Luscious Lemon Bars

These are delightful, if you're looking for a lemony zing coupled with a sweet finish.... all served up on a shortbread crust. I served 'em up for dessert at a games night on the weekend, and also as treats for my fellow board members at a weekend retreat. They were easy. And tasty. And really, who could ask for anything more? (Except maybe world peace.)

Crust

1/2 cup unsalted butter @ room temperature

1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

1 cup all purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

Filling

1 cup granulated white sugar

2 large eggs

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 3 large lemons)

1 Tablespoon grated lemon zest

2 Tablespoons all purpose flour

Topping

Confectioner's sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place the rack in the centre of your oven. Grease an 8 x 8 inch pan.

For the crust:

In the bowl of your mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt and beat until the dough just comes together. Press into the bottom of your greased pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until the shortbread crust starts to turn an attractive golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool

For the filling:

Bet the sugar and eggs until smooth. Add the lemon juice and zest and mix to combine. Fold in the flour. Pour the filling over the shortbread crust and bake for about 20 minutes or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and cool. Once cooled, slice the bars and dust with confectioner's sugar by putting the sugar in a sieve and lightly shaking it over the bars. Best served immediately!

I doubled the recipe. It worked like a charm. Stay tuned for the upcoming GREAT PASTRY DEBAUCLE - a sad, sad saga, best served with a cup of hot tea and a box of tissues for the part where you WEEP in sympathy and solidarity!