Step 1
Pour the milk into a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the milk and set it aside to soften.
Step 2
Combine the egg yolks and 5 tablespoons sugar in a heat-proof mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or a whisk until the mixture is thick and lemon-colored. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water on the stove and cook stirring constantly about 5 minutes. The mixture should feel hot to the touch and have reached 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Step 3
Mix in the gelatin and milk and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour into a large bowl and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside.
Step 4
Combine the egg whites cream of tartar and 1/3 cup sugar in a heat-proof mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture slightly just to break up the egg whites. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water on the stove. Heat the mixture whisking constantly until the egg white mixture is hot to the touch and has reached 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) on an instant-read thermometer. Immediately remove the bowl from the heat and whip with an electric mixer until the meringue forms soft peaks.
Step 5
Fold the meringue into the custard mixture. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 6
Brush the bottom and sides of the baked pastry shell with melted apricot jam.
Step 7
Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add the brandy and continue to whip until medium-stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the custard and spoon it into the pie shell. Refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
Step 8
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 9
Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven until lightly browned 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle coconut over the pie before serving.