Mamaw's Coconut Cream Pie

I've been wanting to post this recipe forever and I haven't for two reasons.  The first being no one in my house likes coconut and the second being I'm a terrible pie maker.  Since today is National Pi(e) Day (3/14 get it?) I decided this would be the perfect recipe to share and that I would conquer my pie fears.  Every anniversary my husband and I give each other gifts from the traditional list.  Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's a challenge.  (7th Anniversary=Wool.  He got 7 pairs of wool socks!) The first anniversary gift traditionally is paper, and I received a cookbook.  The first thing I made was a double-crust, deep dish apple pie.  And when I cut into it, I discovered what I had really made was a double-crust, deep dish apple soup.  As a 21yr old newlywed, that was pretty discouraging and I have not made a pie since.  (Let's say it has been a FEW years.)  Now my friend Michaela, over at An Affair From The Heart, makes beautiful pies.  So beautiful that she sells them during the holidays.  (If you're in the Omaha area, I highly suggest you get a pie.  Or an ice cream cake.)  We were discussing pies the other day and she encouraged and inspired me to try making a pie again.  When I realized Pi(e) Day was around the corner I decided I would finally post a real pie to The Devilish Dish.  I had no trouble deciding which recipe to make either.  My husband's grandmother, Evelyn (Mamaw) was the most precious, sweetest lady on the planet.  She adored my husband, which instantly made me adore her.  While she didn't cook all of the time, she was quite famous for a few of her recipes (navy beans and cornbread) and Coconut Cream Pie.  And while we don't care much for coconut, the rest of the family loves it.  This is my father-in-law's favorite pie and my mother-in-law makes this recipe for every holiday.  I made a homemade crust using my Aunt Judy's Foolproof Pie Crust recipe (coming soon) and when I sliced into the pie last night to take pictures I was overjoyed to find it was perfect.  Today I'll be delivering slices of coconut pie to everyone in the family to celebrate Pi(e) Day.  I know Mamaw would approve.  You definitely have to try this recipe.  If I can make a pie, you can too! 

The best coconut pie.
(And we're not even coconut fans!)

I did it!
I successfully made a pie!

It turned out perfectly.

Here's the slice we shared. 

The rest of the family is getting a slice too.

To celebrate Pi(e) Day.

I'm so happy.  I didn't make Coconut Cream Soup.
I actually made Coconut Cream Pie!

This is the best coconut cream pie you'll ever eat.
Recipe from the sweetest lady ever.

That's Mamaw (Evelyn) on the left.
Volunteering as a pink lady at the hospital.
Look at her beautiful smile.
We miss her!

Mamaw's Coconut Cream Pie

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar (separated)
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons flour
2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup dried coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons sugar
baked pie shell
toasted coconut for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Heat milk in a saucepan stirring in 1/4 cup of sugar.  (This keeps the milk from burning.)  Beat the egg yolks, then add a little of the hot milk to them to temper.  Combine the flour, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.  When the milk mixture has boiled, add the egg/flour mixture stirring constantly.  Add the coconut and cook until thick.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Pour into baked pie shell.  Beat the egg whites with 6 tablespoons of sugar until glossy and stiff peaks form.  Spread atop the coconut mixture and bake until egg whites have browned.  Top with toasted coconut and chill before slicing.

Prep Time:  Approximately 30 minutes     Bake Time:  Approximately 20 minutes