citrus raspberry bars & mother’s day with HEB

Hello friends! Yes, I am finally back from the dead. It’s been exam after exam over here, and I have just 4 days left of school {FOUR} until I graduate college. If I think about it too hard, a mild quarter-life crisis sets on so I’ve just been in denial altogether. Mother’s Day is quickly approaching however, and despite my ridiculous personal problems, family always comes first! I paired up with H-E-B today to share a super easy, delicious treat mom will love, and some fun gift packages you can buy for her to celebrate Mother’s Day!

For the mom who loves to cook. If your mom is like mine {or really, like me} and loves to cook, she will adore some fun new toys for her kitchen! I have been lusting after a colorful, laquered cast iron dutch over for forever, but I really only ever see the ones from that very expensive french brand that shall not be named, and I just cannot afford that. Not now, not ever. Who has $250 sitting around to spent on a pot?! Which is why I was so excited when I found THIS beauty at my local HEB. Cast iron, gorgeous teal color, and only… drumroll… $30! YES. I’ll take one in every color. When the pot is so affordable, you have a little extra change in your pocket to spend on kitchen tools, like this cute turquoise spatula and silicone hot pad. Your mom will love these!

For the mom who loves beauty products. And let’s be real, what mom doesn’t love pampering herself? For this little gift basket, you will need some fancy makeup removing wipes, a moisturizing sugar scrub that smells like summer {but really, have you smelled this coconut lime deliciousness? It reminds me of a snow cone}, thick, hydrating hand cream, and candy-colored nail polish. Your mama now has everything she needs for a mini-spa night at home! And now, for my personal favorite…

For the mom who seriously just needs a break. Are you at a total loss for what to get your mother? Is she a crazy busy person who doesn’t get 5 minutes to herself a day? {Probably yes}. Then this is the perfect thing. Give her a bottle of {strong} red wine, a wine tumbler with a lid, chocolate, and a cozy-smelling candle. Give her this present, then let her sit on the couch with her wine and chocolate and let her watch her ridiculous mom soap operas. She’s earned it!

And now, back to food, because I know that’s what y’all are here for 😉 My mom actually does NOT like chocolate. I KNOW. How could she have given birth to me if she doesn’t like chocolate?! Ah, the mysteries of life. But I digress. My mom doesn’t like chocolate, but she loves fruit desserts, so I figured some citrus bars would be the perfect Mother’s Day treat! I bought a box of Lemon Square Mix at HEB, and instead of adding in lemon juice as directed, I added in half orange and half lemon juice… because I’m a rebel. I then swirled in some raspberry preserves, and studded the top with fresh raspberries. I call these citrus raspberry bars! They are SO incredibly easy to make, and they taste delicious! You mom will love her homemade treat, and she’ll never have to know how hard you didn’t work for these 🙂 You can find all of these wonderful Mother’s Day presents, along with the Lemon Square Mix, at your local HEB! You can find a store near you HERE. Don’t forget to follow H-E-B on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest. Happy shopping!

citrus raspberry bars

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

45 mins

Total time

55 mins

 

Author: Valentina | The Baking Fairy

Recipe type: Brownies & Bars

Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 1 box Central Market/HEB Lemon Square Mix
• ¼ cup lemon juice {about 1 lemon}
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 4-5 tbsp raspberry preserves
• fresh raspberries, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F, and line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and the crust packet from the Lemon Square Mix. Beat until a dough forms, then pour into the prepared pan, and pat down using your fingertips. Bake according to package directions.
3. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. Combine the filling packet, lemon juice, orange juice, and eggs, and beat until smooth and creamy.
4. When the crust is done, remove from oven and turn oven down to 325F.
5. Pour the filling mixture on top of the crust, and swirl in the raspberry preserves. Top with fresh raspberries if desired, then put back in oven and bake according to package directions.
6. Let cool completely before cutting. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and enjoy!

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