Chewy Chocolate Chip-Nut Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened (or use half butter and half margarine)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, divided
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon maple extract
2 egg yolks
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional or to taste)
2 egg whites, room temperature
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (can use more or less) or 1 cup pecans (can use more or less)

Preparation

Set oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
In a bowl cream together butter with sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 4 minutes).
Add in water, maple extract and 2 egg yolks (reserve the whites in another bowl) beat for 2-3 minutes.
Mix together the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and cinnamon (if using) then add to the creamed mixture; mix until combined.
Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the batter.
Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then add in in 1/2 cup brown sugar; blend well.
Spread the egg white mixture over the top of the chocolate chips.
Sprinkle the top with chopped nuts.
Bake for about 35 minutes or until the meringue is light brown.
Cut the bars while still hot.