Raspberry Almond Bars

Name: Raspberry Almond Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: about 3 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 cups butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 jar (12 ounces) raspberry jam

A pan of these thick bars makes a pretty presentation at any gathering. Almond extract is a nice complement to the buttery crust.

Ingredients

2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 jar (12 ounces) raspberry jam

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
Press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. With a moistened finger, make diagonal indentations every 2 in. in both directions, about 1/3 in. deep.
Fill indentations with jam. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.