Raspberry Coconut Bars

I found another recipe from the 1500 Best Bars, Cookies, Muffins, Cakes 7 More. It is actually on the cover of the book. This is a very tasty bar. I think you could make a rhubarb filling for it and a lemon and pineapple filling, even raisin. The sky would be the limit I would think.

Raspberry Coconut Bars

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup shortening (I used butter)
2 egg yolks
1/4 tsp. almond extract

Topping:

1 cup raspberry jam (used our jam)
1/2 cup flaked coconut, sweetened
2 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven 350ºF.
9 X 13 baking dish ungreased

Base:
In small bowl mix flour and salt together with whisk.
In mixer bowl beat sugar and shortening(butter) until smooth and creamy. Add egg yolks and beat until combined. Add almond extract. Blend in flour mixture until combined. Take this mixture and spread evenly into baking pan. Bake in oven for 15 minutes.

2nd Layer:

In small bowl stir jam until smooth. Then spread evenly over hot base and top with coconut. Set aside.

Topping:

In your mixing bowl add your egg whites and whisk until foamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and until stiff peaks are foamed. Spread this over the 2nd layer evenly and return to oven to bake for 25 minutes, or until top is lightly golden brown. Place on rack to cool cut into bars and store in fridge.

Makes 36 bars.