Friday, February 4, 2011

Key Lime Pie Bars

Crust:
2 c. unbleached flour
1/2 c. sugar
2/3 c. butter, softened (10 & 2/3 TBS)

Filling:
1 c. sugar
4 eggs
4 TBS. unbleached flour
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. fresh grated lime peel
1 TBS. fresh lemon juice
3 TBS. key lime juice (fresh or bottled Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice) or substitute regular lime
3 drops green food coloring

powdered sugar

Heat oven to 350.

For crust, combine all "crust" ingredients in medium mixing bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping sides down often, until the mixture resembles fine sand, 1 - 2 minutes. Press evenly on bottom of ungreased 9x13 baking pan. Bake for 14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.

Do not wash mixing bowl.

Combine lemon juice, lime juice & food coloring in small bowl to blend colors.

For Filling, in same mixing bowl used for crust, combine all filling ingredients. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Increase speed to medium & beat for 2 minutes, scraping sides often. Pour over hot crust. Place pan back in oven & continue to bake for 15 minutes, or until edges are lightly brown.

Remove to cooling rack. Allow to cool for 10 minutes or so. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar. Cut into bars. Refrigerate any uneaten bars.