CHOCOLATE CHIP MERINGUE COOKIE BARS

1/2 cup solid shortening
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar, divided
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, separated
1 tbsp cold water
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup ground salted peanuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, butter, 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, and the sugar. Add the egg yolks and mix well.

Combine the cold water with the vanilla extract.

In a bowl combine the flours, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture alternatley with the water vanilla mixture to the creamed mixture. Mix well.

Spray a 15 x 10-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and spread the batter into the pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over all.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks (tops fold over) form. Add the remaining cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until stiff peaks form (peaks stand firm and do not fold over). Spread the egg whites over the chocolate chips. Top with the ground peanuts.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Allow to cool in pan before cutting into bars.

Note: This is a file photo.