Chocolate Chip Meringues

Chocolate Chip Meringues

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed and divided
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 ounces (2 cups) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup grated coconut (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, and the granulated sugar. Beat in the egg yolks. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing well. Stir in the vanilla.
4. Spread the dough onto a 9- x 15-inch baking sheet. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and press them into the dough.
5. To make a meringue, beat the egg whites until they are stiff. Gradually add the remaining brown sugar, continuing to beat until well mixed. Spread the meringue over the cookie dough, then sprinkle with the coconut. Bake for 25 minutes. When cool, cut into squares.

Note:
With crisp outsides and delicious, chewy insides, these bars are well worth the calories! To maintain crispness, particularly in humid weather, be sure to store them in airtight containers.