Meringue Jam Squares

I'm going to an "Is My Blog Burning - Sugar High Friday" Cookie Swap Party and I'm bringing...Meringue Jam Squares.

This is a recipe handed down from my Grandmother.  My Dad requests these for his birthday dessert instead of cake, and they are festive squares for birthdays or Christmastime. 

The cinnamon meringue is soft and fluffy with a bit of crunch on the browned top.  Next your teeth sink into a sweet jam layer (I used red raspberry preserves this time.)  The berry taste is followed by a satisfying shortbread cookie base.

Best of all, these squares are easy to make and they're not something you come across every day.  While I am partial to all things chocolate, these squares are a good change of pace.  Somehow the meringue makes them seem like a fun "retro" dessert, and the red jam layer and toasty meringue make them fit into a winter dessertscape.

I'd love to hear what you think of these if you try them.  Thanks, Grandma, for the recipe.  Happy baking everyone!

Meringue Jam Squares

Cookie Base
1 2/3 cup sifted all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup shortening
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla

Jam Layer
1/2 cup jam or jelly

Meringue
2 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine flour, salt, and sugar; add shortening, blend in yolks and vanilla.  Pat firmly into ungreased 8x12 or 9x13 pan.  Bake at 375 F for 15 minutes.  Cool slightly.

Spread on jam or jelly.  Make and spread meringue on top: Beat 2 egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff.  Gradually add sugar and cinnamon and beat until very stiff.  Brown at 325 F for 20 minutes.  Cool, then cut into squares.

Comments

[chronicler]

I cna honestly say I have never seen this cookie before! What an interesting combination of textures and flavors! I will have to give them a try!

[Nic]

These look delicious. I was thinking of trying something similar with a cranberry filling instead of jam. I just love meringue.

[Teya]

MMMMM I love recipes from grandmas. These are on my cookie to do list. Have you ever made the crust with butter? I know sometimes you can't change these types of things and get the same results

[Paige]

Chronicler, thanks for your note. I hope you get a chance to try these squares!

Nic, cranberry filling sounds like a great idea. It would probably be a nice balance of sweet & tart with the cranberries between the cookie and meringue.

Teya, I haven't tried the crust with butter. It would be interesting to see how butter compares with the shortening. Please let me know how it goes if you try it. Cookie to do lists are wonderful to have, aren't they? Mine keeps getting longer, no matter how much I bake!

[lisaSD]

I have honestly never heard of anything like this! I love coming across new things!

[Carol]

thanks for the recipes, my grandma made these and I had lost the recipe. I it was gone forever and they are my favourite bar.