TOM THUMB COOKIE BARS

"Deliciously tender and chewy, taste like penuche candy."

1/2 cup Spry vegetable shortening (like Crisco)
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided use
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed, divided use
1 cup sifted flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs, well beaten
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups shredded coconut
1 cup nuts, coarsely cut

Combine Spry and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 34 cup brown sugar and cream thoroughly. Add sifted flour and stir together. Spread mixture in 8x12x2-inch pan greased with Spry.

Bake in moderately slow oven (325 degrees F) 15 minutes, until delicately browned.

Add the remaining 1 cup brown sugar and vanilla to beaten eggs, beating until thick and foamy. Then add 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, coconut and nuts and stir together. Spread over baked mixture.

Return to moderately slow oven (325 degrees F) and bake 25 minutes. Cool and cut in small rectangles.

Makes 3 dozen bars
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Spry Vegetable Shortening advertisement, not dated, may be 1940's