Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 eggs, separated

1 cup flour

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries,

drained

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup diced, toasted almonds

Preparation

  1. Blend butter, powdered sugar and egg yolks until smooth. Mix in flour until completely blended. Press mixture into ungreased 13 x 9" pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 15 minutes.

  2. Blend sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and lemon juice until thoroughly mixed. Mixture will begin to thicken. Stir in cherries.

  3. Let crust cool 5 min, then spread cherry mixture evenly over top.

  4. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Beat in 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp at a time; continue beating until thick and glossy. Carefully spread meringue over cherry mixture to cover completely. Sprinkle almonds over top. Return to oven and bake 20 minutes.

  5. Cool 30 minutes, then cut into 2 x 1" bars while still warm and remove from pan. Place bars on a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.