Coconut Ice Squares & Snowballs.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!

It's no secret I LOVE Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Saviour. The world becomes more magical and festivities are abounding, with home cooking taking center stage. And yummy goodies are a special treat.

So I have officially begun my Christmas baking, and I'm going to try and post as many of the recipes as possible to help inspire you!!!!

So get us started I'm turning to a real British tradition, Coconut Ice Squares. I'm also including a variation of it, due to the fact I messed up the first batch, Coconut Ice Snowballs. These are really quick and easy treats to make and your kids might really enjoy getting involved. The best part is that if you store them in an airtight container the will keep for up to a month. You don't need to stick to the traditional white and pink colour for the coconut ice squares, you can go festive crazy and use red and green, or whatever colour works for you.

COCONUT ICE SQUARES

Makes about 32 pieces

Ingredients:

1/2 cup / 100g sweetened condensed milk

2 1/2 cups / 250g powdered sugar, sifted

1 1/2 cups / 200g coconut flakes

No taste red food coloring, optional

Directions:

1. Mix together the condensed milk and powdered sugar in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. The mix will get very stiff but make sure its all combined. (Just think all those calories you are burning stirring it will mean you can have a few extra pieces!!!)

2. Add the coconut to the mix and make sure it's well combined. I usually get my hands into the mix at this point, it's a little easier.

3. Split the mix into two and set one half aside. Leave the remaining half in the bowl and add a few drops of the food coloring and knead until combined.

4. Dust a board with powdered sugar, then shape each half into a smooth rectangle shape, placing one on top of the other.

5. Roll the mix until you have a rectangle about 1 - 1 1/4 inches thick. You will want to reshape it with your hands as you roll to ensure it keeps the rectangle shape.

6. Leave uncovered for at least 3 hours or ideally overnight to set.

7. Cut into squares with a sharp night. I usually put each square in a small cupcake wrapper.

COCONUT ICE SNOWBALLS

Makes about 24 snowballs

Ingredients:

3/4 cup / 150g sweetened condensed milk

2 1/2 cups / 250g powdered sugar, sifted, plus 1/4 cup / 25g for coating

1 1/2 cups / 200g coconut flakes, 1/2 cup / 70g for coating

Directions:

1. Mix together the condensed milk and 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. The mix will get very stiff but make sure its all combined. (Just think all those calories you are burning stirring it will mean you can have a few extra pieces!!!)

2. Add the 1 1/2 cups coconut to the mix and make sure it's well combined. I usually get my hands into the mix at this point, it's a little easier.

3. In a small bowl mix the remaining 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and coconut.

4. Take a tablespoonful of the mix and roll it into a ball, roll the ball in the coconut/sugar mix. If the coating isn't sticking use wet hands to roll the balls.

5. Place the balls in a cupcake wrapper or container and allow to sit uncovered for 3 hours or overnight. Store in airtight contaner