Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, heat half and half with the coconut milk over medium heat, until steaming.
  2. In a large bowl,whisk 1/2 cup sugar with the cornstarch; whisk in the eggs until blended.
  3. Gradually mix in hot milk mixture into the egg mixture to thin, in a steady stream.
  4. Return the mixture to saucepan; cook, over medium heat, whisking constantly, for about 10 minutes, or until thickened to pudding consistency.
  5. Transfer to a bowl; stir in coconut extract (if using) and vanilla then mix in 1 cup coconut.
  6. Place plastic wrap directly on surface of pudding mixture; refrigerate until cool.
  7. In a bowl, whip whipping cream with 1/4 cup of the remaining sugar to soft peaks.
  8. Set 1-1/2 cups of the whipped cream aside to use for topping.
  9. Fold the remaining whipped cream into the cooled filling; spread into pie shell.
  10. Using a piping bag, or with a spoon, garnish top with reserved whipping cream.
  11. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons toasted coconut.
  12. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until set or for up to 1 day.