- 1 large coconut without any cracks and containing liquid
- Pierce the softest eye of the coconut with an ice pick or a skewer, drain the liquid, and reserve it for another use. Bake the coconut in a preheated 400°F. oven for 15 minutes, break it with a hammer, and remove the flesh from the shell, levering it out carefully with the point of a strong knife. Peel off the brown membrane with a vegetable peeler and cut the coconut meat into small pieces. In a blender or food processor grind the coconut meat in batches, transferring it to a bowl as it is ground, or grate it on the fine side of a grater.