Strawberry Meringue Pie

1/3 cup crackers, saltines -- crushed & divided

3 whole egg WHITES

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup pecans toasted -- chopped

1 pkg (4oz) German sweet chocolate

2 tablespoons butter

4 cups strawberries -- halved

1 cup whipping cream

2 tablespoons confectioners` sugar

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cracker crumbs into a greased 9" pie plate. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in the vanilla, pecans and remaining cracker crumbs. Spread meringue onto the bottom and up the sides of prepared pan. Bake at 300 deg F for 45 minutes. Turn oven off and do not open door; let cool in the oven overnight . Melt chocolate and butter; drizzle over shell. Let stand 15 minutes or until set. Top with berries. Whip the cream and confectioners` sugar until soft peaks form; spoon over berries.