Becky's Famous Lemon Bars

Apparently I'm known throughout the land (or at least the NYC theater community that I've worked with) for my lemon bars. It's a little embarrassing, in fact. I have stories. And am sometimes sold-out by colleagues and friends, and then I have to arrive with lemon bars in hand.

But seriously, what's not to love about an amazing lemon bar? A nice, crunchy shortbread crust. A tangy, yet sweet, creamy lemony middle...I want a lemon bar and cup of tea just thinking about it!

Okay, so you want the secret to my success? Well...maybe I won't give you that. But I will show you the recipe I use!

Lemon Bars
adapted from Paul Deen's recipe
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour (plus cooling time)
Yields: 24 large or 48 small bars

Ingredients

CRUST:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup powdered (confectioner's) sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt

LEMONY GOODNESS (ie...FILLING)

• 6 eggs
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 TBS grated lemon zest
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 pan with vegetable oil cooking spray.
2. Make the crust: Combine the butter, flour, powdered sugar and salt in a bowl. Mix with spoon or fingers until well combined. Shape into a ball and pat evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the crust is set and just beginning to brown.
3. Make the filling: While the crust is baking, using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and flour.
   
4. Pour over the baked crust and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown and crusty on top.
5. Let cool completely, then sift powdered sugar over the top.
6. Cut, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.

**NOTE** It's important to make sure to let this fully set before taking them out of the pan and serving, otherwise they will be runny.

Enjoy!!!