Best Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

For filling combine half-and-half and butter in saucepan. Bring just to boil over medium heat.

In medium bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla and salt until cornstarch is completely dissolved and mixture is well-blended. Gradually add to mixture in saucepan, stirring constantly with wire whisk. Cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute or until thickened.

Add marshmallows and 3/4 cup of the coconut. Cook and stir until marshmallows melt and mixture is well-blended.

Pour into pie shells and refrigerate at least 2 to 4 hours.

To make the whip cream topping, mix whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until cream hold stiff and spread half the meringue over each pie to edge of crust. Sprinkle each with 1/4 cup of the remaining coconut on each pie or toasted coconut if you like, and refrigerate until served.

To toast the coconut: heat oven to 350°F Spread coconut in ungreased shallow pan. Bake uncovered 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

FOR VARIATION in the filling, you can also add 3 oz. cream cheese instead of the marshmallows, if you like. Just before you remove the mixture from the stove, stir in the softened cream cheese, mix well, and enjoy it with a good cup of fresh coffee.