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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Zesty Lime Squares

Yes, my love affair with limes continues. This time I made lime squares, inspired by Betty Crocker's famous Luscious Lemon Bars recipe.


I don't know if I have mentioned this before, I really, really love limes. Actually, I prefer limes over lemons. I prefer limeade over lemonade. I prefer lime curd over lemon curd. I prefer... you get the picture!

I was a little careless this time. I had the lime squares baking while I was attempting to feed my toddler lunch. And in between singing the theme song to 'Dora the Explorer', and making silly faces, I forgot all about the treat in the oven! I wasn't too late though. The edges were really, really brown (but not black yet) and that ended up being my favorite bit. The sugar had completely caramelized, if you have read my blog before, you know I love caramel too! And the edges were stick-to-your-teeth chewy. Really yummy!

The rest of the tray, I was able to salvage and cut into nice, even squares. I was very pleased with the outcome. And I must mention that I absolutely love, love, LOVE the shortcrust base in this recipe! So simple and delicious!

 

Lime Squares
Ingredients
Shortcrust base
1 cup flour, sifted
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt

Lime Filling
3-4 limes, juice & zest
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs

Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Method
With your fingers, combine all the ingredients for the crust and press into a 9" square baking dish.
Refrigerate for about 10 minutes. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the filling and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes)
Pour the filling over the hot crust and continue baking for a further 30 minutes. When it is done, your finger will not leave an indent if you press the surface lightly.
Cool in the tray for 20-30 minutes and then refrigerate for an hour.
Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar.



I used four limes and I did not find the squares too intense at all. And I'm glad I did not miss the zesty lime flavor that I love so much!

I submitted this to the link party at Sweet as Sugar Cookies.

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23 comments:

  1. These look awesome and are in grave danger of being cooked in my house this weekend! Thanks!

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  2. Ahh, I love lemon bars. Maybe I'll make them this weekend to try and hurry warmer weather along!

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  3. Oooh! Lime bars! Now THAT sounds good! How creative!

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  4. Thank you :) They were yummy!

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  5. I hope the trick works :)

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  6. Thank you, Katrina! :)

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  7. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've forgotten something in the oven for very similar reasons. And... with very similar results, I also love those crunchy/overcooked sides.
    Lime is also a winner with me, though I've not thought of lime curd!!! Both this recipe and the curd will have to go on my every growing list!!

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  8. Thanks, Kim! :) I know it is the same with mommies everywhere :) Lime curd is absolutely to die for. I love it on buttered toast too! yummm... :)

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  9. Seems like your blog might inspire me to cook after all.

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  10. wow! really? now THAT's a compliment! :) :)

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  11. My husband loves lime flavored treats. I'll definitely be trying this once we are through the holidays. They really look delicious. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  12. I'm so with you about limes over lemons...and your description of the caramelization has me yearning for these!

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  13. Thank you, Mary... I hope you'll let me know how they turn out & if he liked them! :) Have a wonderful day! God bless you!

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  14. I'm glad to find someone that agrees! Most people I know find limes too intense. I, on the other hand, love the bold taste! The caramelized bits were so yummy... Like chewy lime flavored caramels :) You should try the recipe and burn it on purpose LOL :D

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  15. I think I would love these golden bites.

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  16. If you like the flavor of lime, then I am sure you will love it! :) Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  17. Oh this looks so yummy :) I love lemon and lime flavors so I know this would be my favorite :D

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  18. Thanks! :) Betty Crocker found a winner in this one... You should try it, if you haven't already! :)

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  19. Hi! I just started a blog hop called Savory Sunday and I would love for you to come and join and share one of your fabulous recipes!!

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  20. Thank you for inviting me! :) Happy Easter

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  21. I love lemon/citrus sweets and these look so delicious!

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  22. So glad to find another citrus fan :) Thank you so much for your kind words!

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  23. These look awesome and are in grave danger of being cooked in my house this weekend! Thanks!

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