Lemon Bars for Mom's Birthday

 

My mom loves lemon bars and Key Lime Pie. I made these a few years ago and they were a hit!

For the crust:

1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 cups flour

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling:

Zest of 5 Meyer lemons (the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of zest, but I zested all of my lemons. I highly recommend this)

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar

4 extra large eggs at room temperature

2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

2/3 cup flour, sifted powdered sugar for dusting

1.      Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Combine the flour and salt, and mix into the butter mixture until it just comes together.

2.      Dump the dough onto a floured work surface and gather it into a ball. Flatten the dough and press into a well greased 9x13 inch baking pan creating a 1/2 inch crust

3.      Chill for 20 minutes.

4.      Bake the crust for 15 - 20 minutes, until very slightly browned. Let the crust cool.

5.      Make the filling: zest the lemons and combine with the sugar using your fingertips, until the sugar be comes slightly clumpy and fragrant. Whisk the sugar mixture with the eggs, lemon juice and flour until smooth and shiny.

6.      Pour the curd over the cooled crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set.

7.      Cool to room temperature before sifting the powdered sugar on top. Cut into squares and serve.

Recipe + photo:  http://www.bitesoutoflife.com/2011/04/17/luscious-meyer-lemon-bars