Apple Date Meringue Pudding

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
6 medium-size tart apples (about 6 cups)
8 ounces pitted dates, cut up
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
4 egg whites
1/2 cup sliced blanched almonds

Oven: 350 degrees

Peel, core, quarter and slice the apples. Melt the butter in a 9x9x2-inch baking dish. Combine apples, dates, a half-cup sugar, flour, lemon rind, cinnamon and mace with the melted butter. Toss lightly to mix and cover.

Bake thirty minutes. Remove from oven and stir mixture lightly. Cool slightly on wire rack. Beat egg whites until foamy-white in a medium-size bowl. Beat in remaining half-cup of sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until meringue stands in firm peaks. Spoon over apple mixture, and sprinkle with almonds.

Bake twenty minutes longer, or until apples are tender and meringue is golden. Spoon into dessert dishes. Serves eight.

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