Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup flaked coconut

Nutritional Facts

1 piece equals 342 calories, 15 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 92 mg cholesterol, 255 mg sodium, 46 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 6 g protein.

Directions

1. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add milk; stir until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir for 2 minutes longer.
2. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; stir in the coconut, butter and vanilla. Pour into prepared shell.
3. In a small bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and vanilla on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. Sprinkle with coconut.
4. Bake at 350° for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Yield: 8 servings

Total Time:

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 20 min. + chilling      Makes: 8 servings

Originally published as Coconut Cream Angel Pie in Taste of Home April/May 2009, p65