CRUST:

2 c. flour, sifted
1/3 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter

FILLING:

2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
10 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained & chopped finely (reserve juice)
1/2 c. walnuts or pecans, chopped finely

FROSTING:

2 tbsp. butter, softened
2 - 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp. reserved cherry juice
Coconut (opt.), lightly sprinkled

Heat oven to 350 degrees. CRUST: Combine the first 3 ingredients; blend until crumbly. Press mixture into ungreased 13"x9" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until light browned.

FILLING: Combine all filling ingredients; mix well. Pour over the crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool.

FROSTING: Combine all frosting ingredients except coconut; beat until light and fluffy. Spread frosting over cooled bars; sprinkle with coconut if desired.