PINEAPPLE SQUARES

My friend passed on Feb 6, 2006. She was a wonderful woman with a big heart. During the holiday season, Inez would bake pineapple squares and share with friends and family. From the first time that I ate them to today, this remains one of my favourite baked squares. I love the crisp base, and the scrumptious buttery pineapple topping. Inez was quick to share this recipe with anyone who asked. Here is a picture of the email she sent me.  

This much loved recipe inspired me to emulate Inez's tradition of holiday season baking, and sharing. One colleague's husband looks forward to his share every year. Apparently he keeps the box of squares on his side of the bed, and cuts them in half to make them last longer! How Inez would have chuckled. I can hear her now - "Just give him the recipe. He can make them himself." 

This recipe is specially dedicated to Inez.  May her memory live forever.

Ingredients

For the base

1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

For the topping

1 19 oz can crushed pineapple drained. (Leave to drian in a strainer overnight, pressing out all the liquid. Well drained pineapple gives the topping a good texture)

200 grams dessicated coconut. This can be found in the baking ingredients aisle of your supermarket. Use the unsweetened version. I prefer the one that says medium size. 

1 and 1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter (melted in the microwave)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine flour and sugar in a mixing bowl. Cut in butter. Mix until crumbly. 

Grease a 9" x 13" cake pan and put in a piece of parchment paper.  

Bake in the preheated 350F degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and smooth over any cracks that might have formed while baking so that the pineapple topping does not seep through into the base. 

Topping

Combine all the ingredients for the topping a large bowl. Mix well. Spread over baked crust.  

Bake in the preheated 350F degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until set and golden.  A clear indication of doneness is when you see the sides starting to brown.  Cool and cut into squares.