Simmer sugar, water, and cinnamon stick pieces for 10 minutes. Strain out cinnamon. Add the coconut and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often. Let mixture cool for a few minutes and then stir in the milk. Mix the cornstarch and salt in another pan and blend in the coconut mixture. Bring entire mixture gradually to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Refrigerate.
This recipe is from the cookbook Old And New Recipes. To learn more about the cookbook, and for more free recipes, please see the main website at www.oldandnewrecipes.com.