Coconut Macadamia Bars

Name: Coconut Macadamia Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 16 servings.
Ingredients: 1/3 cup butter; 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1-1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided; 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts; 1 cup vanilla or white chips; 1 teaspoon shortening

Since the meat loaves cook so quickly, your microwave will be free to fix sweet Coconut Macadamia Bars shared by Annette Lamle of Columbia City, Indiana. "We found this recipe when working on our son Cody's 4-H microwave cooking project," she notes. "We made different versions of this treat 'til Cody decided which one he and his dad liked best. He ended up receiving Reserve Grand Champion for his efforts."

Ingredients

1/3 cup butter
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon sugar
1-1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 cup vanilla or white chips
1 teaspoon shortening

Directions

Place the butter in an 8-in. square microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in cracker crumbs and sugar; press firmly onto the bottom of the dish. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1 minute. Cool for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup coconut, milk and nuts; spoon over the crust. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-1/2 minutes or until heated through.
In a microwave, melt chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Quickly pour over coconut mixture; spread evenly.
Toast remaining coconut if desired; sprinkle over the top. Cool on a wire rack; cut into bars.