Lemon Bars to Die For...

Hey chicas! This past weekend, I decided to try a new Weight Watchers {WW} recipe. I just started back on {WW} a couple weeks ago and I'm already down seven pounds. Holla! Seriously, {WW} is such a good fit for me.  Anywho,  I had a sweet tooth that needed some serious attention, if you know what I mean {ahem}.

Thankfully the last time I did some grocery shopping, I bought some ingredients to keep on hand for a couple of {WW} desserts. Sooo, I decided on these delish Lemon Bars. All I'm saying is that there should have been a disclaimer on this recipe -- one that read: WARNING! If you're running low on points for the day or week, do not make this dessert. We will not be held responsible for weight gain if you should eat too much of this delicious dish.  So, do you see where I'm going here?  It's excellent, and healthy.

printable recipe {here}

Ingredients:
1-1/3 cup(s) all-purpose flour
5 tbsp packed light brown sugar
8 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 large egg(s)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cup(s) powdered sugar, divided
3/4 cup(s) fresh lemon juice
2 tsp lemon zest

Instructions:
Preheat over to 350˚ F

To make crust, mix flour and light brown sugar using a food processor until fully incorporated.  Toss butter into four mixture and pulse to combine using short bursts of power until butter is cut into tiny pea-sized pieces and dough appears lumpy.  Sprinkle crust mixture onto an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan as evenly as possible, press down with a spatula to create a packed surface.  Place crust in middle of oven and bake until golden, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, to make lemon topping, beat eggs in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until well blended.  Add vanilla extract and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar; mix well.  Add lemon juice and remaining powdered sugar; mix until powdered sugar is completely dissolved and then add zest.

As soon as crust is finished, remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 300˚F.  Immediately pour lemon mixture over hot crust.  Bake completely, about 30 minutes; cool, and cut into 24 bars.  Yields 1 bar per serving.  WW Points Plus Value:  3.

Notes:
The crust must be HOT when you pour on the lemon mixture.
You'll need approximately three lemons to yield the amount of juice and zest in this recipe.
You can increase the lemon flavor of these bars by adding more zest or eliminate the zest altogether for a less tart taste.  You can also change the flavor completely by subbing fresh lime juice and zest for the lemon.

p.s.  I did use moderation in eating this dessert; however, it took an excessive amount of self control {wink}.  Enjoy the yum!

p.s.s.  I'm linking to Crazy Sweet Tuesday over at Crazy for Crust. If you're dieting, you might browse the party with your eyes closed {giggle}.

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