LEMON BARS.

 
lemon squares v.jpg

when life gives you lemons, make lemon bars. this upcoming weekend i am going to a farewell party for a friend who i was told loves lemon meringue pie! so i decided to make lemon bars, as they are just as tasty (or better), but are much easier to snack on & serve. these lemon bars feature a shortbread cookie style crust with a sweet & tangy layer of lemon filling. the taste of these bring me back to making lemon meringue pie with my mom, where i would literally eat a bowl of the filling to myself:) the recipe has been adapted from smitten kitchen/barefoot contessa (so you know its good).

ingredients:  

for the crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 1/2 cup raw sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

  • 2 cups all purpose flour

  • pinch of salt

for the filling 

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

  • 1 heaping tablespoon lemon zest

  • 2/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

  • 2/3 cup flour

directions:

  • preheat oven to 350 degrees

  • staring with the filling, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  • add the vanilla, flour and pinch of salt and mix until just combined.

  • in a greased 9 by 13 inch pan, flatten the dough into it with your hands, building a 1/2 inch crust along the edges.

  • bake for 15-20 minutes (while you prepare your lemon filling).

  • in a separate mixing bowl begin making the filling by whisking the eggs, sugar, vanilla, zest, juice, and flour together until well combined.

  • when the crust is ready, pour filling over it and immediately put in back in the oven for 25-30 minutes.

  • let cool to room temperature before slicing and serving!