Lemon Bars

Yield: 2 dozen
Cook Time and Temp: 45-50 minutes, at 350F

Ingredients:

• 1 c. of all-purpose flour (self-rising works, as well)
• 1/2 c. (1 stick) of butter, softened
• 1/4 c. powdered sugar
• 1 c. granulated sugar
• 2 Tbs. of lemon juice
• 2 tsp. grated lemon peel (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs
• extra powdered sugar, for dusting the cooled cookies (about 2 Tbs.)
  

Method:

1. Heat oven to 350F
2. Mix together the first three ingredients, and press the dough into an ungreased 8" x 8" baking dish, working the edges up the sides about 1/2".
3. Bake for 20 minutes
4. Beat together the sugar, lemon juice, peel, baking powder, salt and eggs with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes on high until fluffy, and the color gets a bit lighter yellow. Note: a whisk will work, but it takes forever.
   
5. Pour the filling into the hot crust, and return it to the oven for another 25-30 minutes
6. Let cool, and dust with the additional powdered sugar.
7. Cut into bars
   

Note: the filling will form a very thin crust as it cools, which is normal, but gets hidden by the powdered sugar. The filling comes out smooth and soft, with a slightly sweet, crunchy bottom crust.

This recipe can be doubled, if using a 9" x 13" oven dish.