These cookies are being made today.  I love the flavor of coconut and pineapple combined and these even have peanut butter and white chocolate in them, so how can they not be good. We have OOT company coming in Thursday and we just had some of our kids leave yesterday, after they were here for the weekend from Texas,  so am really in the baking mood . Most of you know that my dad passed away June 14th. Thank you for the sweet cards, texts or calls I received during that difficult time.

Before I write out the recipe, I just want to take a moment to encourage you to never keep thoughts of love or memories that you have shared with people that are important to you. At my dad’s memorial service, it was amazing to hear how many people talked of the influence he had on their lives and so many people came up to me during the week to tell me how much he loved me and talked about me and quite frankly it was a shock to hear. Being from the “old school” of not being very demonstrative or talkative, I knew my dad loved me, but not to the extent that people were sharing with me. It made me realize that there are many ways to convey love, other than just words. He was, in fact, a very quiet man, and it was like pulling teeth to get him to talk, but here were others that said that he would sit and talk with them about his family and how much he loved us. It was a little sad to hear all this from strangers and yet, at the same time, comforting also. It made me realize how important it is to share with your loved ones, while we can, how really important they are to us. So take a minute or two today to simply pick up then phone and share a memory that you have with someone or tell them how much you care about them. It will not only bless them, but you, as well…..then, sit back, grab a cup of coffee and pick up one of these little delights and thank the Lord for the people in your life that have blessed you and loved you.

 

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

3/4 cup natural peanut butter (this will have less oil and no sugar added to it because it is natural)

1/4 cup crushed pineapple, juices drained

2 tables butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 large egg

1 1/4 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 c sweetened flaked coconut

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside

In large mixing bowl, cream together sugars, peanut butter, pineapple, butter and vanilla. Beat in egg, gradually stir in flour mixture until completely combined. Fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips, saving the 1/4 cup for top.

With dampened fingers, press the dough into a greased 9×13 baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining white chocolate chips and press them down lightly.

Bake bars in a 350 oven for 22-25 min or until a wooden pick comes out clean, which you have inserted in middle of bars to test for doneness.

Turn oven to broil. Sprinkle coconut on top of bars. Broil for 30-60 SECONDS or until coconut begins to brown. Be very careful not to burn coconut.

Allow pan to cool completely on a wire rack and cut into 32 bars.

This recipe is from Just a Pinch and is a great bar to eat with banana ice cream or vanilla and drizzle caramel over the top of both.