Coconut Cherry Bars

Take a break from chocolate and make these cheery cherry bars.
Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 1 hour 15 min
Makes: 9-16 bars

 Crust:
1    cup  all-purpose flour
1/2    cup butter or margarine, softened
3    tablespoons powdered sugar
(optional: a dusting of cinnamon)

Filling
2    eggs
1    cup granulated sugar
3/4    cup chopped nuts (walnuts)
1/2    cup flaked coconut
1/2    cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
1/4    cup all-purpose flour
1/2    teaspoon baking powder
1/4    teaspoon salt
1    teaspoon vanilla

1.    Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease 8- or 9-inch square pan.
2.    In medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, the butter and powdered sugar with spoon until flour is moistened. Press mixture in pan. Bake 10 minutes.
3.    In medium bowl, beat eggs. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread over baked layer.
4.    Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
For bars, cut into 3 rows by 3 rows or 4 by 4. Three by three was my choice.

On a diet? Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla icecream.