Tropical Macadamia Bars

BASE:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup + 1 tbl. light brown sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp

TOPPING:
3/4 cup + 2 tbl. lightly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons rum
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup macadamia nuts, toasted and coarse chopped
1/2 cup + 2 tbl. shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350�F and lightly grease an 8" square baking pan. Place flour and brown sugar in food processor, and process until mixed. Add butter and process 30 seconds until dough comes together. Press dough gently over bottom of prepared pan. Bake on center rack of oven until golden around the edges, 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile prepare topping: Using whisk, beat brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, rum, melted butter, eggs, flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl until blended. Stir in nuts and coconut with rubber spatula. Spread topping evenly over baked base. Bake on center rack of oven until top is golden and set, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely in pan on wire rack before cutting into 2" squares.

Makes 16.