Coconut-key lime bars -- September 2009

Crust:

Canola oil spray

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted

2 cups all-purpose flour

Coconut-Key Lime filling:

4 large eggs, slightly beaten

1 tablespoon grated fresh lime zest

5 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 drops green food coloring

2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat a 13 by 9-inch baking pan with canola oil spray; reserve.

In a large bowl, blend butter and next 3 ingredients with a wooden spoon to make soft dough. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden; cool on a wire rack. For filling:

In a large bowl, combine eggs and next 5 ingredients; blend until smooth with a wooden spoon. Pour mixture over the prepared crust. Sprinkle with coconut.

Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake 25 minutes, or until firm. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Freeze 10 minutes so they cut cleanly. Cut into bars. Garnish with a dusting of confectioners' sugar before serving.

Yield: 3 dozen.