Things are opening up, the weather is getting warmer, and it\'s finally picnic season. Although I don't specialize in desserts but my sweet tooth alone is driving me to baking more. Picnics are fun. They are an excuse to be outside, to enjoy the warm weather, be around friends, an excuse to day drink, and to eat some easy to prepare meals. Lemon bars are great for early summer when things. The combination of an incredible zesty citrus custard with a shortbread bar has the works of lighting up any afternoon. Also, candied oranges don't hurt either.Ingredients:For the Shortbread:
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the filling:
- 6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup flour
- Confectioners sugar for dusting
Method:Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.
- Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let it cool briefly as you begin making the filling. Leave the oven on.
- For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Always do the toothpick test to make sure that the filling has set. Let cool to room temperature. Slice into squares and top with some confectionary sugar.
- Making these bars are essential and not that difficult for novice bakers like myself. Optionally, you can top each bar with candied oranges like I did. I will save that for another day because I am integrating them in some summer drinks that will be perfect.