Coconut Pineapple Squares

Any of y'all that know us know that we're minor fans of a show called Castle (and by minor I mean we get together every Monday night, no matter what, to watch the newest episode.) Anyway, it's been one long summer waiting on new episodes to come back, but it's finally here! And, in honor of the Castle Season Five Premiere (don't know Castle? Now you do.), we’re making something that’s just as sweet as Nate ‘N’ Kate...Coconut Pineapple Squares...mmmmmmmmm… J

Now, this recipe comes to us from Ms. Linda Livolsi, another friend of Ms. Claire's. Her handwriting is much easier to decipher than sweet Ms. Ruthane's, which helps. Here goes!

What you’ll need:

• 1 ¼ cups sifted flour
• ½ cup shortening or margarine
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup strained crushed pineapple
• 1 Tbsp. soft butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups coconut
• 1 tsp. vanilla

What you'll do:

Mix flour and sugar in a mixing bowl.  Cut in shortening until fine, like cornmeal.

Pat into a 9x9 pan. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Combine the butter, the rest of the sugar, egg, and salt.  Beat well. Add coconut and vanilla.

Put 1 cup of strained crushed pineapple on top of cake. Spread coconut mixture over pineapple and pat in. Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

So, not only is Ms. Claire a fantastic cook, but apparently she surrounds herself with good cooks as well.  The more of these recipes we make, the better they get, so thank you, Ms. Linda!  Like a pina colada in a pan. J  Warning, however, these things are rich. Pace yourselves.