Czech Christmas Bars

2/3 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup blackberry jam (seedless)
3 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 tsp. lemon extract
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Beat butter for about 30 seconds. Add 1 cup sugar and beat till combined. Beat in egg yolk then mix in flour till crumbly. Pat dough into lightly greased 9x12 pan.

Bake 15 minutes until lightly brown.

Spread jam over baked crust. Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbsp. at a time, until glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold in 1/2 cup nuts and extract. Swirl meringue over jam and sprinkle with 1/4 cup nuts.

Bake at 350° for 12 minutes till light brown.

Cool and cut into bars.

-Submitted by Sandra Matthijetz