Try Lime for a Lemon Bar Twist
I love lemon bars and decided to try a variation with limes. For my version, I patted a rich butter dough into a baking pan, pre-baked it, then added a tart lime filling. I baked the dish until the crust was crisp and golden and the filling set. Then I sprinkled chopped unsalted pistachios over the top and sliced the baked tart into bars.
These simple yet delicious sweets are quite versatile. They could be offered after a grill meal or they could be the sweet conclusion for a brunch. You could also include them along with coffee or tea for an afternoon gathering.
And since the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled and prepared a day ahead--and because the bars can be eaten out of hand--they are ideal to serve on a buffet.
LIME PISTACHIO BARS
CRUST
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter, cut into small chunks
Nonstick cooking spray
FILLING
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
4 teaspoons grated lime peel
4 teaspoons lime juice
1/3 cup chopped unsalted, shelled pistachios
CRUST
Place flour and powdered sugar in food processor. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. (Note: To make crust without processor, place flour and sugar in mixing bowl. Cut in butter using pastry blender or 2 table knives.) Remove from processor and knead gently until dough holds together.
Spray bottom of 8-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Press dough evenly into pan. Bake at 350 degrees on center rack until crust is lightly colored, 15 to 18 minutes.
FILLING
Beat eggs in mixer on medium speed 1 to 2 minutes. Add sugar, flour and baking powder and beat 1 minute more at high speed. Stir in lime peel and juice.
Pour mixture over pre-baked crust and spread evenly with spatula. Bake at 350 degrees until top is light brown and center is set, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle pistachios over top, pressing down so they adhere well. Cool completely in pan before cutting. Serve cold or at room temperature.
16 bars. Each bar:
146 calories; 73 mg sodium; 42 mg cholesterol; 8 grams fat; 17 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams protein; 0.07 gram fiber.
