(1) I always have vanilla sugar at hand. If you don't have it, use some vanilla extract.
(2) The original recipes use fresh coconut, as it is quite easy to find in Brazil. But dried coconut can be used to great effect, after rehydrating it of course.
(3) Variations: 7 yolks can used and then substitute coconut milk for the same weight of the egg whites. Some advise to first mix the hydrated coconut with the sugar and butter, then leave the mixture to rest 6 hours minimum. Though this sounds good, I haven't tried it and I can't say how it affects the final result.