GRANDMA'S CHOCOLATE CHIP BARS

Grandma's Chocolate Chip Bars image

My grandmother made these delicious bar cookies with a unique meringue topping for every holiday and birthday gathering. She's now gone, but her wonderful recipe lives on.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
TOPPING:
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks, water and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. , Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until top is dry., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat egg whites, vanilla and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time on high until stiff peaks form. , Spread over warm crust to within 1 in. of edges. Sprinkle with walnuts. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 231 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 105mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.