Cranberry-Pecan Bars

350°F YIELD: 36 bars

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. Sugar
1/3 cup margarine or butter
½ cup finely chopped pecans
1 ¼ cups sugar
2 tbsp. All-purpose flour
2 beaten eggs
2 tbsp. Milk
1 tbsp. Finely shredded orange peel
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 cup chopped cranberries
½ cup coconut
½ cup finely chopped pecans

For crust, in a medium mixing bowl combine the 1 cup flour and the 2 tbsp. Sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in the margarine till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ½ cup pecans. Press flour mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2” baking pan. Bake in a 350° oven for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl combine the 1 ¼ cups sugar and the 2 tbsp. Flour. Stir in the eggs, milk, orange peel and vanilla. Fold in the cranberries, coconut and ½ cup pecans. Spread over partially baked crust. Bake in a 350° oven for 25 to 30 minutes more or till top is lightly browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack. While still warm, cut into bars. Cool completely.