"A Taste of Spring".....

I realize that winter still has a hold on many areas throughout the country,...however there is no reason what-so-ever that you can't create a bit of "Spring" in your own kitchen.....here's how....

STEP 1: Make a batch of these amazing "Coconut Lemon Bars". A friend brought these, along with the recipe to my Christmas Cookie Party over 35 years ago....( oh my I feel old?) They are incredibly delicious & a cookie that seems to be much better suited to springtime, than the winter holidays. I have made them over & over through the years & they still are one of our families favorites.

Coconut Lemon Bars

Ingredients:
Crust: 3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup powdered sugar

Filling: 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup flaked coconut

Orange/Lemon Glaze:

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

3 tablespoons orange juice

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:Cream butter and powdered sugar. Blend in 1-1/2 cup flour. Press mixture into bottom of ungreased 13x9x2" baking pan. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Mix remaining ingredients; spread over hot baked layer. Bake 20 minutes longer. While warm, spread with Orange-Lemon Icing.

Cool; cut into bars about 3x1".

Yield: 32 bars.

STEP 2: Open your cupboards & take out any little flowered dessert plates or saucers...you know the ones....those that just begged you to buy them the last time you were out antiquing. (or any pretty plates that look like Spring will do)....Add a generous square of the cookie bars on each person's plate.....

Now close your eyes, take a bite & think Spring!.....

Enjoy.

heidi

xo