Chocolate Coconut Bars

Hi,

I just made these last night and they are super easy. You don't need a mixer, as there is no butter and sugar to cream, just melt the butter and chocolate.

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
4 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened baking chocolate coarsely chopped

Melt the butter and chocolate in a large bowl in a microwave at half power. It'll take about 2 minutes. If you don't have a microwave you can melt the butter and chocolate in a small pot on the stove.

1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Stir in the above items to the chocolate and butter mixture. Mix until well combined. Pour into an 13 x 9 inch baking pan lined with foil or parchment paper. If you use foil you'll have to grease the foil to prevent sticking. Smooth the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool on rack.

While the bars cool prepare the topping.

2 cups sweetened coconut

Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Shake the pan and stir the coconut to prevent burning. When the coconut is lightly brown remove and cool.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon water

Combine the butter and confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth. Add the vanilla and water and continue mixing until smooth.

Wait until the bars are cool and top with frosting and toasted coconut.

Last night when I made these because it was so warm the bars took a long time to cool. So when I applied the frosting it melted a bit, but it was okay. Also the coconut was a bit warm as well. I guess I'm just impatient. (The same problem I have when I fence.) Anyway, wait as long as you can to make sure the bars and coconut are cool. Hope you enjoy these as much as we did.

Hugs,
Mameekosan