SOUTHERN LIVING COCONUT CAKE WITH MARSHMALLOW FROSTING

Steps:

• Remove liquid from coconut and reserve.
• Remove the"meat" of the coconut and shred.
• Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 2 cups of sugar, beating well.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended after each addition.
• Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
• Beat at low speed until blended after each addition.
• Stir in flavorings and pour into 3 greased and floured 9" round cake pans.
• Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Cool in pans on wire racks.
• Make frosting: Combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan.
• cook over medium heat stirring, constantly until mixture is clear.
• Cook without stirring until syrup reaches the soft-ball stage or a candy thermometer reaches 240°F.
• while syrup cooks beat egg whites at low speed with an electric mixer until foamy.
• Add cream of tartar and salt; beat at medium speed until soft peaks form.
• Increase to high speed and add hot syrup in a heavy stream.
• Add marshmallows, a few pieces at a time.
• Beat until stiff peaks form and frosting is thick enough to spread.
• Combine 2 tbsp sugar and coconut milk.
• Microwave on high for 30 seconds; stir until sugar dissolves.
• Brush one cake layer with half of the coconut milk"syrup" leaving 1/2" margin around the edges.
• Spread with 1/2 cup boiled frosting and sprinkle with1/2 cup of shredded coconut-- repeat with each layer.
• Top with remaining cake layer.
• Spread remaining frosting on top and sides of cake; sprinkle with remaining coconut.
• Cover and chill.