COCONUT ALMOND CANDY BARS (LIKE ALMOND JOY)

Steps:

• 1. Line a 13 x 9" pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil
• 2. In a large bowl. Mix together the coconut, condensed milk, and coconut extract
• 3. Add in the powdered sugar. Mix well. Mixture should be thick. You may also add an additional coconut if you would like a thicker consistency. These bars are very forgiving. Do not be afraid to add more coconut.
• 4. Spread into prepared pan. With a sharp knife. Score 40 bars but do not cut all the way through
• 5. Push almonds halfway into each bar. You may place 2-3 on each bar.
• 6. Refrigerate until set. You can also quicken the process, by placing them in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.
• 7. When the mixture is firm. remove from the refrigerator. Cut all the way through scored mixture to make bars. Set aside by putting back in the refrigerator, until ready to use.
• 8. Line a sheet pan or several small pans, with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spray lightly with vegetable oil spray, if using foil.
• 9. Melt shotening, or parrafin wax in a lage bowl by microwaving until melted.
• 10. Add in the chocolate chips are well. Place back in microwave. Stop microwave add about 40 second to one minute intervals to stir. When it is fully melted and combined. Remove from microwave. .
• 11. Remove coconut bars from refrigerator. Step one bar at a time in the melted chocolate with a large soup spoon. Drain off chocolate. Place each bar on lined pan. Repeat the process until all bars are dipped.
• 12. Place bars in refrigerator until set. You can store them in the refrigerator or in a loosely covered container. I stored mine in the refrigerator in a container or Ziploc bag.