Ingredients
4 large egg whites1/2 cup butter, softened1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar, divided1/2 cup sugar2 large egg yolks, room temperature3 tablespoons 2% milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup semisweet chocolate chips3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Preparation
Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, cream butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, milk and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Press into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan.
With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add remaining 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until brown sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until thick and glossy. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Spread over dough in pan.
Bake on a lower oven rack until meringue is lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Using a serrated knife, cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.
