Calabash Cousins Coconut Bars

Bettina Linke
Kona On My Plate Cookbook

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups coconut, shredded
• 1/2 cup mac nuts, chopped (or walnuts or pecans)

Combine flour and ½ cup brown sugar in medium bowl. Cut in butter with two knives or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press into bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch square pan. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine eggs, remaining 1 cup brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt and vanilla in large bowl, mixing well. Stir in shredded coconut and chopped mac nuts. Spread coconut mixture over crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Remove and cool. Cut into 2-inch square bars. Yields 20.