Sweet Potato Meringue Pie

2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
3 well-beaten egg yolks
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup shredded coconut
1 cup half-and-half or evaporated milk
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
3 egg whites
6 tablespoons sugar

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Combine the sweet potatoes and egg yolks. Add the butter, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, nutmeg, vanilla, coconut and milk.

Pour mixture into pie shell, and bake at 325°F until set, about 35 to 40 minutes.

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add remaining sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue on hot filling, sealing to edges.

Return pie to oven and bake an additional 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.