Day 13 Of Rosie's Christmas Baking - Coconut Macadamia Bars.

It is Day 13. My next confection is Coconut Macadamia Bars. Oh wait. I made Coconut Macadamia Squares. Not a problem.

Coconut Macadamia Bars For Shortbread Layer: 2 cups flour 2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into bits 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar 1/2 tsp salt Pulse shortbread ingredients. Press dough evenly onto buttered 9 x 13 pan. Bake 20 minutes in 350 degree oven. After baking, reduce heat to 325. While crust is baking, make topping.

Pulse shortbread ingredients in processor.

I poured the mixture into my pan, shaking the pan to even it out.

I put plastic wrap over the dough and used my mini-rolling pin to press it out.

And here's my shortbread layer ready for the topping. Reduce heat to 325 degrees.

Topping Ingredients 1/2 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 3/4 cup canned coconut milk 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 TB lemon juice about 3 cups sweetened flaked coconut about 2 cups toasted macadamia nuts Make topping while shortbread is baking. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat and remove from heat. Whisk in brown sugar until dissolved, then whisk in coconut cream, heavy cream, and lemon juice until combined well. Stir in coconut and macadamia nuts. Pour topping over shortbread. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Bake about 45-50 minutes, until top is golden and center is bubbling. Cool in pan on rack. Cut into bars.

I melted my butter.

Then whisked in the brown sugar.

I emptied the can of coconut milk into a bowl and whisked to get out the lumps and incorporate the clear liquid with the creamy.

Pour the coconut milk into the butter and brown sugar.

Add in the cream.

Add in the lemon juice.

Coconut.

Macadamia nuts.

Mix well.

Spread topping evenly over shortbread layer.

Do you know what it's like working with 3 dogs underfoot? (Only 3 dogs. Giada hasn't come home for Christmas yet.) These dogs stay in the kitchen with me ALL.DAY.LONG. Here's Beau, straining to catch a whiff.

I guess he's just waiting for me to put the baking dish on the floor in front of him and let him have at it. Ain't gonna happen, Bo-Bo.

Cook at 325 degrees for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and center bubbling.

This is a new recipe for me and I will be including it next year. It is very good. The hint of lemon was quite nice.