Holiday Sweetmeats

Sweetmeat is a weird word.

Depending on the culture you're in, it can mean very different things.

For the western world it is "a piece of candy or a piece of fruit covered in sugar," or "a food rich in sugar."  (Thanks, Merriam-Webster!)

Well, there is not a drop of fruit in these little darlings, but I would definitely say that they are rich in sugar.  If you're looking for a healthy dessert or treat, this is not for you.  If you're looking for the perfect holiday coffee companion, you are in the right place.  

If you like giving food gifts around the holidays you might try cutting these into tiny squares and pairing them with a small bag of coffee.  Delish!

Sweetmeats

by The Silver Palate

Yield: 30 squares

CRUST

• 1/2 lb (2 sticks) sweet butter, at room temperature
• 1 2/3 cups brown sugar
• 1 2/3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350º and grease a 9x12 inch baking pan.

Cream butter and brown sugar.  Add flour and mix well.  Press mixture into the prepared baking pan.  Bake for 15-20 minutes.  Remove from oven.

TOPPING

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp unbleached all purpose flour
• 2 cups shelled walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Mix sugar and eggs.  Add flour and stir well.

Fold in walnuts and coconut.

Pour topping onto crust.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until topping is set.

Cool in pan and cut into squares.