Coconut Meringue Pie

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, about 15 minutes.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to fit a 5-in. pie plate. Transfer to pie plate. Trim to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges. Line unpricked crust with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil.
3. Bake at 450° for 5 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.
4. For filling, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, milk and egg yolks. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture reaches 160° or is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in coconut and butter. Pour into crust.
5. For meringue, in a small bowl, beat egg white and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust.
6. Bake at 350° until meringue is golden brown, 10-15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Garnish with additional shredded coconut if desired.