Chewy Lunchbox Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1 cup shredded coconut (or another cup chopped walnuts)
• 1/2 cup chopped dates or golden raisins

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For crust, mix first three ingredients until blended. Press into greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes until very light golden brown.

Meanwhile, in large bowl beat eggs until fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup brown sugar, beating until light. Then stir in vanilla. Add 1 tablespoon flour, baking powder and salt. Then add walnuts, coconut and dates. Pour over partially baked crust, and bake 25 minutes longer. Cool and cut into bars.

Source: The Clarion-Ledger – Jackson, Ms.