More often than not, you can find coconut candies attributed to India or another country that uses cardamom as the flavor profile in this hard candy. I think you will find my Yanked version is a refreshingly different taste, and one that children, as well as the adults, will enjoy.

In an interesting side note about coconuts: Does anyone remember on “Gilligan’s Island” when coconuts were seen hanging from a tree being used as an IV by the professor? Believe it or not, during World War II, coconut water was used as an emergency substitute for plasma in wounded soldiers. The water is sterile, and although it doesn’t contain as many electrolytes as blood plasma, it does have one of the highest electrolyte concentrations known in the natural world.

All-American Spiced Coconut Candies

2 cups peeled, fresh coconut, slivered

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup dark or light corn syrup

1/2 cup root beer

3 tablespoons maple flavoring or

2 teaspoons root beer extract

1/2 teaspoon dried allspice

Spray a large, rimmed baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Then, combine all ingredients in a large saucepan (heavy or nonstick is preferred) and place over medium-high heat. Stick a candy thermometer on the side of the pan so that the tip is halfway into the liquid. Stir occasionally until mixture begins to boil, then stop stirring completely. Let boil and cook about 8 minutes, or until the thermometer reads 290-295 degrees F ”“ hard-crack stage. Immediately remove from heat and stir in flavoring or extract. Be careful, it vigorously steams when blending in flavorings.

Quickly but carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pan to cool and harden. Once hardened, cover loosely with plastic wrap and break into desired pieces with a rolling pin or something similar.

— Chef Jim Bailey is The Yankee Chef and an authority on New England food and its history. He is a respected food columnist from Maine and is married with four children. You can email questions or comments to theyankeechef@aol.com and visit theyankeechef.blogspot.com.