Raspberry-Walnut Shortbread

Name: Raspberry-Walnut Shortbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup cold butter; TOPPING:; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 1/3 cup raspberry jam

These buttery fruit-topped shortbread bars are a treat to eat any time of year. "They are fancy but not too rich-and a nice change of pace from chocolaty bar cookies," notes Ann Previt of La Grande, Oregon.

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
TOPPING:
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup raspberry jam

Directions

In a bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until set and the edges are lightly browned.
Meanwhile, for topping, combine eggs and brown sugar in a bowl. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, salt and baking soda; add to egg mixture. Stir in walnuts. Carefully spread jam over hot crust. Pour egg mixture over jam. Bake 16-20 minutes longer or until browned and set. Cool. Cut into bars.

Originally published as Raspberry-Walnut Shortbread in Country Woman November/December 2002