Lemon Bars

For some odd reason, I had a hankering for something tart and sweet today. Lemon bars were a perfect remedy! I enjoy this recipe because the lemon is VERY prominent, but not overpowering. I like the little kick of tartness that this recipe creates. If you like your bars more on the sweet side, then cut the lemon juice to 1/2 cup and only zest one lemon and omit the extra 1 tbsp. flour. Enjoy!

Yields: 1 8x11 inch pan of lemon bars

Ingredients:

Crust

1 cup butter, room temperature

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

Filling

1/4 cup and 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups white sugar

4 eggs

2/3 cup lemon juice (approximately 3 regular sized lemons)

Zest of two lemons

Confectioner's sugar for sprinkling on top, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the crust ingredients until it is well blended together. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8x11 inch pan.

3. Bake crust for 20 minutes in the preheated oven until firm and slightly golden. Allow crust to cool.

4. Meanwhile, in another bowl, whisk together the filling ingredients until blended. Pour over the baked crust.

5. Bake for an additional 25 minutes in the preheated oven. The bars will firm up as they cool.

6. Sprinkle top with some confectioner's sugar and enjoy!