Lemon Shortbread Bars

Well, we are picking the last of our lemons off our tree. Citrus straight from the tree is the best.  I used a couple of our gorgeous lemons to make some Lemon Shortbread Bars.  This is a recipe I've had in my recipe box since we first got married (almost 17 years ago). I'm not sure where I got the recipe, but It's one of those treats that I have to make at least once a year. These are quick and easy to make. Unlike traditional shortbread that is rolled out and cut into shapes or baked in a special pan, these bars are made in a regular old 9x13" pan.

Lemon and butter - what could be better?  Two of my all time favorite ingredients.

Lemon Shortbread Bars

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup butter

2 tbsp. grated lemon peel

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 1/4 cups flour

1/3 cup cornstarch

1/4 tsp. salt 

Preheat the oven to 325 F.  Grease a 9x13" glass pan.  Beat the sugars and butter together well.  Add the lemon juice and lemon peel.  Add all the dry ingredients and mix well.  Press the dough into the prepared pan.  Bake for 35-40 mins.  Let it cool completely before topping with the lemon icing. Let the icing harden a bit before slicing them into bars.

Lemon Icing

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp. light corn syrup

1 tsp. lemon peel 

3 - 4 tsp. lemon juice

Mix all the ingredients together well, making sure there are not lumps.  Spread icing over cooled shortbread.  I added little slices of lemon to each bar before serving them - just for cute.