To toast the dessicated coconut, heat a pan till just hot, do not smoke it otherwise it tends to burn the coconut. Add in the coconut, keep on really low flame and stir till the coconut slightly changes color to a golden brown. Immediately empty it onto a cool pan or flat surface to come to room temperature. Cool completely before using in the recipe. You can toast till nicely browned if you like the flavor as such, but I prefer a golden brown light touch.