Coconut Bars

This recipe from the late Theda Keever is a favorite. This makes a bar cookie similar to lemon squares but with nuts and coconut.

 

Coconut Bars

 

1/2 cup soft butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup sifted flour

 

Mix the butter, sugar and flour together until it is well blended, an electric mixer for food processor works best. Press the mixture firmly into a greased 8 x 12 inch baking pan and bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until it just begins to color. Do not brown.

 

In the bowl of an electric mixer beat:

 

2 eggs, 1/8 tsp salt

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon vanilla,

2 tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder.

 

Beat until light and well blended.  Stir in 1 cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.  Spread mixture evenly over partially baked flour mixture. Sprinkle all over with 1 cup shredded coconut and bake in 325 oven for about 25 minutes or until the meringue is browned. Cut into small bars while warm, but leave bars in the pan to cool.