Lemon Bars

Of all the recipes that I have for lemon bars, I would have to say that this is my favorite.  It is made with fresh lemons and has a cookie type crust...
I believe this recipe originally came from Pillsbury but I am not completely positive on that.  I've had it a while and came across it on Pinterest so decided to start making it.

Lemon Bars

Makes 36 bars (depending on size)

Ingredients:

Crust
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel





Filling
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice

You will need about 2 fresh lemons for this recipe.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  In a large bowl, beat flour, sugar, butter (I have made these with butter and margarine and it turned out awesome either way), and peel until crumbly.  You can do this by hand or with an electric mixer.  Press mixture evenly in bottom of ungreased 9x13 inch pan.  Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

2.  Meanwhile, in a  large bowl with a wire whisk, lightly beat eggs.  Beat in remaining filling ingredients (except lemon juice and lemon peel).  When all the ingredients are well blended, then mix in the lemon juice and peel.

3.  Remove the crust from the oven and pour filling evenly over warm base.

4.  Return to oven;  bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until top is light golden brown.  Cool completely (about 1 hour).

5.  In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar and enough lemon juice for desired spreading consistency until smooth.  Spread glaze over cooled bars.  Cut into bars.  These bars are a bit gooey so don't be alarmed if they do not cut into perfect squares.  Store in refrigerator.  The recipe calls for you to serve at room temperature but I like them at refrigerator temperature too.