Tom Thumb Bars (Coconut Specialties)

These are chewy moist coconut bars. This was a special treat during the 1930s and 40s which my mother served often to our farming community by popular demand.

Original recipe makes 36 bar cookies

Ingredients

CRUST:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour

FILLING:
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 eggs

PREP

15 mins
COOK

40 mins
READY IN

55 mins

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, mix together the shortening and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of flour and salt until well blended. Press into the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until delicately browned. After removing the crust from the oven, increase the heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Make the filling while the crust is baking. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and 2 tablespoons of flour until well blended. Mix in eggs and vanilla, beating until thick and foamy. Stir in the coconut and chopped nuts. Spread over the warm crust.
Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until bars are lightly browned and puffy. Cool completely, and cut into small bars.