I’ve always loved how Mediterraneans keep potted fruit trees on their sunny terraces. So last spring, I bought a beautiful lemon tree standard. I placed it on my patio and enjoyed its shiny green foliage and sweet-smelling blossoms all through the summer.
But I didn’t enjoy any lemonade. I had no lemons. By fall, the fruit was only the size of olives — and the same color.
Before the first frost, I dragged my tree to a friend’s greenhouse and waited patiently. I got the call last week. It’s time. I have a ripe lemon.
Don’t think my prized fruit will be sliced to garnish a drink or squeezed over baked fish. Not my lemon. It is going to be used for something fabulous and decadent. As in lemon bars, one of my favorite treats.
One problem, though. I’m on a diet.
So here is my solution: Weight Watchers lemon bars, with just three points a serving and a reputation for being lemony and velvety with a tender and buttery crust.
I’m actually glad my lemons didn’t ripen this summer. I appreciate them more now. A fresh homegrown lemon in the dead of winter makes the world look a little sunnier.
WEIGHT WATCHERS LEMON BARS
For the crust:
1/3 cup sweet unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the topping:
2 large eggs or egg whites, lightly beaten with a fork until foamy
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Additional ingredient:
1/4 cup powdered sugar or icing sugar, for dusting tops
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a pastry blender, combine the crust ingredients until the mixture resembles crumbs. Using your fingers, press the mixture into a greased and floured 8-inch square glass baking pan (make sure that the entire bottom of the pan is evenly covered).
Bake partially for about 15 minutes, then remove from the oven. While the crust is prebaking, combine the filling ingredients and then pour over the warm crust. Bake for about 15-20 minutes (or until lightly browned), being careful not to overbake. Let cool completely. Once cool, sift the powdered sugar over the top, according to your taste. Slice into 16 bars and serve.
WW points for one bar: 3. Nutritional information per bar: 123 calories, 4.5 g. fat, 0.3 g. fiber.
The Repository
