CHOCOLATE CHERRY COCONUT ALMOND BARS

Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Bars image

Provided by Nor Mac

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 c graham cracker crumbs
1/3 c powdered sugar
1/2 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 c plus 2 tb butter melted
1 can(s) 14 ounce condensed milk
3/4 c sliced almonds
3/4 c flaked coconut
10-15 oz marachino cherries drained and chopped
1 c dark or semi sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp shortening
extra sliced almonds and coconut for garnish if desired.

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350°. Grease a 9 x 13" baking pan well. You may also parchment line the pan. Make sure to grease before lining with the parchment. Set baking pan aside.
2. drain the marachino cherries. Cut maraschino cherries into pieces aproximately 4 pieces per cherry. Place Cherry pieces between paper towels and squeeze out as much juice as possible.
3. Pour the can of condensed milk evenly over crust in pan. Sprinkle the almonds, and coconut over the condensed milk. Sprinkle with the chopped Cherries last. Pat down the mixture with your hands.
4. Place in 350°oven. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until side edges are turning golden brown. Remove from oven.
5. Place chocolate chips in a bowl with the shortening. Cook on high for one minute. Stop microwave and Stir well. Place back in microwave for approximately 30 to 60 more seconds. Stir mixture again until completely melted. Drizzle mixture over the cookie bars. You can make a design or you can spread the chocolate completely over-the-top. You may garnish the top with sliced almonds and coconut at this point if desired. Place in the fridge until the chocolate sets up. Store outside of refrigeration. Cut into bars and enjoy..