Best Coconut Cream Pie

Directions

• 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine egg yolk and 1/2 cup cold water; gradually add to crumb mixture, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• 2. Divide dough in half. Roll out each portion to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Place in plates; trim pastry even with edge. With a small round fluted cutter, cut small circles out of dough scraps. Beat egg white with remaining water; brush over edges of pastry. Arrange dough cutouts around edge.
• 3. Line unpricked pastry shells with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
• 4. For filling, in a large saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt. Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir for 2 minutes longer. 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 for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; gently stir in coconut and extracts. Pour filling into pastry shells.
• 5. For meringue, combine the sugar, cornstarch and water in a saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until clear.
• 6. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Pour hot sugar mixture in a small stream into egg whites, beating constantly until stiff peaks form.
• 7. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
• 8. Sprinkle with toasted coconut before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.