1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. To make the filling, combine the sugar, cornstarch, salt and milk in a heavy 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens, then cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a seperate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Whisking vigorously, slowly stir 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks. Stir the warmed yolks into the remainder of the milk mixture and bring to a gentle boil. Cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla, stirring until the butter has melted. Add the coconut, blending well.
6. Pour into cooled, baked 9-inch pie crust and top with meringue (recipes follow), sealing meringue to edge of pastry. Bake in a 350°F oven 12 to 15 minutes or until nicely browned.
7. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
8. Cool completely before serving.

Meringue

• 4 egg whites, at room temperature
• ½ cup of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form and the sugar is dissolved, about 2 to 4 minutes. Add vanilla and beat just to blend.

Pile atop pie, and bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Note: Be sure to seal the meringue to the pastry edge when spreading it on your pie. To minimize "weeping", spread the meringue on the pie filling while the filling is hot. Also, remember that meringue pies cut better with a wet knife blade. We talk more in depth about the meringue for this recipe in our post Secrets to Good Meringue.

Recipe editor Patricia Mitchell