When life gives you lemons...make lemon bars

My mom just returned from a European vacation, and like any world traveler, she came home with armloads of souvenirs. She does not tend to buy your run-of-the mill chotchkies. She indulgences in regional olive oils, fresh garlic, and other gourmet goodies. She spent some time Italy, where she picked up a few souvenirs. There was definitely a theme with all the things she purchased: everything lemon. She brought home limonchello, lemon cookies, lemon candy, and lemon soaps.

Personally, I happen to love lemon. It adds so much vibrancy to every food you pair it with. It has the ability to bring dishes to a whole new level. Seeing all the lemon flavored things that my mom brought home, really made me want to bake one thing: lemon squares. I have yet to find a better recipe than King Arthur Flour's. The use of cold butter creates a flaky and buttery crust, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the lemon filling. These are very easy to make, and are a perfect summer treat. They are best when served immediately.

Recipe:

Cut butter into pats, and preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a separate bowl, combine: flour and confectioners sugar

Add butter to flour mixture and mix with a pastry

blender until coarse crumbs form.

Press crust into the bottom of a 9x9 pan.Make sure to push the

dough up 1/2 in. on the sides of the pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes,

until lightly golden brown.

Whisk together: eggs, , sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside.

Pour mixture over the hot (baked) crust,

and continue baking for another 25 minutes.

Allow bars to cool completely before cutting them.

Dust with confectioners sugar, and serve.