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Makeover Meringue Coconut Brownies

A chocolate lover’s dream, these bars will definitely satisfy a craving!

—ELLEN AHO SOUTH PARIS, ME

PREP: 30 MIN. BAKE: 30 MIN. + COOLING MAKES: 2 DOZEN

1/3 cup butter, softened

1/3 cup plus 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup fat-free milk

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

3 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1. In a small bowl, cream the butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Press into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with chocolate chips, coconut and walnuts.

2. In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over the top. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not overbake).

3. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.

PER SERVING 1 brownie equals 181 cal., 8 g fat (4 g sat. fat), 7 mg chol., 92 mg sodium, 27 g carb., 1 g fiber, 2 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.