Cocoanutty Bars

Last night our church choir began rehearsals for this year’s Christmas Cantata. Oh how I wish I had the gift of music. Unfortunately, I can’t even whistle However, this has not stopped me from being a part of the choir. Well… sort of.

Since I can’t join them in song, I provide sustenance to keep them happy. They all seem to be chocoholics so anything chocolate from my kitchen seems to do the trick. I feed them and they sing. OK – I know they would sing without the chocolate but, I really want them to know how blessed we all are that they share their gift of music with the congregation. Cooking for them allows me to use the gift God has given me to bless them for sharing the gift God has given them. It’s like a blessingorama. (Which is way better than the barforama from “Stand by Me.”) Oh my… did I really just say that?

I really love leaving goodies for other individuals and groups of people (not just the choir) as a way of thanking them for their hard work, their service, their kindness, etc. So many people feel unappreciated and that makes me sad. A batch of cookies and a sweet note of encouragement can make a person’s day. Consider leaving a little something for someone who has blessed others and, consider signing the note from Jesus. Secret gifting is a really fun game

I decided to make Cocoanutty Bars for our choir not only because they love chocolate, but because they are so simple to make. They actually start with a boxed cake mix. They are always delicious and make a great gift or addition to a potluck.

OK – quick note before I share the yummy recipe…

I am so ready for fall to be here. The calendar says that fall has arrived but the thermometer says that it’s still summer. Seriously… it has been in the mid-nineties all week. What’s up with that?

Even though the temps are still hovering in the nineties, in my mind I will be heading for apple country. Apple orchards just scream fall to me. I remember taking Nick and running through corn mazes and drinking homemade apple cider when he was little. I miss those days. So, I have decided that next week is Appleiscious week! Each day Monday through Friday I will post a new recipe that incorporates apples. The smell of anything with apples baking in the oven warms my soul. I pray that the recipes will inspire you and warm your soul too. I hope you visit!

Okie dokie… back to our regularly scheduled programing. Here’s the recipe:

Cocoanutty Bars

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 7 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 package chocolate fudge cake mix

Filling:

• 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg
• 7-oz bag flaked coconut, divided
• 12-oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the butter and the egg. Stir in the cake mix until well combined. (It will be dry.) Press into the bottom of your prepared pan.

In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, the extracts, and the egg. When blended, stir in 2 cups of the coconut, the chocolate chips and the pecans. Spread the mixture over the crust. Sprinkle with the remaining coconut.

Bake for 45 minutes or until the coconut is golden brown. (The center will appear jiggly but it will set up as it cools.) Remove the bars from the oven and cool completely before cutting.

Store in a sealed container.

Sweetest Blessings,
LeAnn