HELP!!! I made this cake for the first time, following every step precisely. When I tasted the batter, it had an odd flavor and I did not slurp it down, but washed the beaters. Then when the cake came out of the oven, warm, I cut off part of the dome to taste it. It was so bitter that the taste lasted in my mouth for 30 minutes. I thought I had been poisoned. The only new ingredient I used was Coco Lopez cream of coconut, something I never used before. When I opened it, I noticed a pinkish tinge to the top, but thought nothing of it. Who has made this cake before, and what do you think happened?
1. I do have a cold, could my taste buds be on a safari?
2. Was the Coco Lopez spoiled? Is it usually pinkish on top?
3. I used new coconut extract 1 teaspoon, was I supposed to use coconut flavoring from spices, inc. instead??? By the way, what is the difference between those two items?
Please please email or answer here. I really thought I had been poisoned!! I love Cooks Illustrated and I just cannot figure it out.

pinkish? That does not sound normal.