Coconut Milk

This is not the liquid that is found in the center of coconuts, but a thick liquid made by steeping fresh grated coconut in hot water. The hot water helps to extract the fat from the coconut meat, which carries so much of this flavor. Place the freshly grated coconut meat in a square of cheesecloth. Bring the edges of the cheesecloth together and tie with a piece of string. Place the cheesecloth bundle in a large pot. Bring enough water to cover the bundle to a boil in a separate pot, and pour over the coconut bundle. Let cool. When the water and coconut are cool enough to handle, with your hands, squeeze the coconut milk out through the cheesecloth into the pot. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.