Raspberry granola bars

Ingredients:

¾ cup shortening
¾ cup sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp almond extract
2 eggs, separated
1½ cup flour
1 cup seedless raspberry preserves
1 cup granola

Beat together shortening, ¼ cup of sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add almond extract and 2 egg yolks. Slowly mix in flour until fully combined. Spread this mixture over the bottom of a 9x13 pan, coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.

Spread preserves over crust immediately after removing it from the oven. Sprinkle with granola.

Beat the egg whites until they are foamy. Add remaining ½ cup of sugar until, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread egg white mixture on top of granola. Bake at 350° for additional 25 minutes.

Cool completely and cut into bars.