Lemon Lavender Bars

If I had my way, I would re-plant my whole backyard with lavender plants!  And if I lived in a more tropical area, lemon trees would dot my landscape.   Why?  Because there are so many things you can do with both.  Why not mix them to make these lemon lavender bars. 

I've been on a lemon kick lately.  As we speak I have homemade limoncello "macerating" in a large jar, waiting for the last step.  (future post)  When making the lemony liqueur you only use the peel, so now I have juice galore.   Lemonade anyone?

As you bite into these bars, I promise, you'll be pleasantly surprised by a tart crunch of shortbread and lavender permeating your mouth as the  lemony glaze melts in your mouth.   Great for a brunch or wedding shower or a treat for no reason!

Ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter (room temp)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp culinary lavender buds, slightly crushed with a spoon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp vanilla flavoring

For the glaze:

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Either butter and flour an 8x8 metal pan or spray with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper, then butter the bottom.  You'll be able to lift the bars right out of the pan.

In a small bowl add the flour, lavender and salt.  Set aside for now.  In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the 1 stick (4 oz) of butter and powdered sugar on high speed until light and fluffy.  Add the lemon juice and vanilla and mix on low speed.  Gradually add the flour.  The dough will be very sticky.  Dip your fingers into water to work with the dough and press the dough into the pan.    Bake for 25-30 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool.

For the glaze, just whisk together the lemon juice and remaining powdered sugar.  Pour and spread onto the cooled bars.  Make sure they cool for another hour or so, remove from the pan and cut into squares.  Makes about 16 pieces.  Delicious!!