Toasted Coconut Macadamia Cream Pie

Ingredients

• 1/2 of a 15-ounce package refrigerated unbaked pie shell (1 crust)
• 1/3 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
• 3 eggs
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup cream of coconut
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon flaked coconut
• coconut, shards (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   1. Unfold pie crust; press half of the macadamia nuts into dough. Transfer to pie plate.; flute edges and back according to package directions; cool. Set aside.

2. 2

   2. Separate egg yolks from whites; set whites aside for meringue. For filling, in a medium saucepan combine 1/3 cup of the sugar, the cornstarch, and salt. Stir in milk and cream of coconut. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. In a small bowl beat egg yolks slightly. Gradually stir about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks, stirring constantly. Return all of the mixture to saucepan. Cook and stir until bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in butter. Stir in the 1 cup toasted coconut and 2 teaspoons of the vanilla. Keep filling warm; prepare meringue.

3. 3

   3. For meringue topping, in a medium mixing bowl beat egg whites, remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cream of tartar on medium speed of an electric mixer until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add remaining 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.

4. 4

   4. Pour warm filling into baked pastry shell. Spread meringue evenly over hot filling; seal to pastry edge. Sprinkle with remaining macadamia nuts and 1 tablespoon flaked coconut. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Top with coconut shards. Chill for 3 to 6 hours before serving; cover and refrigerate for longer storage. Makes 8 servings.

5. 5

   Coconut Shards: With a vegetable peeler, shave curls of fresh peeled coconut. Spread in a single layer in a shallow baking pan; bake in a 350 degree F oven for 5 minutes or until light brown.