Chocolate Chip Meringue Bars

This recipe is from Company's Coming "150 Delicious Squares." In the book they are listed as Grant's Special, otherwise known as Seafoam Chews. I like to use names that really describe the baked item, so I like to call them Chocolate Chip Meringue Bars. I left out the chopped peanuts on top, and I also used an 8x8 inch pan even though it calls for a 9x9. I only have one 9x9 inch pan, and it is glass, which I don't use at oven temperatures higher than 325◦F. I was worried an 8x8 wouldn't be big enough, but it turned out to be fine. I love the taste of meringue made with brown sugar, and it goes very well with chocolate too. I have made other squares somewhat similar to these, and they are both very tasty! These bars do turn out very high, and the meringue cracks and may crumble a bit when cut, but luckily that doesn't effect their taste.

Chocolate Chip Meringue Bars
CRUST
1/2 cup butter or hard margarine, softened
1/2 cup granulated (white) sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose (plain) flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large egg yolks
3 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOP
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup salted peanuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350◦F. You will need a deep (at least two inches) 9x9 or 8x8 inch pan. It does not need to be greased, but can be lined.
CRUST: Measure all ingredients in order given into a large bowl. Crumble it all together with your hands until it forms a cohesive mass. Press into prepared pan.
TOP: Sprinkle chocolate chips over crust. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the brown sugar, 1/3 cup at a time, beating until stiff. Spread over chocolate chips, being careful not to disturb the chips. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, pressing down lightly. Bake for 35 minutes. Cool before cutting into squares.

Paré, Jean. "Grant's Special." Recipe. 150 Delicious Squares, Edmonton Alberta: Company's Coming Publishing Limited, 1981. 117.