Mocha Java Congo Bars

Yield: 18 3x2-inch bars
Source: Joy of Cooking Christmas Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 c unsalted butter
• 2 1/3 c packed dark brown sugar
• 4 ea eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 2/3 c all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp instance expresso powder
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 c semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1 1/2 c walnuts
• 1/2 c flaked or shredded sweetened coconut (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt buter . Remove from the heat and stir in brown sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
2. Add flour, espresso powder and baking powder.
3. Stir in chocolate morsels, walnuts and coconut.
4. When the batter is mixed, turn out into the pan, spread to edges. Baking on the middle oven rank for about 25 minutes, until firm when lightly tapped and toothpick inserted in the center comes out slight wet.
5. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let stand until completelu cool. Using the overhanging foil as handles, lift the bars to a cutting board. Carefully peel off the foil. Cut into bars.