Cherry Macaroon Bars

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 (10 ounce) package (3 3/4 cups) sweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 egg whites
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon almond extract
13 red or green maraschino cherries, halved and drained

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 9-inch square baking pan.

Stir together crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and melted butter. Press onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven; leave oven on.

Stir together coconut, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, flour and salt. Add egg whites, egg and almond extract. Spread mixture over crumb mixture; press in cherry halves. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until
lightly browned around edges. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cover; cut into bars.

Makes 25 bars.