Canada Day Cookies! (AKA Raspberry Coconut Bars)

First of all, these are not actually cookies - they're "squares". But "Canada Day Squares" sounded like I was referring to a group of un-hip people. So I took the liberty of naming them, and then REnaming them.

A few days ago, I poked around on the internets, in search of clever treats that I could whip up for our Canada Day picnic. Unfortunately, I was greeted by lots of recipes that called for red jello and cool whip, and while I have on occasion enjoyed both of these things, I was interested in baking something with a little more substance.

And then I remembered all manner of delicious squares that The Mums used to whip up, and that childhood memory led me to a recipe that I thought might work. Ultimately, I wanted to make something that was red and white(ish). What better to fit the bill than a raspberry and coconut square with a shortbread crust!

These did not disappoint. They were a brilliant combination of sweet with a hint of tart (thanks raspberry jam!). And who doesn't love a shortbread crust? I did tweak the recipe I found on the internet and here's how it went:

Canada Day Cookies (AKA Raspberry Coconut Bars)

For the Shortbread Crust

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

For the topping

2/3 heaping cups raspberry jam (be generous)

1/4 cup melter butter

1 1/3 cup coconut (sweetened), plus a handful to sprinkle over the top

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 teaspoon sugar

Cream together 1 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy.

Add 1 egg, vanilla and flour and blend well. Pat the mixture into a well greased 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking pan.

Slather raspberry jam over the shortbread crust.

Mix together the melted butter, coconut, 2 eggs and tsp of sugar.

Spread this evenly over the layer of jam.

Sprinkle a generous handful of coconut over the top.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Cool in pan and then cut into squares!