Gingered Lemon Bars

From Gourmet Magazine

INGREDIENTS

• • 6 oz butter (salted), softened

  • 1.5 oz powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest

  • 3 oz minced crystallized ginger (candied ginger)

  • 3/4 tsp ground ginger

  • 8 oz flour

  • 3 large eggs

  • 11 oz sugar

  • 6 tbs fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

METHOD

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter.

  2. Add 1/3 cup of sifted powdered sugar, and beat until light and fluffy.

  3. Beat in half a teaspoon of the lemon zest, the ground ginger, the crystallized ginger, and a pinch of salt.

  4. Add 1 1/2 cups of flour in batches, a 1/4 cup at a time, beating after each addition.

  5. Continue to beat the crust batter until it is well combined.

  6. Spread the crust batter evenly over the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish.

  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until browned lightly around the edges.

  8. While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, the lemon juice, the granulated sugar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest, 3 Tbsp of flour, and the baking powder in a medium sized bowl. Whisk until well blended.

  9. Pour the lemon batter over the pre-baked crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the top is golden. 

  10. Let the lemon bars cool in the pan on a rack. Cut into 36 pieces.