GINGER LEMON BARS

By Silvermama

You can top with slivered almonds to give it a nice presentation.

Ingredients

• 5 oz. (1 cup + 2 tbs) All Purpose Flour
• 6 1/4 oz (1 3/4 cups + 1 tsp) Conf. Sugar
• 1 tbs. Finely grated lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp. + pinch (less than 1/8 tsp) Ground Ginger
• Table Salt
• 4 oz. (1/2 cup) chilled unsalted butter, cut into
• small pieces and additional butter for pan
• 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
• 3 large eggs At room temperature
• 6 tbs Fresh lemon juice

Preparation

Step 1

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 3500 Butter an 8-inch square baking
pan (glass or metal).

In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup flour with 1/4 cup of confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, ½ tsp
ginger and pinch of salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or two table knives until the
mixture resembles small peas. Knead the dough in the bowl just until it begins to come
together. Transfer the dough to the baking pan and, with floured hands, press it evenly
over the bottom (I use an empty round spice jar to even out). Bake until very light golden
brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool while making the filling.

In a small bowl, whisk 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar, remaining 2 tbs flour, baking powder
and pinch of salt. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer on high speed
until tripled in volume, pale yellow, and very light and fluffily, 3-5 minutes. Reduce the
speed to low, add the sugar and flour mixture, and beat just until blended, scraping the
bowl as needed. Add the lemon juice and beat just until blended. Pour the lemon mixture
over the warm crust.

Bake until the filling is just set in the center, is golden brown on top and does not jiggle
when the pan is nudged (approx 20-22 minutes). Let cool completely in the pan. Before
serving, stir remaining 1 tsp confectioners' sugar with pinch of ginger in a small bowl.
Using a small sieve or spice grinder, sift over the lemon filling. With a metal spatula, cut
into 2-inch squares, slicing straight down rather than dragging. Store in an airtight
container.