Coconut cream pudding

6 servings, ⅓ cup each

Cornstarch 3 tablespoons
Sugar ¼ cup
Salt ½ teaspoon
Milk 2 cups
Egg yolks, beaten 2
Butter or margarine 2 tablespoons
Vanilla 1 teaspoon
Shredded or flaked coconut ½ cup
Whipped topping If desired

Mix cornstarch, sugar, and salt in heavy saucepan.

Gradually blend in milk.

Stir over moderate heat about 7 minutes or until mixture thickens.

Stir a little of the hot mixture into egg yolks; then stir yolks into remaining hot mixture. Cook 1 minute longer, stirring constantly.

Mix in fat, vanilla, and coconut.

Serve warm or chilled. Add whipped topping, if desired.

Note: For this recipe, use only clean eggs with no cracks in shells.

Calories per serving: About 190 without topping.

EASY METHOD

Combine egg yolks with milk before stirring into cornstarch mixture. Pudding will not be quite as creamy.

VARIATION

Coconut cream pie.—Fill a baked 8-inch pastry shell with pudding. Add whipped topping and sprinkle with toasted coconut. Cut into six servings. About 308 calories per serving without topping.