Chocolate Mint Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350-F degrees and set aside a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan.
2. 2
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar, cocoa, and egg until smooth.
3. 3
   Sift in the flour and mix until well blended.
4. 4
   Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the cake pan.
5. 5
   Bake for about 10 minutes, or until dry.
6. 6
   To prepare the topping, combine the coconut, almonds, and mint chips in a bowl, then sprinkle over the baked chocolate base.
7. 7
   In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract.
8. 8
   Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the nuts and coconut.
9. 9
   Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden.
10. 10
    Cool, then cut into bars.