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