Oh man. Forget the lemon bars, forget the lemon pie. This can do the job of either with the lemoniest flavor, and by far the EASIEST method. So fool proof, you can't goof it up. You can change the crust to something else and use this filling, but the soda crackers really make the grade with the chopped nuts. This recipe was used for my daughter, Jayni's, wedding luncheon and was a huge hit. Just like a good lemon-cream pie. Try making 1.5 the recipe and putting it in a 11x15 pan. Originally found in the Lion House Christmas Recipe book, I have changed the recipe to my liking.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
20 soda crackers
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter
3/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
Juice of 4 lemons
4 eggs beaten
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream
Lemon slices for garnish
Mix brown sugar, flour, crushed crackers, and baking soda. Cut in 1 cup butter until crumbly. Stir in finely chopped nuts. Press mixture into bottom of 9x13 inch baking pan. Make filling by mixing lemon juice, beaten eggs, and water in saucepan. Mix 2 cups sugar with cornstarch and add to liquid. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup butter and vanilla. Pour filling on top of crust. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Chill. Serve with whipped cream and garnish with lemon slice.
*When I made these for Jayni's luncheon, I whipped the cream and spread it out just like frosting before serving.