Raspberry Royal Bars

Photo: Geri@heartnsoulcooking

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups rolled oats

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

cup sweetened flaked dried coconut

1/4 cup plus ⅔ cup sugar

3/4 cup butter, melted

3/4 cup raspberry jam

3 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Preparation

In a bowl, mix oats, flour, coconut, 1/4 cup sugar and salt. Add melted butter and stir until well blended. Press dough evenly into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

Bake in a 325 F oven until edges begin to brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool about 5 minutes, then spread jam evenly over warm crust.

In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on high speed, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until thick and foamy. Gradually add remaining 2/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until mixture holds soft, shiny peaks. With a spatula, spread meringue evenly over jam.

Bake until meringue is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, then cut into 24 bars. Let cool completely in pan.