Chocolate Tom Thumb Bars

Rich, moist, chocolaty bars topped with a sweet meringue topping.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 259 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 eggs, whites and yolks separated
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.125 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 cups brown sugar, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Step 2

In a medium bowl; mix together shortening, white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and egg yolks. Stir in water and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine with egg and sugar mixture; blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3

In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup brown sugar, continuing to beat until whites form stiff peaks. Spread meringue on top of base, covering completely.

Step 4

Bake in preheated oven until meringue has risen and light brown in color, about 15 to 20 minutes. Leave to cool before cutting into bars.