Bars and Squares
Christmas Cookies

• 3/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar, divided
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (6-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Combine butter, sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl; beat until thoroughly blended.

Combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add to creamed mixture; blend well. Press dough into a greased 13x9x2 inch baking pan; sprinkle with chocolate morsels, coconut, and pecans.

Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until foamy; gradually add remaining 1 cup brown sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue evenly over pecans. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan; cut into 3×1 inch bars.

Yield: about 3 dozen.

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