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Monday, September 14, 2009

Key Lime Bars

I couldn't resist our local market's great special on key limes this week. Now, what to do with them all? Actually there are so many ways to use limes in our cooking that it's not really a problem. We're having homemade tacos this evening so I wanted to try some sort of lime dessert to go with it. I ran across a recipe I had clipped from a magazine years ago but had never tried. Oh come on now, I know all of you have lots of those too, don't you? Anyway, it seemed to fit the bill for tonight's menu. Just took them out of the oven and after sneaking a little pinch off of one, I think I know my family well enough to say they're going to be a favorite from now on.

A KITCHEN TIP FOR TODAY.......Look in your old recipe files because you just might find a real gem. You obviously thought you'd like it when you first clipped it out...... so take one out of storage and give it a try!

Key Lime Bars
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
Bottom Layer:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Top layer:
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (6 small keylimes or 2 regular limes)
1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest (optional)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 drops green food coloring
Preparation:
For the Bottom:
Mix together flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the butter until crumbly and the mixture clings together slightly. Spread the dough in a 8x8 inch pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. While the crust is baking prepare the topping layer.
For the Topping:
In a mixing bow, slightly beat the eggs. Add the lime juce, zest, sugar, flour and food coloring. Mix well and pour the mixture over the hot baked crust. Bake for 25 minutes more at 325 deggrees. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cool and cut into 9 squares.
Note: This recipe can be doubled and made in a 9x13 baking dish.
I have a feeling the guys will be saying I should have used the bigger dish! :)
Enjoy!

Today I'm linked up with Mouth Watering Monday, Tempt My Tummy and Tasty Tuesday. Just click your way on over to enjoy more great recipes.

13 comments:

Amy said...

Elaine...I'm going to try your bars. I love lemon and lime flavors. I have been making a lemon cream pie this summer that really hits the spot, and I'm anxious for some "green" stuff next.

Hope you will soon get some fall weather. So far it's still summer-like here, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm in the mood for a pumpkin :)

Love,
Amy

Anna said...

These look great. I like citrus desserts with Mexican meal too so I'll have to try these.

The Glamorous Housewife said...

Those look amazing. I will look out for key limes when I go to the grocery store tomorrow. If so, I think I might make these for dessert. My kids will be thrilled.

Thanks doll,
The Glamorous Housewife

Lisa@BlessedwithGrace said...

Sounds really good. I love citrus! Great tip about revisiting old recipes! Thanks for joining us for TMTT.

Ginny said...

Elaine....We love limey lemony things around here too. Hey you've inspired me to go take a look at those recipes I've been storing. It'll be fun to "discover" a "new" one. Thanks.

Ginny

Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet said...

Oh, yum! I absolutely love key lime items. :D Thanks for sharing!

YayaOrchid said...

Sounds and looks good Elaine! Isn't it great finding old recipes? I'll have to go through my stash too.

YayaOrchid said...

Sounds and looks good Elaine! Isn't it great finding old recipes? I'll have to go through my stash too.

annies home said...

bet these are delicious

Unknown said...

Love lime. Love lemon. Anything tart is great by me. Thanks for sharing it. I would like to invite you to participate in Crock Pot Wednesday at diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com. Any kind of slow cooker recipe will work. Come check it out.

YayaOrchid said...

Hi, Elaine! For the chicken strips I just cut through the chicken crosswise first to thin each boneless breast into two or three layers, so the strips will cook evenly. Then I just cut into strips, like maybe 2-3" wide. I then dredged lightly in flour, then dipped in egg, and finally in panko crumbs and fried them in a little bit of oil. You don't need a lot, just enough to coat the bottom of pan. Because they're thin they cook pretty fast.

Hope you're having a great week!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Elaine, These key lime bars look incredible. I love key-lime pie--but this looks even better.
Thanks.
Hugs,
Betsy

Sarah said...

You had me at "key lime." For some reason they look quite easier than the pie version.