Almond Coconut Bars

These versatile little squares are so good and can be used for any occasion.

They are great snacks for kids returning home from school.

Almond Bars with Coconut

• 1 cup plus ½ cup of brown sugar (packed)

• ½ cup shortening (I use the solid form of coconut oil)

• 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1 cup shredded coconut

• 1 cup chopped almonds

Preheat oven to 350°F. You will need a greased 8-inch square pan.

1. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening with ½ cup brown sugar until

light and fluffy. Mix in 1 cup of flour. Spread in the prepared pan.

Place in prepared oven on middle rack and bake for 10 minutes;

cool slightly.

2. In a medium bowl, beat eggs until light; mix in vanilla and the

remaining brown sugar and flour. Then add the baking powder,

salt, coconut and almonds; mix well. Spread over the baked layer.

3. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until brown. Cool and cut into

bars or squares.

• I like to drizzle chocolate on top of these.

• You can also add chocolate chips (Step 2). Dark chocolate would be

fabulous!

• These do very well at a bake sale.