Strawberry Meringue Bars

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 3 egg yolks

Topping

• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine flour and 1/2 cup sugar in a medium bowl.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the egg yolks.
5. Press onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
7. Meanwhile, beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a small mixer bowl at high speed until foamy, about 45 to 60 seconds.
8. Continue beating, gradually adding confectioners' sugar, until glossy and stiff peaks form, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.
9. Spread the preserves over hot, partially baked crust.
10. Spread egg white mixture over preserves; sprinkle with almonds.
11. Continue baking for 22 to 27 minutes or until light golden brown.
12. Cool completely.
13. Cut into bars with a sharp, wet knife.