Congo Squares

My great grandma had this recipe in her recipe box for years.  I needed a birthday treat I could wrap up individually and thought about these.  It's like a chocolate chip cookie in a bar and easy to make.

Congo Squares

2-3/4 cups flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
2-1/2 cups light brown sugar
3 eggs
1 cup nuts, coconut, and/or chocolate chips.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small bowl mix together dry ingredients.

 Melt shortening (do not get too hot!) Add to mixing bowl with sugar and eggs and beat until mixed.

 Add dry ingredients.

 Mix until there isn't any flour.  It will be thick like cookie dough.

Add in your extras.  I only used chocolate chips here but would enjoy nuts added to mine also.

Dump into greased 10x15" jelly roll pan.  Use a roller or your fingers to spread.

On one half I sprinkled M and Ms and lightly pressed them in.  I like to see color and if you add them to your dough they will be too covered to see.

Put in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes.  Any longer and they will more like crunchy cookies on the edge.  I like mine soft so will only cook them 20 minutes next time. 

Cut into squares (thus the name) or rectangles if you like. 

Serve with a big glass of milk!