Chinese Chews

This is one of those cookie bars that you remember from your youth with such fondness. There are many recipes with the same name, but this is the one I like best. Great anytime of the year, but also a great addition to the holiday cookie trays.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 36 small bars

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1  cup flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup  nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• 1⁄2 cup  shredded coconut
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped dates

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream shortening and sugar.
3. Add eggs and vanilla.
4. Mix flour and salt with nuts, coconut and dates.
5. Fold flour mixture into creamed mixture.
6. Bake in greased 8 x 8 inch baking dish for 20 minutes.
7. Cool slightly on a rack before cutting into bars.