Chocolate Chip Meringue Bars

• 1 cup shortening
• 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup ground salted peanuts

1. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening, 1/2 cup of brown sugar and sugar. Add egg yolks; mix well. Combine the water and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with water mixture. Mix well. Spread into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
2. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add the remaining brown sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over chocolate chips. Top with peanuts. Bake at 350 F. for 30-35 minutes. Yield: about 3 dozen.
3. See more recipes at: www.havefunbaking.com
4. And also see: www.lovetobakeandcook.blogspot.com

shortening, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, cold water, vanilla, flour, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips, ground salted peanuts

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/chocolate-chip-meringue-bars-50095272 (may not work)