Chocolate Tom Thumb Bars
Description
Rich, moist, chocolaty bars topped with a sweet meringue topping.
Ingredients
•
1 cup shortening
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1/2 cup white sugar
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1 1/2 cups brown sugar, divided
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3 eggs, whites and yolks separated
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1 tablespoon cold water
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking soda
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1/8 teaspoon salt
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1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2
In a medium bowl; mix together shortening, white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and egg yolks. Stir in water and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine with egg and sugar mixture; blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3
In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup brown sugar, continuing to beat until whites form stiff peaks. Spread meringue on top of base, covering completely.
4
Bake in preheated oven until meringue has risen and light brown in color, about 15 to 20 minutes. Leave to cool before cutting into bars.