Lemon Bars

Makes 16 squares

Baking Temperature: 350 degrees

Time: 15 minutes for crust, 20 to 25 minutes for lemon topping

Calories: 143 per square

Ingredients: (courtesy of Gina Bacigalupi)

  • 1 lemon, zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Salt

Zest 1 lemon and then squeeze lemon to remove 2 tablespoons of juice.

Melt butter in a sauce pan, just until liquid and before bubbles form. When butter is cool, pour into a small mixing bowl and sprinkle 1 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Mix together until dough forms into a ball, and then press into the bottom of a greased dish to create a crust. Place pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Place eggs and white sugar in a bowl and using an electric mixer blend together. Switch the mixer to the lowest setting and continue to blend while adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

When the crust is done, remove from the oven and spread the lemon topping with a rubber spatula. Return to the lowest rack of oven and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until a pale brown. Remove from heat, and let cool.

Once the lemon squares have cooled, use a sieve to dust the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Cut into 16 pieces and serve.