Quick & Easy Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars don't really need an introduction. They're so good! This recipe has been a favorite since, well, forever. You won't be disappointed.  =)

The first layer is a rich, sweet, buttery crust, and then the lemon layer is spongy and light, and perfectly tangy. It's the perfect blend of sweet and tart for your taste buds.

CRUST:
2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 sticks butter, softened

FILLING:

4 eggs
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 + 1 Tbsp cup fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp flour
1 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
1/2 Tbsp grated lemon peel
sifted powdered sugar, optional

Preheat oven to 350* F.

For the CRUST:

Combine flour and sugar in medium bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto bottom of 13x9 baking dish or pan. Bake for 20 minutes.

(I make the crust in my trusty glass-handled measuring bowl, and then use the same bowl for the filling.)

For the FILLING:

Beat eggs; add milk and mix some more. Beat in lemon juice, flour, b.p., salt and lemon peel. Remove crust from oven and gently pour filling over entire hot crust. Bake another 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool about 10 minutes before placing in fridge for 2-3 hours to chill. 

Cut into squares, or if you want a little pizzazz use a cookie cutter to make shaped lemon bars. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. One of our absolute favorites!

Quick and Easy One-Bowl Blondies!

It's been another cold, rainy day, so I was in the mood for puttering around the kitchen. I didn't even want something chocolate...gasp! Now don't get me wrong: I love (L-O-V-E) chocolate as much as the next girl, but sometimes I just want something sweet and yummy that isn't necessarily cocoa-derived. I know, I know. Who am I? 
I was looking for recipes for Blondies and ended up tweaking a few for this one-bowl recipe. Few ingredients, minimum mess, and it's really quick and easy- a winner for sure!

Very Best One-Bowl Blondies

Here's what you need:

• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 2 cups light or dark (richer flavor) brown sugar, packed (go ahead and leave some "sugar lumps" in the batter!)
• 2 eggs
• a generous dash pure vanilla (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
• pinch of sea salt
• 2 cups unbleached flour
• 1/2 cups walnuts (toasted if you wish)

Here's what you do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees
2. Butter 13 x 9 baking pan
3. Place walnuts in frying pan in single layer over medium heat OR bake on pan for 10 or so minutes, if desired
4. Meanwhile, cream butter and brown sugar in large bowl; add eggs and vanilla
5. Add salt and flour and blend well; gently fold in walnuts
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until edges start to brown
8. Cool & sprinkle with confectioner's sugar, slice...and EAT!!!

You may add a different kind of nut, or omit the nuts altogether if they're not your thing. You can also add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter (phew, I don't feel so traitor-like now). Since there is no baking powder, these Blondies don't rise and they stay really soft and gooey. So, SO good! Enjoy!

 Preteen tested and approved!