Lemon Bars

My friend Beks is always surprising me with baked goodies, so for once I decided to return the favour. I decided to make Lemon Bars for her as she loves all things lemon-ey. Me, I don't like lemon at all. It's only redeeming feature is the fact that it's yellow. I found a recipe in one of my baking books called 500 Cookies, Biscuits & Bakes by Catherine Atkinson. There were two lemon bar recipes but this one seemed decidedly easier.

For the base:
20z / 1/2 cup icing sugar
60z / 1 1/2 cups plain flour

pinch of salt

6oz / 3/4 cup unsalted butter

For the topping:

4 large eggs

12oz / 1 3/4 cups caster sugar

grated rind of one lemon

4 fl oz / 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

6 fl oz / 3/4 cup whipping cream

icing sugar for dusting

Method:-

1. Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 3 / 160 degrees centigrade / 325 degrees fahrenheit

2. Lightly grease a 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan

3. To make the base, sift the icing sugar, flour and salt into a bowl and then rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles course breadcrumbs. Once you have reached this stage, pour the mixture into the baking pan and flatten down using the back of a metal spoon. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

4. To make the topping, whisk the eggs and sugar together until well combined. Add the lemon juice and zest and mix well.

5. Lightly whip the cream until it just holds its shape and then fold into the lemon mixture. Pour the liquid onto the still warm base and cook for 40 mins until the topping is set.

6. Leave to cool completely before cutting into slices or squares and then dust with icing sugar.

Now I didn't actually try the bars for myself but Beks assured me they tasted delicious!