Dates-Under-a-Cloud Bars

Name: Dates-Under-a-Cloud Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 large eggs, separated; 1-1/4 cups chopped dates; 1/2 cup water; 4 teaspoons grated orange zest; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup sliced almonds

When I was in grade school, we had a community cookbook that included these yummy bars. Use a wet knife when cutting them to easily slice through the meringue.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Ingredients

2 large eggs, separated
1-1/4 cups chopped dates
1/2 cup water
4 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions

Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine dates, water and orange zest; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.
For crust, in a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour and baking powder; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Press onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Spread date mixture over top.
With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread over date mixture; sprinkle with almonds.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.