BYU Cherry Chews

We have been searching for the authentic BYU Cherry Chew recipe for years. We've tried several recipes that came close, but none of them actually hit it. Mama says that BYU uses a secret ingredient: the cherries. The cherries are a special concoction that's not available in retail stores. BYU Dining Services finally published the real recipe in their online magazine. The authentic recipe includes some clues to the secret ingredient, and a reasonable substitute for it.
If you want to try to get the secret cherry ingredient, find a local supplier of BakeMark products. Mama says that BYU buys the stuff in five-gallon containers. That's a lot of cherry chews.

Recipe by: Brigham Young University Dining Services
Shamelessly copied, word for word, from Mix! an online magazine from Brigham Young University Dining Services

Yields 1/2 Sheet Pan

Preparation Instructions

Combine and whip to a soft peak:

1 1/2 C. egg whites (I used the whites from 13 large eggs)
1 1/2 t. salt
3 C. granulated sugar
1 t. vanilla

Fold into the above, taking care not to overmix:

2 3/4 C. cake flour (all purpose flour can be substituted)

Melt together in a mocrowave and fold into the above, again taking care not to overmix:

2/3 C. margarine or butter
1 C. Crisco or other high-quality shortening

Note: maragarine and shortening need to just barely be melted. Don't get it hot.

Finally, fold into the above:

1/3 C. cherry Fruit-o (this comes from the BAKEMARK Baking Supply Corporation – Orson Gygi usually carries this product or can obtain it – if you can't obtain any cherry Fruit-o, you can substitute 1/3 C. drained and pureed maraschino cherries with a teaspoon or two of cherry extract added to the puree.)
2 C. walnut pieces
2 C. red glace cherries (these are the ones used in fruit cakes; I have used drained masraschino halves as an alternative and they work just as well)

Note: a couple of drips red food coloring may be added as an option to make it a richer pink color. If the cherry Fruit-o is used, it already has enough coloring and you won't need to add any more coloring.

Spray around the edges and bottom of a half sheet pan with baking release spray and spread the mixture evenly in the pan.

Bake in a 350 degree pre-heated oven for about 20-25 minutes. The Cherry Chew is done when the middle has risen and just collapses and the top a golden brown.

When it has cooled, cut into bars and serve.