Lemon Bars

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. confectioners' sugar
TOPPING:
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
3/4 tsp. lemon extract
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
Confectioners' sugar
Orange peel strips (1-3 inches), optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, beat flour, butter and confectioners' sugar until blended.  Press onto bottom of an ungreased 8 inch square baking dish.  Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.

For topping, in a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, extract, baking powder and salt until frothy; pour over hot crust.

Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until light golden brown.  Cool completely in dish on a wire rack.  Dust with confectioners' sugar.  If desired, sprinkle with orange peel strips.