Low-Fat Barz

These bar cookies have an almond-flavored crust made with reduced-calorie margarine. They're spread with jam and topped with a fluffy meringue.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup reduced-calorie margarine
• 1/2 cup non-packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp fat-free (skim) milk
• 2 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp table salt
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup desired jam

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Cream margarine in a medium bowl, add brown sugar, beating well. Add next eight ingredients and mix well. Spread batter evenly into pan and bake 15-20 minutes. Insert a toothpick to test for doneness. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites in a large bowl, at high speed, until foamy. Add lemon juice and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form, then set aside. Spread jam over hot crust. Spread egg whites carefully over jam and bake until meringue is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Number of Servings: 20 bars

Notes from the Cook: Don't skip a step, trust me.