A Fresh Twist on a Classic

With summer well underway, there are many gatherings taking place. From graduation parties to family reunions, people are coming together and sharing their favorite dishes, perhaps many with some tradition behind them. One dessert that always seems to find its way to the pot luck table is lemon bars, yes the ones like your grandma always made. This recipe takes grandma’s classic lemon bars and adds a fresh twist that is wonderfully fragrant and delicious.

Ingredients

Base/Crust:

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 cups Swany White flour
  • 1/2 cup ground almonds
  • 2 teaspoons dried lavender flowers
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Filling:

  • 1-3/4 cups sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice

Topping:

  • Confectioners’ sugar

Directions

  • In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar.
  • Slowly add the flour, almonds, lavender and lemon zest.
  • Beat all together until crumbly.
  • Pat mixture into an ungreased 13×9-in. baking dish.
  • Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until edges are golden brown. 
  • While base is baking, to make the filling, in another small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, eggs and lemon juice
  • Beat until frothy.
  • Pour over hot crust and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until light golden brown.
  • Cool on a wire rack and dust with confectioners’ sugar. 
  • Refrigerate leftovers.