Chocolate Maple Bars

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

MAKES: 36 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• FROSTING:
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream the shortening, syrup and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Remove half of the batter to another bowl.
2. Combine melted chocolate and pecans; stir into one bowl. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Add coconut to remaining batter. Spread carefully over chocolate batter.
3. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
4. For frosting, in a small bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and cocoa. Gradually add syrup, beating until smooth. Fold in marshmallows. Frost bars.Yield: 3 dozen.