Food: Lemon Squares

In honor of the summer solstice and my eleven and a half year anniversary, I decided I would celebrate with lemon squares. They're one of my favorite treats for summer! They're light and fresh and a perfect balance between tart and sweet. Oh, and did I mention that they're perfect hostess gifts for summer BBQs, picnics or for a casual dinner with friends. As a matter of fact, I'm planning on bringing my lemon squares to a family get together this weekend...I think they're going to be a big hit!

Lemon Tarts

Ingredients:

(Makes 24)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups plus 6 tbsp. flour
• pinch of salt
• 2 sticks of butter, sliced into 8 pieces
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 6 tbsp. lemon juice-approximately the juice of two lemons (I love Meyer lemons!)
• Grated zest of one lemon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lighly grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
2. In a food processor, blend powdered sugar, 2 cups flour and salt. Add butter and pulse until mixture is crumbly. Press into pan and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a stand mixer, blend eggs, 2 cups sugar, 6 tbsp. flour and lemon juice until well combined. Stir in lemon zest.
4. Pour on top of hot crust and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
5. Let cool for 30 minutes, then sprinkle with powdered sugar. 
6. Let cool completely, then cut into squares.
7. Enjoy!

Lemon Squares