I recently read an e-mail from someone who visited the Philippines. He wrote: "I now know why so few tourists visit the Philippines. I will never go there again." It saddened me because I have so many fond memories of the Philippines: the kind happy people, the beautiful islands and its unique fusion of food with Malay, Chinese and Spanish influences.
As I think about these negative comments during this holiday season, I have began to yearn for one of my favourite candies from the Philippines called Pastillas de Leche, a candy traditionally made from reduced carabao's (water buffalo) milk and sugar. So, I have created my own raw candy that I call Pastillas de Coco, because its main ingredient is coconut. These taste very similar to the carabao milk version . The recipe is so easy and quick - not to mention dairy free, unprocessed and healthier.
Place in a Vitamix or other high speed blender and blend just until it becomes buttery. The shredded coconut will first become powdery, then it will become a paste. The paste is what you want. Do not over blend as the 'butter' may separate:
6 oz dry shredded coconut
Place in a bowl and mix with:
a pinch of sea salt
3 oz raw honey or agave syrup
Roll into small cylinders and cover with dry shredded coconut or powdered coconut (place dry shredded coconut in Vitamix and process until you have a powder), or even raw cacao powder. Wrap with wax paper and cellophane, if desired. You can also just roll them into balls to make Coconut Truffles. Keep refrigerated.
