Recipe: Strawberry Meringue Bars (using strawberry preserves)

STRAWBERRY MERINGUE BARS

FOR THE CRUST:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
l/2 cup cold Land 0 Lakes Butter
3 egg yolks
FOR THE TOPPING:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
1/4 cup sliced almonds

TO PREPARE THE CRUST:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine flour and 1/2 cup sugar in medium bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in egg yolks. Press onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

MEANWHILE, TO PREPARE THE EGG WHITE MIXTURE:
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in small mixer bowl at high speed until foamy (45 to 60 seconds). Continue beating, gradually adding powdered sugar, until glossy and stiff peaks form (1 to 1 1/2 minutes). Set aside.

TO ADD THE TOPPING:
Spread preserves over hot, partially baked crust. Spread egg white mixture over preserves; sprinkle with almonds. Continue baking for 22 to 27 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely.

Cut into bars with sharp, wet knife.

Makes 36 bars
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe booklet: Spring's Best Cookies, Land O Lakes #77, April 2002