Thor's sisters' Samoas

Because Paula and Melanie asked, the rest of you will be the lucky recipients of the recipe the girls came up with for Samoas. These were really good; even with only 4 people in the house who like coconut, they were gone in a day.

SAMOAS

Shortbread base:

3/4 cup softened butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
chocolate chips

Cream the butter and sugar, beat in the egg and vanilla, then the flour and salt. Spread in a 13x9 pan, press chocolate chips to suit your preference into the top of the shortbread, and bake at 350F for 20 to 25 minutes, until light golden. Let the shortbread cool completely while preparing the topping.

7 ounce package coconut
12 ounces caramels
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp milk

Cover a baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper. Spread the coconut out on it, and toast at 300F for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring every 5 minutes. When it's done, spray a glass bowl with baking spray, or grease with oil. Put the caramels, salt and milk in it, and microwave until completely melted, stirring every minute or so. Stir the coconut into the caramel mixture, and spread it on the shortbread quickly, before it hardens. Melt semi sweet chocolate or dark chocolate and drizzle over the top, or just press more chocolate chips into the top of the cookie bars. Let them cool and harden, then cut into strips and serve.

If you can save any overnight, my daughter testifies that they make a great breakfast with coffee.