Utilizing A Pantry Find

Back in March, (was it that long ago already!) I participated in a blogging event honoring the humble baking mix. I bought myself a box of Heart Smart Bisquick for the occasion, and being a girl who doesn't waste anything these days, have been slowly coming up with ways to use this box of mix. I've used it to make coffeecake and muffins, but the most interesting has find has been Bisquick's own Impossible Pies. They are called impossible pies because you basically mix everything together, pour it in a baking dish, and some time later you have a pie with distinct layers. It's something truly different.

I'd made a savory impossible pie a few months back. That was interesting. Not really a repeater to me, but I hadn't tried a sweet pie yet. Then I was looking for a recipe for something completely different when I stumbled on the idea for an Impossible Coconut Pie. That just sung to me instantly. Coconut pie! Even better was the fact that this pie used all on hand ingredients and it was beyond simple to put together-put the ingredients in a blender and push the button. I did take it a step further and toasted the coconut for the pie, so I guess that added a step, but it was a worthy addition. We tried this pie warm out of the oven, and thought it okay. But then we tried it the next day, well-chilled, and thought it perfect. The Bisquick combined with something to sink to the bottom of the pie and create a sort of crust. While the eggs and milk and flavorings combined to form a sort of coconut custard. It's truly unlike any pie I've ever had, probably more like a coconut flan in a crust than anything else.

Overall though, I rather like it. I love anything with custard, and I love anything with coconut. I can't identify the Bisquick in the least, and I love how simple this is. Anyone could make this pie. If you took the trouble to top it with whipped cream, and then sprinkle on additional toasted coconut flakes it would be a rather fancy addition to a dinner party. And only you would know it started with a box of baking mix and a blender.

Impossible Coconut Pie
2 cups milk
1/4 cup melted butter
4 eggs
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Bisquick Heart Smart
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes, toasted
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes- not toasted

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 10" pie plate or a deep dish pie plate with cooking spray.

Combine milk, butter, eggs, brown sugar, Bisquick, salt and vanilla in a blender. Blend together for about 20 seconds. Add the toasted coconut and pulse to combine.

Pour the blended mixture into the pie plate. Sprinkle the top with the un-toasted coconut flakes. Bake in a 350ºF oven for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Chill before serving for best flavor.