Monday, November 28, 2011

Coconut Custard Pie - Baking with the Cake Boss Review



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I was fortunate to be sent a complimentary copy of Buddy Valastro's new book, Baking with the Cake Boss. As many of you know, Buddy is the owner of Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken and he is the star of the TV shows, Cake Boss and the Next Great Baker. His first book, Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia, actually more memoir than cookbook, was a best seller, and I suspect this book will be as well. While there is something here for everyone, I believe the real audience for this book will be master bakers and those who love specialty cakes and working with fondant and modeling chocolate. I have no talent with a pastry bag, so I concentrated my attention on the first fifty of the one hundred recipes in this book. Instructions throughout the book are clear and concise and the photographs that accompany each recipe are gorgeous and instructive. The book begins with chapters that cover equipment and ingredients and then moves progressively from simple cookies and pastry to advanced cake design. As I paged through the recipes, it was easy to see that they had been made as approachable as the cake boss himself. While I'm not yet brave enough to attempt the advanced techniques, those of you who are already skilled and want to learn still more, will be thrilled with the instructions that accompany his specialty cakes. There are cakes here for all occasions, including an elaborate safari cake for the truly adventurous to try. I focused my attention on the simpler cookies and pies in the earlier portions of the book, and can wholeheartedly recommend his brownie clusters and pine nut cookies. I decided to feature his recipe for coconut custard pie in today's post. Here's the recipe for a pie that is both easy and delicious.

Coconut Custard Pie...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Buddy Valastro and Baking with the Cake Boss

Ingredients:
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust with edges crimped
4 extra-large eggs
3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch ground nutmeg
1-1/2 cups warm milk
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions:
1) Position a rack in center of oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
2) Put eggs, sugar and cornstarch in a bowl and whisk them together. Add heavy cream gradually, while whisking. Whisk in vanilla and, nutmeg and warm milk.
3) Put pie pan on a baking tray. Sprinkle coconut into pie shell, being sure to spread it evenly.
4) Pour in enough of custard mixture to come 3/4 of way up sides of pie shell. As you pour in custard, coconut will rise; use a toothpick to stir custard and evenly distribute it, being careful not to cut into bottom of pie crust. Transfer remaining custard into a large spouted measuring cup.
5) Put tray containing pie on middle rack of oven. Pour in enough of reserved custard to come just up to top of pie shell. (You may have extra custard; don't worry if you do but don't overfill pie shell.)
6) Bake until top of pie is golden and doesn't shake at all when you agitate pan, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove tray from oven and let pie cool, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Pie can be served after initial chill or refrigerated for up to two days. Yield: 10 to 12 servings.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.








One Year Ago Today: Chocolate Rosettes















Two Years Ago Today: Peppermint Ice Cream and Ice Cream Sandwiches

53 comments :

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I cannot wait to make this pie . . . I love coconut.

Happy month of December, Mary.

Fondly,
Glenda

Ginny Hartzler said...

It looks wonderful! I just printed out five pages on the benefits of coconut WATER. Do you know it's so similar in composition to blood plasma that it's used in I.V.'s in poor countries? Anyway, it has millions of health benefits so I'm giving it a shot. Have you ever tried it?

Gloria said...

You brought back good memories... my Mom's favorite pie was coconut custard. I should make this as a tribute to her. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Gloria

Alessandra said...

It sounds like a book I would like to read, and this Pie looks really good!

Ciao
Alessandra

Katarina said...

This sounds like a great recipe! Have a nice day!

Anonymous said...

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed browsing26 your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!…

Jeff @ Cheese-Burger.net said...

This pie looks delicious. Baking pie is a passion for me. I'm definitely gonna try this recipe.

cocoa and coconut said...

I really like his show so I am interested in his book. Thanks for reviewing it. This recipe sounds absolutely delicious and your picture really highlights that.

I need to hunt down this book ASAP!

Diane said...

I love coconut so this is a must for me. Your photos makes it look really appetising Mmmmmm. Take care Diane

What's Baking?? said...

I am envious of you..I love to watch Cake Boss and enjoy his creations. They chose the right person to give his recipe book to. Nice one, Mary.

That Girl said...

I'm totally won over when there are good photos to go with the recipes so I know what the dish is supposed to look like.

Priya Suresh said...

Feel like having a slice rite now,incredible pie.

Unknown said...

Love coconut pie but haven't had it for years - it almost seems like a lost treasure! Thanks for reminding me!

Lenia said...

I need a slice of this great pie to accompany my coffee!Have a lovely week,dear!

Unknown said...

I used to dream of being able to but together amazing cakes like the cake boss, but alas, my talents do not extend that far. I've even tried helping a friend with fondant before and it was a disaster!! She'll never ask me to help her again, trust me!! lol
The pie looks so incredibly delicious!

What's next said...

I love coconut! I'll have to try this version.

Tanna said...

This sounds similar to a coconut pie I used to make for my brother, Jeff, when we lived near each other. Instead of the cream, there was a stick of butter. He loved that pie... I loved that he loved it!! Thank you for bringing this unexpected memory today, Mary! blessings ~ tanna

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

I really enjoy this type of pie which reminds me of my childhood.

