AMISH CHOCOLATE CHIP BARS

Amish Chocolate Chip Bars image

Provided by Laura Geese

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 c butter or margarine, softened (i used butter)
1 c brown sugar, divided
1/2 c sugar
1 Tbsp water
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, separated
2 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 c semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 c finely chopped walnuts, optional (i made 12/ the pan with nuts, and 1/2 without as skippy does not like walnuts)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350*F. In mixing bowl, cream butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add water, vanilla, and egg yolks (reserve whites in separate bowl). Beat for 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Beat in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Spread into lightly greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
4. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; add remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and blend well. Carefully spread over chocolate chips.
5. Sprinkle with chopped nuts. Bake for 35 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Cut with a sharp knife while still hot. Yields 3 dozen bars. (HA! Not in my house it didn't!) lol