Marmalade Meringue Bars

• butter or 6 tablespoons margarine, softened↗6 tablespoons
• sugar, divided↗1⁄2 cup
• eggs, separated↗2
• grated orange rind↗1 teaspoon
• vanilla extract↗1 teaspoon
• all-purpose flour↗1 cup
• wheat germ, divided↗1⁄2 cup
• finely chopped pecans, divided1⁄2 cup
• teaspoon salt↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• orange marmalade↗1⁄3 cup
• sifted powdered sugar (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Cream butter in medium mixing bowl.

2. 2

   Gradually add 1/4 c sugar; beat until light and fluffy.

3. 3

   Add egg yolks, orange rind, and vanilla; beat until well-blended.

4. 4

   In separate bowl, combine flour, 1/4 c wheat germ, 1/4 c pecans, and salt.

5. 5

   Add flour mixture to creamed mixture; combine well.

6. 6

   Press dough evenly into ungreased 8x8 baking dish, across bottom and up 1" on all sides to make a crust.

7. 7

   Bake at 350 for 12-15 min or until golden brown.

8. 8

   While dough is baking, prepare meringue: Beat egg whites (at room temp) until soft peaks form.

9. 9

   Gradually add remaining 1/4 c sugar (1 Tbsp at a time), beating until stiff peaks form.

10. 10

    Fold in remaining 1/4 c wheat germ and 1/4 c pecans; set aside.

11. 11

    Spread marmalade over warm crust; top with meringue.

12. 12

    Bake at 350 for 18-20 min or until golden brown.

13. 13

    Cool in pan on wire rack.

14. 14

    Sprinkle w/powdered sugar, if desired.

15. 15

    Cut into bars or squares.

16. 16

    Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.