When the warm days of Spring and Summer call for a refreshing dessert, pull out this recipe for Lime Bars.  This pastry crust and lime filling is a perfect dessert for a family meal but is also perfect with coffees and teas with friends.  But don't limit this delicious dessert just to Spring and Summer.  It's lovely green color and tart taste also makes it perfect for Christmas.  You can surprise your family and friends with this new dessert next Christmas.

Spring and Summer Lime Bars

Pastry Crust:
7 tbsp butter, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp grated lime rind
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour

Lime Topping:
2/3 cup sugar
5 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 eggs
2 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp grated lime rind
2 tsp grated lemon rind
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 to 2 drops green food coloring

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil; allow foil to hang over the edge. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.

Crust: Beat butter and sugar in bowl until creamy. Beat in vanilla, lime rind, and salt. Beat in flour just until a dough forms. With floured fingers, pat the dough into prepared pan. Prick crust with a fork. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Lime Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together sugar, lime juice, eggs, flour, lime rind, lemon rind, baking powder and food coloring until very smooth. Pour mixture over the crust and return to the 350 degree oven. Bake until the filling is set, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely. Lift foil out of the pan, supporting if necessary. Using a sharp knife, cut into squares (or diamonds, if you prefer.

Enjoy!

For more "sweet treats" visit my blog at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com