Aruba!