Cherry Coconut Bars

These cherry bar cookies have a texture and taste slightly 

similar to that of chess tarts or pecan pie. They are a 

perfect holiday treat to serve or package in a gift.

Ingredients:
Crust:
2 cups all purpose flour
6 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup butter, softened

Filling: 
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and quartered
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)

Method:
Preheat oven to 350*.
To prepare crust, combine flour, powdered sugar and butter in a medium bowl. Mix well. Press evenly into the bottom of a 15x10 inch baking dish. bake 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly golden.
To prepare filling, combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Spoon on top of baked crust and spread evenly. Bake 25 to 35 minutes, until set and golden brown. Cool completely on rack and then refrigerate for 1 hour or longer. Remove from refrigerator and cut into squares. Place squares in an airtight container, with pieces of waxed paper between the layers. Store in refrigerator. Makes approximately 3 dozen.

Notes:
Recipe may be cut in half and baked in an 8 - 9 inch square pan.
Each cookie square has approximately: 190 calories, 11g fat, 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, 
1g fiber & 110mg sodium