Lemon Bars

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 8 large room temperature eggs
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• zest of 2 lemons

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Line a 9x13 inch dish with parchment paper, with about 1-2 inches sticking out on all sides (this will make it easy to remove bars later). Set aside.
3. First you're going to prepare the crust. In the bowl of your food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar and salt. Gradually pour in the melted butter while pulsing.
4. Sprinkle the dough into your lined pan, and press down into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, until light and golden.
5. While the crust is baking, you'll want to prepare the filling. Add the sugar and lemon zest to the bowl of your food processor. Pulse until the sugar is a light yellow color and the zest is fully incorporated.
6. Add the sugar mixture and flour to a large mixing bowl. Whisk together.
7. Pour in the lemon juice and add in the eggs. Whisk until ingredients are fully incorporated. As soon as the crust is ready, pour this mixture onto the warm crust and immediately return to oven.
8. Continue baking for 25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure an even bake.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for one hour, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
10. Dust with powdered sugar. Cut into bars using a clean, sharp, damp knife. Keep a warm glass of water and a towell beside you to clean the knife after each cut. This will keep clumps from forming on your lemon bars, and make nice, clean lines. Enjoy!

*Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.

*When making the crust, if you don't have a food processor, you can whisk together the ingredients by hand in a medium mixing bowl or use an electric mixer. If you're using a stand mixer, be sure to use the paddle attachment.

*When making the filling, if you don't have a food processor, you can whisk together the ingredients by hand in a large mixing bowl.

Makes about 12 lemon bars