Up until this year, I wasn’t fond of lemons. I picked out all the lemon candies from assorted boxes, and I scornfully removed the wedges of lemon from a glass of tea. And then the lemon courted and wooed me in a new way.

I was getting lemon bars from a local bakery to get my fix. But then one day the boys and I went in, and afterwards the little dude made a very good observation. “Those people are NEVER nice,” he harumphed. And he was right. We had gone in there countless times over the summer. And while their baked goods are delicious, they aren’t ever nice. Ever. Not mean really, but never have a smile on their face. Never say hey, how are you or any of it. So action had to be taken. I had to make the lemon bars myself. Warning: Do not eat lemon bars for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Three lemon bars in a day will upset your body’s natural acidic balance and bad things will happen. Trust me. I don’t care how good they taste.

Base Ingredients

1/3 c. butter

1/4 c. sugar

1 c. all purpose flour

Lemony Goodness Ingredients

2 eggs

3/4 c. sugar

2 Tbsp. all purpose flour

1 large lemon – completely zested and juiced – both reserved

1/4 tsp. baking powder

powdered sugar for sprinkling

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. With an electric mix combine the butter, flour, and sugar. The mixture will be a very powdery fine crumb mixture. Press evenly into an 8×8 pan and bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes or until the edges just turn golden brown.

While the base is baking, prepare the lemon filling. Beat together the sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the baking powder unti the mixture is smooth.

When the base has done it’s first baking, remove from oven, and pour the lemon mixture over the base. Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the lemon mixture is set and doesn’t go all crazy wiggly all you when you give the pan a gentle shake. The top of the mixture will have some light brown spots on it. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.

Let cool and then enjoy. Or let cool for about 10 minutes, cut a bar, stick it in the freezer for 10 more minutes and then eat it. Best enjoyed with a cold glass of milk. See? It’s got fruit and milk, it’s a health food! Enjoy!