Lemon square bars | Made by Meaghan Moineau
Title: Nostalgic Lemon Square Bars: A Zesty Slice of Family MemoriesDescription: Dive into the world of tangy decadence with our Lemon Square Bars recipe. This delightful dessert, rated a 4 out of 10 on the difficulty scale, blends the perfect balance of tart and sweet with a touch of nostalgia that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these bars promise to deliver joy with every bite.
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As the golden rays of summer began to wane and the crisp embrace of autumn gently took over, my family had a beloved tradition of gathering in the kitchen to bake Lemon Square Bars. The scent of freshly zested lemon rind and the warmth of the oven filled the air, transforming our home into a haven of shared stories and laughter.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2/3 cup lemon juice
- Lemon rind from 2 lemons
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar. Blend in the melted butter and vanilla essence. With the palm of your hand, press the soft dough into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (338°F) for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Create the Filling:
While the crust bakes, beat the eggs in a large bowl until light and frothy. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 cup of flour to ensure there are no lumps. Gradually stir the sugar mixture into the eggs. Add the lemon juice and freshly grated lemon rind, mixing until well combined.
3. Bake to Perfection:
Pour the lemon mixture over the prepared crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the bars are set. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
A Slice of Nostalgia:
Every year, as the first leaves began to fall, my grandmother would pull out her treasured, slightly worn recipe card. It was a ritual that marked the transition of seasons—a time when family gathered around the kitchen table, each member assigned a task, from zesting lemons to stirring the batter.
I vividly remember my grandmother's stories, shared as we worked side by side. She spoke of her childhood summers spent in her grandmother's garden, where lemon trees stood tall, their branches heavy with fruit. Those stories, full of warmth and love, were as much an ingredient in our Lemon Square Bars as the lemons themselves.
These bars were more than just a dessert; they were a bridge between generations, a connection to our past, and a sweet promise of future gatherings. Each bite brought with it a flood of cherished memories, a reminder of the enduring power of family traditions.
Conclusion:
These Lemon Square Bars, with their tangy sweetness and buttery crust, are a testament to the joy of baking with loved ones. As you savor each bite, may you find your own slice of nostalgia, a moment of connection, and a delightful escape into the warmth of family memories. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert for a special occasion or a simple treat on a Sunday afternoon, these bars are sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.