1 1/2 c. water
2 c. flaked coconut
1 vanilla bean, split
24 chunks (approximately 1 1/4 c.) fresh-cooked or canned unsweetened pineapple, drained
3 c. light rum
Preparation:
Bring water and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat to low, add coconut and vanilla bean. Simmer 5 minutes, uncovered, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; add pineapple. Cool to lukewarm. Add rum. Place in aging container (preferably glass with a tight-fitting lid). Let stand for one month, shaking once a week. Pour through a fine wire mesh strainer into a large bowl. Press coconut and pineapple with a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to obtain all the juice. Discard fruit. Strain liqueur through fine cloth or paper coffee filters several times until desired clarity is reached. Bottle and age an additional 1 to 2 months. If there is sediment at the bottom of the bottle, a final straining or siphoning may be needed at this time. If you prefer, the bottom cloudy layer may be saved for cooking.