Ingredients

• 2  cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with white filling (about 20 cookies)
• 1/2  cup sugar
• 1/3  cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2  cup butter, melted
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2/3  cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3  cup sugar
• 1/4  teaspoon salt
• 2-3/4  cups flaked coconut
• 3  egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1/2  teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2  cup semisweet chocolate pieces
• 1  teaspoon shortening
•   Toasted whole almonds (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over the pan edges. Lightly grease foil. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, stir together crushed cookies, 1/2 cup sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla into the crushed cookie mixture until combined. Firmly press cookie mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in a preheated oven for 8 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and salt. Stir in flaked coconut. Stir egg whites and vanilla into coconut mixture until combined. Spoon coconut mixture over crust. Using wet hands, carefully press the coconut mixture to edges of pan.

4. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until macaroon layer is set and lightly browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

5. In a small saucepan, combine chocolate pieces and shortening. Heat over low heat until melted, stirring constantly. Drizzle chocolate mixture over bars. Chill about 30 minutes or until chocolate sets. Using the edges of the foil, lift the uncut bars out of the pan. Cut into 24 bars. Cut each bar diagonally to make 48 triangles. If desired, place a whole almond atop each bar. Makes 48 bars.

To Store: Place bars between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for up to 3 months.