Strawberry Meringue Bars
Crust:
3/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 and 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
Filling:
2 large egg whites
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup almonds, chopped
1 cup strawberry puree
1 cup flaked coconut
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13x9" baking pan.
Prepare crust:
Cream shortening and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in egg yolks.
Gradually blend in flour. Spread dough evenly in bottom of prepared baking pan.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, make topping:
In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
Gradually beat in sugar, beat until whites hold stiff peaks.
Fold in chopped nuts.
Spread strawberry puree over hot crust and sprinkle with coconut. Spread topping over coconut.
Bake for 20-25 minutes longer, or until topping is firm to touch.
Cool in pan on a rack before cutting into bars.