Instructions

  1. To make Custard: In heavy saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, an salt.
  2. Slowly stir in the half-and-half until smooth.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
  4. Lower heat to maintain simmer and cook, stirring constantly 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Place egg yolks in a bowl and slowly whisk 1 cup of hot cream into them.
  6. Pour mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and just begins to"steam", 4 to 5 minutes.
  7. Do not let boil.
  8. Remove pan from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
  9. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
  10. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and cool on a wire rack.
  11. When cool, gently fold in the coconut.
  12. Chill for 1 hour.
  13. Make the whipped cream: Put cream, sugar and vanilla in a bowl and beat until thickened using an electric mixer on high.
  14. Assemble pie: Pour the cooled custard into the prebaked crust.
  15. Mound the whipped cream over the filling and sprinkle with the coconut and nuts.
  16. Chill for 2 hours before serving.