Hello, it’s me.

I was wondering if after all these months you’d like…

…a recipe?*

Spring evening with my husband and dear friends. Narcissus blooming tall in the big clay pots. A space station sighting.** Coconut Cream Pie. Pretty perfect.

Coconut Cream Pie

(This recipe is a mash-up of the best ideas from several sources, and I was very pleased with the results.)

1 blind-baked 9-inch pie shell

2 1/4 cups whole milk, divided use

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon fine salt

1/2 cup (1.25 ounces) unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more for garnish

3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Sweetened whipped cream (recipe follows)

In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups milk, sugar, salt, and coconut. Whisk together over medium heat until simmering. Temper the egg yolks by whisking them together with about 1/3 cup of the hot milk mixture, then combine both mixtures in the saucepan, whisking constantly.

In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 milk, then add the slurry to the saucepan, whisking constantly. Carefully heat the liquid just until it starts to bubble, then reduce the flame to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick, about 2 to 4 minutes. Fold in the vanilla and butter, stirring until the butter melts and is fully incorporated.

Pour the filling into the pie shell, and smooth the top. Gently press a piece of plastic wrap onto the hot surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate the pie until the filling is cold and firm, at least three hours.

Top with swirls of sweetened whipped cream, and sprinkle generously with more unsweetened shredded coconut.

Sweetened whipped cream: With an electric hand mixer, whip together 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream and 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar. When soft peaks form, add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and continue to whip until the peaks are barely stiff.

*adulterated from the song, “Hello,” on the album, “25,” by Adele, of course.

**See when the International Space Station flies over your house! Download the free ISS Spotter app from The App Store.