Elaine's Ultimate Lemon Bars

By Addie

Ingredients

• CRUST:
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ...............................
• FILLING:
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon raspberry preserves (or any flavor)
• 4 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 6 tablespoons lemon juice (1 large lemon)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Additional confectioners' sugar for topping

Preparation

Step 1

FOR CRUST:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour, nutmeg, and sugar in large bowl, cut in the butter until crumbly. Press mixture into a 9 inch square pan and bake 30 minutes, remove from oven and let cool for at least 20 minutes. **Reduce oven temp to 325 degrees!!
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FOR FILLING:
Beat eggs with mixer until light and fluffy, add remaining ingredients, except preserves, and beat until well combined. Spread preserves over cooled crust, then pour lemon mixture over the preserves and bake 35 - 40 minutes (Elaine says hers took 50 minutes!) til set. Remove from oven and sprinkle with layer of confectioners' sugar. Let stand and cool before cutting. Makes 2 dozen bars!!