Chocolate Flecked Coconut Bark (Cocada con Chocolate)

This recipe is so simple that it's perfect for having your little kiddles help out. 

This may infact be the simplest and fasted baked good that I've ever made. And if you are a lover of Mounds candy bars, then you are absolutely going to adore this coconut bar. There are two ways to have it...a little crunchy or more gooey and chewy. I love it gooey and chewy...especially when still warm. Mmmmmmm! So all you have to do is grab a couple items from your pantry...sweetened coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk and bittersweet chocolate chips. (I prefer the 60% cocoa chips) That's all you need for this treat! Oh, and a little cooking spray for the baking dish. In a medium-large sized bowl combine the coconut and sweetened condensed milk.* Be sure to get all of the coconut coated, if not then you're liable to end up with peices of burnt coconut. (not so good) * For the gooey version, use 14 oz. of sweetened condensed milk. Do not increase the coconut. Once your coconut has been well mixed, add in the chocolate chips! You can leave them whole, buy mini ones, half or quarter them. Since I use the 60% cocoa chips, which are pretty big, I quarter them.

Get everything well combined so that your chocolate is dispersed throughout the coconut. Grab an 8 x 8 glass baking dish and give it a quick coating of cooking spray. Then pour the coconut mixture into the dish. With a spoon, press the mixture so that it is firmly and evenly packed down. Place the baking dish into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes.** **If you are like me and want the gooey version, then your baking time is going to be approximately 25-28 minutes.

Chocolate Flecked Coconut Bark (Cocada con Chocolate)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Level: EASY
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
Nonstick Cooking Spray
5 1/2 cups Sweetened Shredded Coconut
1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/4 cup 60% Cocoa Chocolate Chips (quartered or chopped)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8 x 8-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix the coconut and condensed milk in a bowl until combined. Make sure that all of the coconut is covered with the condensed milk, if not covered it will burn. *For a more gooey bar, use 14 oz. of sweetened condensed milk. Do not increase coconut.

Add chocolate chip pieces into the coconut mixture and stir until well combined.

Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until the coconut is evenly browned and crisp at the edges. Cook time is about 20 minutes. **For gooey bars 25-28 minutes, keeping watch to avoid burning

Cool slightly, and cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.