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Lovely lemons: Add a classic citrus burst to summer desserts

Add a classic citrus burst to summer desserts

FAMILY FEATURES — While lemon is a traditional summer flavor, you can add a little extra to your gatherings — from picnics and brunches — with these classic desserts. You don’t have to be a pastry chef to make these delicious, lemony desserts. Quick and easy to make, these lemon bars feature a soft crust and a tangy, sweet filling topped with powdered sugar. Enjoy a citrus burst with every bite of these glazed lemon cookies. With a hint of lemon, these light and fluffy puffs will be a hit at your next gathering.

Lemon bars

Nonstick cooking spray

2 cups, plus 3 tablespoons, all-purpose flour, divided

1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional, for topping

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup butter

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon lemon zest

3/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup light cream, half-and-half or milk

Heat oven to 350 F.

Line 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil; allow overhang. Grease foil with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, cornstarch and salt.

Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Press mixture into bottom of baking pan. Bake 18 to 20 minutes.

To make filling: In medium bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, remaining flour, lemon zest, lemon juice and light cream.

Pour filling over hot crust. Bake 15 to 20 minutes.

Cool completely on wire rack.

Grasp foil overhang and lift from pan. Cut into bars. Sprinkle powdered sugar over bars before serving.

Glazed lemon cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350 F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

In large bowl, mix butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix well. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and lemon extract; beat until combined.

In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly beat dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Beat until combined.

Spoon out dough and roll into balls. Place on parchment paper 1 inch apart and lightly press with fingers to slightly flatten dough.

Bake 15 minutes, or until edges start to brown.

Transfer cookies to wire rack to completely cool.

Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Whisk powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth.

Dip top sides of cookies into glaze for full coverage.

Lemon cream puffs

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 400 F. In a large saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring until a smooth ball forms.

Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush water over parchment paper. Fill piping bags with pastry dough and pipe circle swirls 3 inches apart.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks.

Lemon filling

1 egg, beaten

1/3 cup sugar

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons butter, cubed

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 teaspoons sugar

Powdered sugar

For filling, in a small heavy saucepan, combine beaten egg, sugar, lemon juice and butter. Slowly cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Transfer to a small bowl; refrigerate until partially set. Whisk again to make sure ingredients are mixed well.

In a large bowl, beat whipped cream and sugar until stiff peaks form; fold in lemon mixture.

Fill pastry bag with lemon filling. Split pastry puffs. Pipe lemon filling onto pastry bottoms, replace pastry tops. Dust with powdered sugar.

— Lemon bars recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens. Glazed lemon cookies recipe courtesy of Milk Means More. Lemon cream puffs recipe adapted from Taste of Home. Find more recipes perfect for summer at Culinary.net.

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