Lemon Bars - Irresistible!

So... without further adieu - here is the recipe.  My mom made these for us growing up.  These lemon bars, in addition to the no bake cookies and zebra brownies, were my favorite treat.  I don't know where she discovered this recipe, but I am sure glad she did and shared them with me.

They aren't the healthiest, but they are incredible in flavor and texture.  I recommend changing nothing about the recipe.

Lemon Bars
Ingredients:
(Crust)
- 2 C Flour
- 1/2 C Powdered Sugar
- 1 C Butter
(Lemon amazingness)
- 4 Eggs
- 2 C Granulated Sugar
- 1/3 C Fresh Lemon Juice
- Pinch of Lemon Zest
- 1/4 C Flour
- 1/2 t Baking Powder
(Topping)
- Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 350

Mix the first 3 ingredients together - either cut in by hand, or use a mixer (I did this - so much easier!)

The texture will be like the sand at the beach.

Before placing it in the 9x13 pan, use the paper from the butter, and grease the pan (thanks Mom for this gem of cooking wisdom!).  Now pat the mixture down.  Gorgeous!

Bake for 20-25 min.  Keep an eye on the crust.  It should begin developing a golden brown edge.  My oven took 18 minutes due to it cooking hot (it is a gas stove).  Remove from the oven.

While your pastry is baking, combine all lemon layer ingredients into your mixer, or bowl if you are using a hand mixer.  Mix until there is a slight froth.  After removing the pastry from the oven, pour the mixture onto the hot pastry.

Place back in the oven for 25 minutes.  My oven took 20 minutes.  You will want the top to develop a nice browning.  It will look overcooked, but don't be fooled!

Immediately, sprinkle with powdered sugar - notice the beautiful snow white against the golden yellow and brown.

Once cooled enjoy - yes, it is best to wait for it to cool... it is so so so hard!

The pastry will be light and flaky.  You will notice that the lemon layer is bright and zings your taste buds ever so gently.  The lemon layer should be ever so smooth.  The browned top should crumble similar to a creme brule, but more tenderly.  You may have to fight yourself to not eat another piece.. just try to share :)