You don’t have to land on a tropical island with pendulous women in printed sarongs to feel like jumping ship. Everyone needs to get away once in a while. But gas prices being what they are, maybe a short trip to the baking aisle makes more sense. And if this pie doesn’t transport you, something with a prescription might be in order.

Basic Tart Pastry
for a single crust pie

The Filling

1. ½ cup unsalted butter
2. ¾ cup sugar
3. ½ cup heavy cream
4. 2 tsp grated lemon zest
5. 1 cup macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped
6. ½ cup packaged grated coconut, lightly toasted
7. 3 tbs bourbon or rum
8. 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350°
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter
Add the sugar and bring to a boil, then boil for two more minutes (keep stirring)
Remove from heat and stir in the cream, lemon zest, macadamia nuts and coconut
Bring the mixture back to a boil
Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon (or rum) and vanilla
Pour the mixture into the cooled tart shell
Bake until the filling is bubbly and thick and the tart is golden brown, about 30 minutes
Cool for about five minutes
Remove the tart from the pan while it’s still warm