Lemon Bars

CRUST:
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 cups flour

FILLING:
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
½ cup fresh lemon juice with the pulp
¼ cup finely grated lemon peel (you'll need about 6 large lemons)
1 tsp baking powder
¼ cup flour

additional powdered sugar for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in 2/3 cup powdered sugar. Add 2 cups of flour a little at a time, beating until lumps form.
3. Press dough over the bottom of a nonstick 13x9" metal baking pan (use a fork to press). Bake until crust is light golden, about 20 minutes.
4. While crust is baking, beat sugar and eggs in a medium bowl until blended. Beat in lemon juice and peel, baking powder, and then flour.
5. Pour lemon filling over hot crust. Bake until filling is set in the center and browns on top (about 20 minutes). Transfer to rack to cool.
6. When completely cooled, cut into bars. Dust with powdered sugar.


24 bars