Ingredients:
- 4 cups sweetened flake coconut
- Pink or red powdered food coloring, or use assorted colors
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3/4 cup chopped unsweetened chocolate
- 1 cup hot, freshly brewed coffee
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons coconut extract
- 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- Crystallized Flowers, optional garnish, recipe follows
- 4 teaspoons meringue powder
- Pinch salt
- Bowl of ice cubes
- 1 cup fine granulated sugar in a fine mesh sugar duster or salt shaker
