How To Harvest A Coconut For Cake

Step 1: Using a sharp, pointed knife -- and then a screwdriver and hammer -- poke the "eyes" out of the coconut and drain out the juice. (Save it! Odds are good you'll need it.) Laugh a little when you realize that they included straws with the coconuts.

Step 2: Bake coconut(s) for 6-8 minutes at 500 degrees. This will loosen the meat from the inside and make your job much easier.

Step 3: Break open the coconut with a hammer. Try not to enjoy it too much.

Step 4: Take a look at your picture and wonder why you're wearing sunglasses on your head.

Step 5: Pause and enjoy your progress for the moment.

Step 6: Be thankful for the coconut that actually came loose easily. Quietly curse the second one since it's now in 18 pieces because you had to pry all the meat from that one free with a spoon.

Step 7: Using a vegetable peeler, remove all the remaining brown skin from the coconut meat.

Step 8: Wonder if all of this is really worth the trouble just for a cake.

Step 9: When you've finally finished skinning the meat, wash it thoroughly. You may be up to your third or fourth bowl by now.

Step 10: Admire it briefly. I mean, look at that stuff. It's so ... clean-looking.

Step 11: Start grating.

Step 12: Curse your coworker for putting you in the picture after express instructions to the contrary.

Step 13: Wonder why you're still wearing sunglasses on your head.

Step 14: Continue grating.

Step 15: Continue grating.

Step 16: Pause to stretch your fingers, then continue grating.

Step 17: Forget to take a picture of the final product.

Step 18: Refrigerate until ready to use.