1/2 C. Shortening
2/3 C. Granulated Sugar
1/4 C. American-process Cocoa
1 whole Egg
1 1/4 C. All-purpose Flour
Mint Topping:
1 1/2 C. Flaked Coconut
1 C. Sliced Almonds
3/4 C. Mint Chips
1 C. Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 tsp. Peppermint Extract
drop or two of Green Food coloring (optional)

Pre-heat oven to 350-F degrees and set aside a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar, cocoa, and egg until smooth.
Sift in the flour and mix until well blended. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the cake pan. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until dry. To prepare the topping, combine the coconut, almonds, and mint chips in a bowl, then sprinkle over the baked chocolate base. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the nuts and coconut. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden. Cool, then cut into bars.