Jam Squares

I wasn't looking forward to this recipe. I do NOT like coconut unless it's a fresh chunk of it right from the fibrous shell. But... I have a method to my madness here and had to make it whether I thought it would taste good or not.

While it was baking I could smell the yummy berry jam baking and I began to... soften... a little toward my initial repugnance.

And then I ate nearly the entire batch of squares myself. It was delicious. And it reminds me of my mom. She will love this recipe in all its coconut glory once she tries it!

Jam Squares:

Crust:
1 1/2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
2-2 1/2 T. ice water (I used a little more than that - just make sure you add enough to make an actual soft dough - it shouldn't be too crumbly or the crust will fall apart when you cut it)

Topping:
2 lrg. eggs
1/2 c. powdered sugar
2 1/2 c. flaked coconut
1/3 c. raspberry preserves

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. To make the crust, combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add just enough water to make a soft dough. Press the dough into an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan.
3. Bake crust for 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, make the topping: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until thick and light colored. Beat in the powdered sugar. Stir in the coconut.
5. Spread the raspberry preserves over the hot crust. Spread the topping over the preserves.
6. Bake for 20-25 min. longer, until lightly colored on top and firm to the touch. Cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into large or small bars.

Icebox Cookies

At first I was not inspired by this recipe - something seemed missing. After reading and rereading the recipe, I decided to add a few things and see how it turned out.

Original recipe for Icebox Cookies:
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. shortening
2 cc brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 c. walnuts, chopped

to this I added:
1 T. real maple syrup
3/4 t. salt

All of that sugar and NO salt?! Didn't seem right to me. There also didn't seem to really be anything of substance to give them a good flavor. I wasn't sure how it would all turn out, but I have to say, they are delicious!

Instructions:

1. Combine the flour and baking powder (and salt)

2. In a large bowl, cream the vegetable shortening and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time (and add in the syrup). Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Fold in the walnuts.

3. Divide the dough in half. Form each half into a log 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap in waxed paper and chill for 8 hours or overnight.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

5. Cut the logs into 1/4 inch thick slices and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

6. Bake for 10-12 min. until lightly colored. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

I think these would be very easy to make several rolls of and freeze for later use. They definitely get a thumbs-up from this family!!