Bikini Bars

taken from Jean Paré's Company's Coming - 150 Delicious Squares p. 131

2/3 cups Sweetened condensed milk
2 1/2 cups medium-grind shredded coconut
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
2 cups dates, chopped
1/4 cup Maraschino cherries, cut up

1. Measure all ingredients into a large bowl in order given.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Spread in greased 9x9 in. pan.
4. Bake in 350 F oven for 30 minutes - or until edges are browned
5. Cool before spreading with butter icing followed by a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Before

After

ICING
1 1/2 cups Icing (confectioner's) sugar
3 tbsp. butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. vanilla
5 tsp. water or milk

6. Beat all together well in small bowl, adjusting liquid as needed for proper spreading consistency.
7. Spread over cooled bars.


DRIZZLE
1 square unsweetened chocolate

8. Melt chocolate square in a double-boiler over low heat or melt in the microwave in a small bowl.
9. Drizzle over iced bars.
10. Cut, when set, into 36 squares.