Creamy Lime Coconut Bars

This recipe came from Land O Lakes butter. I had to try them once just to see if they were as good as they sound, and believe me, they didn't last in my house past two days. I ate a big hunk every time I got hungry. Yes, I know, fully sugared, but everyone deserves a treat!

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• CRUST

• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1⁄2 cup  macadamia nuts, ground fine in a food processor
• 1⁄2 cup butter (1 stick) or 1⁄2 cup margarine (1 stick)

• FILLING

• 1  cup lime juice
• 2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1  teaspoon  grated lime zest
• 1⁄2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 2  drops  green food coloring (makes it a pretty green) (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine lime juice, condensed milk, zest, and food coloring in a bowl and set aside. The mixture will slightly thicken.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, and nuts; cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pat evenly into an ungreased 9x13 pan. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
4. Pour filling mixture over hot, partially baked crust. Sprinkle with coconut.
5. Place back in the oven for 15-17 minutes or until filling is set. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate before serving.