Let me be the first of the Girls with Pearls set to kick off our Thanksgiving 2009 postings.

My family gathers for festivities at my parents' home. I was there yesterday helping mom move furniture and set up tables since my dad is still on the mend from his quad-bypass at the end of August.

Dessert is what I usually contribute - pumpkin pie plus any new or specially requested thing. This year, with weather predicted to be in the low 80's (it's Southern California, sue me) I'm going to make refreshingly tart Lemon Bars to go along with the traditional pies. Recipe:

Crust:
2 cups (8.5 ounces) flour
2/3 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup (2 sticks) chilled butter, cubed

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or mix by hand in a large blow the flour, powdered sugar and butter until they come together to form a dough.

Press the dough into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake the crust until golden-brown, about 20 minutes. Remove and cool. Reduce oven temp to 300 degress to bake the bars.

Filling:
8 eggs
3 cups sugar
1-1/4 cups lemon juice
1/2 cup (2.1 ounces) flour

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice and flour. Pour the filling into the prepared crust

Place dish into the center of the oven and bake at 300 degrees until the custard is set (about 40 minutes). Cool to room temp, then dust with a light coating of powdered sugar before serving.

Note: the first time I made these I chilled them in the refrigerator in order to serve them the next day. I had a devil of a time cutting through the chilled crust without destroying the first square. You may either want to precut the roomtemp bars before refrigeration or allow it to come up to room temp to cut before serving.

and take my word for it, these are very rich bars. Small servings (i.e. 3x3) are quite adequate!

Enjoy!


Greta here - I'm the domestic disabled one in the bunch. I have been trying to file for government assistance for this problem, but have not received it as of yet. Regardless, I'm usually willing to take one for the team and cook something up. I've been blessed with a teenager who cooks too! You do not want any of my recipes, but I promise you, the dysfunctional Perry Thanksgiving is always a joy as I am blessed with 3 beautiful and healthy children, a loving husband and a house full of 4 legged critters. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!