Cocada (Coconut Custard)

I haven't had the chance to try this yet. I wanted to post it here for safekeeping. I'm hoping it is the coconut custard recipe that I have been searching for.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2  cups sugar
• 2  cups water
• 3  cinnamon sticks, broken up
• 1 (3 1/2ounce) package flaked coconut
• 3  cups milk
• 4  eggs
• 1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla
• 2  cups  whipping cream
• 2  tablespoons  toasted sliced almonds (optional)

Directions

1. In uncovered 2-quart saucepan simmer sugar, water and cinnamon for 10 minutes. Strain; discard cinnamon pieces. Add coconut; cook, uncovered, about 5 minutes or until syrup is nearly absorbed, stirring frequently.
2. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of the milk; cook until mixture is hot. In bowl beat eggs with remaining 1/2 cup milk. Stir about 1 cup of the hot mixture into egg mixture; return to saucepan. Cook and stir until mixture thickens slightly but does not boil. Stir in vanilla.
3. Pour into a 1-1/2 quart bowl or individual serving dishes; chill.
4. Top with whipped cream and garnish with almonds, if desired.