Magical Coconut Cookie Bars

Tonight was National Night Out, when neighborhoods across the country hold block parties to get to know one another and their local police officers in an effort to combat crime. For the past couple years, my neighbor Randy has been holding a National Night Out event for my little street at his place. We gather on his porch and driveway, drink beer, snack, and gossip. The cops usually stop by and say hi.
This year, I brought a plate of Magical Coconut Cookie Bars from Vegan Cookies Take Over the World. There are layers of graham cracker crumbs, coconut-caramel, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and walnuts.

None of my neighbors are vegan, but everyone who tried one raved. And as always happens when you feed omnis delicious vegan desserts, conversations about veganism are sparked. I've noticed a shift in the last several years in the way omnis react to vegans. People don't think it's all that weird anymore. You tell someone you're vegan or that the cookie in their mouth is cruelty-free and they say, "I'm trying to eat less meat." or "I use soymilk in my cereal." or "I'd like to be vegan, but ..."

I love that! I love that veganism is mainstream and even impressive to folks. That means we're one step closer to world veganization. That means we're one step closer to saving more and more precious animal lives.

Anyway, the bars were delicious. I made 'em at my mama's house last night, and she measured out all of the ingredients for me and put them in baggies. Oh, and she did the dishes while I stirred and baked. I felt like I was on a cooking show. Baking is way better when someone else does most of the work. Thanks Mama Crunk!