Mud Hen Bars

Mud Hen Bars are a dough sprinkled with chocolate chips, and mini-marshmallows, topped with a light brown sugar meringue. They’re an old Southern recipe, and no one is really sure as to how they got their name. However,”Uglier than a mud hen” may refer to the cracked and broke meringue on top. They may be not much to look at, but they are delicious!

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large eggs + 2 eggs, separated
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl – add 1 whole egg, 2 egg yolks, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt mixing until just combined. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
4. Top with chocolate chips and marshmallows.
5. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the two egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Gently fold in light brown sugar until just combined.
7. Spread on top of the chocolate chips and marshmallows. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Makes 24 bars.