CRUST:

1 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, soft

FILLING:

3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. flour
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. chopped dates
1/2 c. coconut
1/2 c. pecans, chopped
1/2 c. maraschino cherries, halved

Heat oven to 350 degrees. For crust, in small bowl, combine all ingredients. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until crumbly. Press on bottom of ungreased 9 inch square pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes.

For filling, in same bowl, combine sugar, flour, eggs, baking powder, salt and vanilla. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often until mixed. stir in remaining ingredients. Pour over hot crust. Continue baking 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned and filling is set. Cool completely. Cut into bars.