The Church Cook said...

LOVE, LOVE coconut! And your pie crust is perfectly gorgeous, Mary! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Ben said...

Thanks for a great recipe, and a very helpful review, Mary. I love to bake - pies especially - and the coconut custard pie you posted looks delicious!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Ben
http://kissthecook-ben.blogspot.com/

Kim said...

I'm really a huge fan of coconut pie. This one looks really good!

Anonymous said...

oh I can't wait to try this!

My Little Space said...

What a fabulous pie to enjoy during this festive season. It sounds really irresistible.
Btw, Happy Belated Thanksgiving to you & your family, Mary. Hope you're all well & have a wonderful time.
Blessings, Kristy
p/s Is everyone home?

Theresa said...

Hi there Mary, thank you for stopping by and leaving your sweet comment! I LOVE coconut:) Thanks for sharing this recipe! Have a blessed day, HUGS!

Sue/the view from great island said...

This is right up my ally, it's such a classic, vintage style pie, I want to make it today!

Esther said...

Hi Mary!

Thank you for stopping by my blog...

My first visit to your blog and I love it already!

Delicious food and beautiful photos!

Be blessed,
Esther

jo-lyn said...

yummy!! ;)

sonia said...

Mmm, that does look yummy!

Claudia said...

Maybe I should watch TV. I have no idea who he is - but the delicate, soft cake has won me over. My talents do not lie in baking - but a good recipe overcomes me.

Deana Sidney said...

Since I live fairly close to Hoboken and travel there all the time, it never ceases to amaze me at the line outside that bakery... goes on for blocks sometimes. I always wonder what makes people stand there for ages to get what he sells.. now I know... great recipe!

cocinamarroqui said...

Hi Mary, very good recipe today, a cake truly exquisite. We really like your blog has been a lucky find, I wish you good week and good recipes. regards

Bites from life with the barking lot said...

I love coconut and wish I could have some now for breakfast. Will definitely make soon! Thanks Mary.

Unknown said...

If it's got coconut it's got my vote!! ~Megan

Becki's Whole Life said...

I love Cake Boss - I saw him make his pumpkin pie the other day, but this one sounds even better. I love coconut custard.

Susan said...

I'm intrigued by this pie since Coconut Cream Pie is my favorite & this looks less labor intensive. Looks lovely!

Sofia.Lopez said...

What a beautifull pie Mary! The ingredient combination is perfect and it looks very delicious... golden like i love to eat them...
Big kiss for you Mary and have a nice week!

Nicole said...

I've been debating whether to buy that book. Thanks for your description… I think I'll buy it after all. This pie looks amazing - it reminds me of a personal favorite, coconut cream pie. I'm sure I'd love this!

A PaixĂ£o da Isa said...

parabens esta super boa muito bonita essa fatia esta uma delicia parabens beijinhos e boa semana

Anonymous said...

I love the Cake Boss--the show, his cakes/recipes, everything. You picked a wonderful recipe...sounds fabulous. I made Buddy's vanilla custard cake a while back for an ice cream cake and it turned out wonderful. Laborious, but worth it in the end! x

Jill | Dulce Dough said...

Thanks for the review! It sounds like a good book! And this pie recipe sounds amazing!

Joanne said...

I adore coconut but few other people who I know do...so I've always been reticent to make a coconut dessert. I think I need to give up...this looks too good not to make!

Nuarss said...

Thank you for visiting my blog. Today I have discovered your blog and I love it.

I like very much American recipes, so now I am your blog follower.

Fondly.

Chocolateando

Anonymous said...

It looks and sounds wonderful - I love the idea of custard pie but have never made one - with this recipe - perhaps it's time :)
Mary x

Arlene Delloro said...

I've bookmarked this. Just love coconut custard pie!

Swathi said...

Delicious review, love to check that book.

JasmyneTea said...

Looks like a book that would be worth buying, if that recipe is anything to go by. Hope you had a great weekend!

Vicki Bensinger said...

Your pie looks wonderful. I have never looked at or purchased either of his books but after your review I definitely will. I love making spectacular cakes so this will most likely make it onto my cookbook shelf. Thank you for sharing.

vianney said...

great review!! I also have no talent with fondant, but I can really see myself enjoying this pie!!

Unknown said...

I've always wanted to try making this, coconut is a real favourite of mine.
*kisses* HH
p.s. do stop by and enter my giveaway daaahling, there are two opportunities to win!

Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger said...

Hi Mary, hope you're doing well.

I love anything to do with custard!

Duncan In Kuantan

Anonymous said...

Ooh, the hubs will love this!

David said...

Mary, This is one very beautiful pie!! My mouth is watering... Adding this one to our dessert recipe file for sure! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Anonymous said...

I made the yellow cake from the cake boss new book. It came too soft like bread pudding. Have you made this cake? The taste was really good. I'm looking for a good yellow cake recipe. Thanks

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