From traditional family gatherings to surviving long shopping mall lines, this holiday season is shaping up to be one reminiscent of years gone by. Our hearts are filled with joy and good cheer, and the magic — or madness — of the season has returned! ’Tis the season to celebrate, and of course, indulge.
Welcome to Kathy’s kitchen! Kathy Clement is a longtime Newtown Square resident who loves to host holiday gatherings for her family. Kathy says she loves this area because it’s not only family friendly, it serves as a central point to her extended family traveling from other areas of the state.
Today, Kathy is sharing a recipe that has become favorite for her family around Christmas Time. She said these Cherry Coconut Bars are the perfect sweet treat that can be enjoyed at breakfast with a nice, hot cup of coffee or tea or as the perfect ending to a nice, big holiday dinner.
Cherry Coconut Bars
INGREDIENTS:
Crust:
• 1 cup flour
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 3 Tbsp. confectioners sugar or powdered sugar alternative
Topping:
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 cup granulated sugar or granulated sugar alternative
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 1⁄2 tsp. baking powder
• 1⁄4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3⁄4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup shredded coconut
• 3⁄4 cup quartered maraschino cherries
DIRECTIONS:
Crust:
• Preheat oven to 350°
• For the crust, mix flour, butter and confectioners sugar with hands, until smooth.
• Spread dough with fingers in an ungreased 8×8 pan until smooth.
• Bake for 20 minutes.
• Combine the remaining ingredients into the slightly beaten eggs.
• Spread over the top of the baked crust.
• Bake for 25 minutes.
• Allow to cool then cut into bars.
If you’re not the most creative in the kitchen, don’t fret. Remember that there are plenty of bakeries and restaurants that are happy to do the cooking for you. It’s
easy to find recipes galore online, but if you would rather leave the holiday preparation to the professionals, visit our Sponsor, Weinrich’s Bakery, for delicious baked goods. Cynthia Weinrich said that their shelves are stocked with plenty of delicious festive treats.
If you’re looking for complete meals, many of our locally owned shops and restaurants offer catering packages to feed your family and guests. Those shop owners and their employees are also looking forward to a happy, healthy and busy holiday season.