Chocolate Tom Thumb Bars

These mouth watering, moist and chocolaty bars were always the first to disappear off my mom's holiday goodie platter. With a sweet meringue topping, these will be a hit at your next gathering.

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

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup white sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar, divided
• 1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 eggs, whites and yolks separated

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.