Lemon Bars

I want it, I need it, I gotta have it! Ever feel that way? If I had a Genie, I would have wished for these buttery crusted lemon bars. Since I couldn't find a lamp, never mind a Genie, it took an hour or so before I could indulge in these great lemon bars. They were easy to make, and I got to try out my new microplane grater.

While I can't say that these bars are good for you, they taste darn good, and have no chemicals or preservatives in them. You'll go to your grocery and produce retailers, not an industrial chemical supply house.

Let's get to them before your diet counselor makes you chicken out.

Lemon Bars

Crust
1 cup of unbleached flour
1/2 cup of butter (1 stick)
1/4 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest

Filling
3/4 cup of sugar
2 eggs
3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons of unbleached flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Topping
Sprinkle with powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine all the crust ingredients in a bowl. Beat at low speed using the paddle attachment until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8 inch square pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are lightly browned.

While the crust is baking combine all the filling ingredients at low speed, until well mixed. Scrape the bowl often. Pour filling over the hot baked crust. Continue baking for 20 minutes until the filling is set.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar while it's still warm, and again when cool. Cut into bars.