Marmalade Meringue Bars

• 6 tablespoons butter or 6 tablespoons margarine, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon grated orange rind
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup wheat germ, divided
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup orange marmalade
• sifted powdered sugar (optional)

1. Cream butter in medium mixing bowl.
2. Gradually add 1/4 c sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg yolks, orange rind, and vanilla; beat until well-blended.
4. In separate bowl, combine flour, 1/4 c wheat germ, 1/4 c pecans, and salt.
5. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture; combine well.
6. Press dough evenly into ungreased 8x8 baking dish, across bottom and up 1" on all sides to make a crust.
7. Bake at 350 for 12-15 min or until golden brown.
8. While dough is baking, prepare meringue: Beat egg whites (at room temp) until soft peaks form.
9. Gradually add remaining 1/4 c sugar (1 Tbsp at a time), beating until stiff peaks form.
10. Fold in remaining 1/4 c wheat germ and 1/4 c pecans; set aside.
11. Spread marmalade over warm crust; top with meringue.
12. Bake at 350 for 18-20 min or until golden brown.
13. Cool in pan on wire rack.
14. Sprinkle w/powdered sugar, if desired.
15. Cut into bars or squares.
16. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

butter, sugar, eggs, orange rind, vanilla, flour, germ, pecans, salt, orange marmalade, powdered sugar

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/marmalade-meringue-bars-80355 (may not work)