Rhubarb bars

Crust

•2 1/2 cups flour

•1 teaspoon salt

•1/2 cup butter

•1/2 cup shortening  (or use all butter)

•2 egg yolks

•milk to make 2/3 cup

Filling

•7 cups finely chopped rhubarb

•1 3/4 cup sugar

•1/2 cup minute tapioca

•2 egg whites

Icing

•1 cup powdered  sugar

•3 tablespoons warm water

Method

1.In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, cut in the butter and shortening until the crumbs are the size of oatmeal. You can use your food processor for this too. Pulse, don't run at full speed.

2.Put the egg yolks in a measuring cup and add enough milk to make 2/3 cup.

3.Slowly add to the flour mixture and pulse with the food processor until it begins to come together or mix in with your fork.

4.Turn the pastry onto the counter and knead it into a ball, just until it comes together.

5.Wrap in a plastic wrap, shaping it into a flat rectangular disk.

6.Refrigerate.

7.Chop rhubarb into about 1/2 inch square pieces.

8.Add the sugar and tapioca and set aside.

9.Take the dough from the refrigerator and divide in half.

10.Roll each piece out thin enough for a 10 X 15" pan or use the same amount of dough for a 9 X 13" pan plus a 5 X 7" pan.

11.This dough is rolled very thin. Use a bench scraper to carefully lift the dough.

12.Don't be afraid to add a bit of flour if you need to.

13.Once you have the rhubarb covering the first piece of dough, cover with the second piece of dough.. . and crimp the edges together.

14.Whip the egg whites until they just begin to stiffen.

15.Use your hands to spread the egg whites over the pastry.

16.Bake at 400 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes. . or until golden brown.

17.While the bar is still warm, combine icing ingredients and drizzle over top.