Cherry Pecan Bars

These are so good you'll want to double the recipe.

1-1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Sift together 1 cup of the sifted flour with the confectioner's sugar. Cut in the butter until mixture reaches consistency of coarse meal. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 11x7-inch or 9x9-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

While first layer bakes, sift together the remaining 1/4 cup of flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add the eggs, and mix well. Fold in the maraschino cherries, coconut and pecans. Spread mixture over the partially-baked first layer.

Return pan to oven and bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool. Cut into bars or squares. Makes about 3 dozen bars.