Ingredients

  • 2 coconuts (see note)
  • ½ cup fresh coconut milk
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split
  • 2 ¾ cups shredded coconut
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
  • 2 eggs, separated
  • Nutritional Information
    • Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

      813 calories; 59 grams fat; 51 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 68 grams carbohydrates; 14 grams dietary fiber; 50 grams sugars; 10 grams protein; 54 milligrams cholesterol; 84 milligrams sodium

    • Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

Eight to 10 servings

Preparation

  1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the coconut milk, vanilla bean and sugar, and simmer over medium heat, stirring from time to time, until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add two and a half cups of the shredded coconut and simmer for seven to eight minutes to extract the flavors. Pour in the milk.
  3. Husk the corn and remove all the silk. With a sharp knife, remove the kernels from the cob, slicing from the top of the ear downward and not too close to the cob. Add the kernels to the coconut mixture. With a small spoon, scrape the pulp from the cobs into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring often, for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
  4. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the egg yolks. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and let cool. Cover and refrigerate for two hours.
  5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 275 degrees.
  6. On a baking sheet, spread out the remaining quarter cup of grated coconut in a single layer. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes, or until golden. Reserve.
  7. When the cocada is chilled, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they are stiff and glossy. Using a rubber spatula, lightly fold the whites into the cocada. Turn into a serving dish and sprinkle with the toasted coconut.
  • To prepare the coconut, drive a nail through the softest of the three holes at one end of the coconut and drain out the water. This is not the milk, but rather sweet coconut water. Reserve for another use.

Dining and Cooking