Congo Squares

Congo Squares Recipe - Delicious Dessert with Coconut and Chocolate

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Congo Squares are a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of coconut, chocolate, and brown sugar in a chewy, cookie-like bar. These sweet treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

The exact origins of Congo Squares are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. The recipe likely evolved from traditional chocolate chip cookie recipes, with the addition of coconut and brown sugar giving it a unique and delicious twist.

Ingredients

2 cups flaked coconut
0.5 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
0.5 tsp baking powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to prepare

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature if stored in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the salt, baking powder, and flour.
Once the oven is hot, spread the coconut on a cookie sheet and toast for approximately 2 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.
Gradually add the beaten egg, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and toasted coconut.
Lightly grease and flour a 9- x 13-inch cake pan.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 25 minutes, or until a sharp knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.
Cut into bars or squares and serve.

Variations

Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different extracts such as almond or coconut for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

- Toasting the coconut adds a delicious nutty flavor to the bars.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough bars.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.

Serving Suggestions

Congo Squares are delicious on their own, but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light and fluffy texture in the bars.

- Folding in the chocolate chips and coconut gently ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter if desired.

- Brown sugar can be substituted with white sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Make Ahead Tips

Congo Squares can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Congo Squares on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Congo Squares pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a classic and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Congo Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Congo Squares contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Congo Squares contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Congo Squares contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Congo Squares contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Congo Squares are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Congo Squares contain dairy (butter, eggs) and gluten (flour). They may also contain traces of nuts from the coconut.

Summary

Congo Squares are a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence.

Summary

Congo Squares are a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a chewy texture and a rich flavor, these bars are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy them as a special treat or as a sweet ending to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a hot, humid day in the middle of summer and I was at a church potluck, surrounded by friends and family, all eager to share their favorite dishes. As I made my way around the crowded tables, my eyes landed on a plate of golden brown squares, dotted with chunks of chocolate and pecans. I was immediately intrigued.

I asked the woman who had brought the squares what they were called, and she replied with a smile, "Congo Squares." She went on to explain that they were a family recipe, passed down through generations, and that she was happy to share it with me. I thanked her, took a square, and bit into it.

The first taste was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The squares were chewy and gooey, with a rich, buttery flavor that melted in my mouth. The chocolate and pecans added a delicious crunch, and I found myself going back for seconds, then thirds.

After the potluck was over, I approached the woman again and asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She agreed, and we sat down together as she dictated the ingredients and instructions to me. I listened intently, taking notes and asking questions when I didn't understand something. By the time she was finished, I felt confident that I could recreate the squares in my own kitchen.

I went home that day with the recipe in hand and immediately set to work. I gathered the ingredients – flour, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, chocolate chips, and pecans – and began to measure and mix them together. As I worked, the familiar scents of butter and sugar filled the air, and I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

I thought back to my own childhood, spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning how to cook and bake. She was a talented cook, with a knack for creating delicious dishes out of simple ingredients. She had taught me everything I knew about cooking, from how to properly chop an onion to how to season a dish just right.

As I poured the batter into the pan and slid it into the oven, I thought about all the recipes she had passed down to me over the years. Each one was a piece of her legacy, a way for me to keep her memory alive and share her love of cooking with others.

When the timer dinged, I pulled the pan of Congo Squares out of the oven and let them cool on the counter. The squares were a beautiful golden brown, with pockets of melted chocolate peeking out from the top. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

I cut a square from the pan and took a bite. It was just as good as I remembered – chewy, gooey, and packed with flavor. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a way for me to pass on a piece of my own culinary heritage to future generations.

And so, I continued to make Congo Squares for years to come, sharing them with friends and family, and passing the recipe down to my children and grandchildren. Each time I made them, I thought of that hot summer day at the church potluck, and the kind woman who had shared her family recipe with me. And I felt grateful for the gift of cooking, and the joy it brought to my life.