Coconut ice

Description
.

Ingredients

 * 450 	grams  	granulated sugar
 * 150 	ml 	water
 * 1 	tsp 	vanilla essence
 * 100 	grams 	Desiccated coconut
 * Red vegetable colouring

Directions
1 	First line an 18 cm (7 inch) square tin with nonstick paper.

2 	Put the granulated sugar and water into a medium-sized, heavy-based saucepan and heat gently, without boiling, until the Sugar has dissolved.

3 	Bring to the boil and let it simmer steadily until the temperature reaches 120 c (240°F) on a Sugar thermometer, or a little of the syrup dropped into a cup of cold water forms a soft ball.

4 	Remove from the heat immediately and add the vanilla essence and dessicated coconut.

5 	Stir the mixture for 5-10 minutes, or until it begins to thicken and set, then pour half of it into the prepared tin and smooth it level.

6 	Colour the remaining half pale pink with a drop or two of the colouring, then pour this on top of the white coconut ice, spreading it to the edges and making sure it"s level.

7 	Press it all down quite firmly with the back of a spoon, and leave it to harden.

8 	Turn the coconut ice out and cut it into squares using a sharp knife.