Marmalade Meringue Bars

From "Christmas Cookies"...untested by me but sounds like a marmalade-lovers dream! :o)

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 30 bars

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Cream butter in medium mixing bowl.
2. Gradually add 1/4 c sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg yolks, orange rind, and vanilla; beat until well-blended.
4. In separate bowl, combine flour, 1/4 c wheat germ, 1/4 c pecans, and salt.
5. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture; combine well.
6. Press dough evenly into ungreased 8x8 baking dish, across bottom and up 1" on all sides to make a crust.
7. Bake at 350 for 12-15 min or until golden brown.
8. While dough is baking, prepare meringue: Beat egg whites (at room temp) until soft peaks form.
9. Gradually add remaining 1/4 c sugar (1 Tbsp at a time), beating until stiff peaks form.
10. Fold in remaining 1/4 c wheat germ and 1/4 c pecans; set aside.
11. Spread marmalade over warm crust; top with meringue.
12. Bake at 350 for 18-20 min or until golden brown.
13. Cool in pan on wire rack.
14. Sprinkle w/powdered sugar, if desired.
15. Cut into bars or squares.
16. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.