Lemon Creme Bars

This recipe is from Betty Crocker. I first saw it on an email newsletter I receive and thought it would be something a bit different. DD and I made the bars last night. There were lots of things a little chef can do and help mom with while making these bars. Our little chef liked to spin, I mean mix ;0), the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and lemon zest together. She was able to pour the lemon juice into the bowl as well. She helped to pat the crust into the pan, too.

The bars tasted good. The creme layer adds a nice texture to the bar after the crunch of the oatmeal layer. The bars did not have as much lemon flavor as I thought, but the creme is still yummy! Here's the recipe:

Lemon Creme Bars

1/2 cup cold butter
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
1 egg
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/4 cup lemon juice ( I used one large lemon to get 1/4 cup of juice.)

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom of 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.

2. In large bowl, cut butter into cookie mix, using fork or pastry blender. Stir in egg until mixture is crumbly. Press half of cookie mixture into bottom of pan; bake 15 minutes.

3. In small bowl, stir condensed milk, lemon peel and lemon juice until thick. Spread over baked crust. Crumble remaining cookie mixture over top. Bake about 25 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set. For bars, cut into 5 rows by 5 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Lisa