COCONUT CHOCOLATE BITES
A perfect ending to a Valentine’s Day dinner, these bite-size confections are like miniature candy bars — only better. Plus, they keep for a week.

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3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut
3/4 cup unsweetened dried coconut
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
3 1/2 to 4 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (preferably 70% cacao), finely chopped

Special equipment: a small offset metal spatula; 32 paper candy cups (optional)

Line bottom and 2 opposite sides of an 8-inch square metal baking pan with a sheet of wax paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides.

Mix together flaked and dried coconut and condensed milk with your fingertips until combined well, then firmly press into pan in an even layer with offset spatula. Chill, uncovered, 5 minutes.

Melt chocolate in a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water or in top of a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Spread chocolate evenly over coconut layer with offset spatula and chill until firm, 5 to 7 minutes.

Lift confection onto a cutting board using overhang and halve confection with a sharp knife. Sandwich halves together, coconut sides in, to form an 8- by 4-inch rectangle, then discard wax paper. Cut rectangle into 32 (1-inch) squares. Arrange paper cups (if using) on a platter and fill with candies. Chill, covered, until ready to serve.

Makes 32 (1-inch) candies.