The lemon dessertsAs a general rule, I think they are refreshing at this time of year. The one I bring you
today is easy to make and much easier to eat. It is known as Lemon Bars, which we could translate as
lemon slices or bars.
The lemon bars are formed by two distinct layers. The first, a crispy shortbread base; the second, a
smooth lemon cream. It is presented in individual pieces, hence its name, and sprinkled with icing
sugar to obtain that characteristic “snowy” effect.
To start making your lemon bars, you'll need the basics: flour, sugar, salt, butter, eggs and icing sugar,
plus 4 large lemons for the zest and then the juice. We'll also start by preheating our oven and greasing
a 9x13 baking pan, as we'll need these ready to use. The crust layer doesn't take long to assemble, so
this is definitely a dessert that can be whipped up quickly when you don't have a lot of time in the
kitchen (but will need to refrigerate for a few hours, so keep that in mind and plan accordingly).
5 health benefits of lemon
Fruits are foods full of important nutrients for the proper functioning of our body, but the benefits of
lemon for health are worth mentioning for acting on different organs and systems.
Rich in vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants, this fruit is versatile and can be consumed in the form of
juices, shakes and seasonings, which facilitates its inclusion in everyday life. Discover some excellent
reasons why lemon should be more present in your diet:
1. Protects blood vessels
Lemon is rich in vitamin C, a micronutrient with an antioxidant action that offers protection to the inner
walls of arteries by fighting the effects of free radicals, which damage our cells.
2. Controls blood pressure
Lemon contains potassium, a mineral that has the opposite action of sodium on blood pressure: while
sodium causes it to increase, potassium causes a decrease. In this way, the consumption of lemon helps
to keep the pressure within a healthy range, avoiding hypertensive crises.
3. It has antiseptic and antibiotic effect
Lemon flavonoids act on some bacteria because they have antiseptic and antibiotic properties, and in
this way the fruit helps to prevent and control infections caused by these microorganisms, mainly in the
oral mucosa and throat.
It is worth remembering, however, that lemon should not replace the medications prescribed by the
doctor, but rather be used as a complement to the treatment.
4. Prevents and fights cancer
These effects also happen due to the antioxidant properties of vitamin C, which repair the damage
caused by free radicals that could lead to a genetic alteration in cells and cause the appearance of a
tumor.
In addition, some flavonoids in lemon peel help fight cancer by blocking the biochemical reactions that
cause metastasis, decreasing the mobility of malignant cells in the blood, fighting the formation of new
vessels that carry nutrients to the tumor and stimulating the self-destruction of cells. cancer cells
without affecting healthy cells.
5. Prevents iron deficiency anemia
Vitamin C helps our bodies absorb iron from plant-based foods, such as watercress, beets, beans and
lentils.
Thus, consuming these foods accompanied by lemonade is a good way to prevent iron deficiency
anemia, which is characterized by iron deficiency and causes tiredness, weakness and dizziness, among
other symptoms.
Benefits of rubbing the face with lemon
Although there are many benefits of lemon for the skin, it causes skin irritation, dryness, and damage
in some cases. To avoid this, lemon should be used in very small quantities. Among the most prominent
benefits of lemon that help make the skin clear and glowing are the following:
Anti-aging: Lemon contains vitamin C, which is anti-aging and helps get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.
Reducing oily skin: Lemon removes excess oils from the skin.
Anti-aging: Lemon contains vitamin C, which is anti-aging and helps get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.
Getting rid of dark circles: Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which helps produce collagen, and reduce
puffiness under the eyes that occurs as a result of lack of sleep and stress.
Exfoliating the skin: The exfoliating feature in lemon helps to get rid of dead skin cells and remove
acne.
Exfoliating blackheads: Lemon helps to get rid of blackheads that appear on the nose and the
surrounding area. Because it contains citric acid, which helps exfoliate blackheads easily and
effectively. For a bright, smooth face.
Reducing acne: lemon helps reduce acne; it contains antibacterial properties.
Smoothing the skin: Lemon contains citric acid, which softens the skin.
Controlling free radicals: Vitamin C in lemon restricts free radicals that cause aging and diseases.
Lightening dark spots: Lemon contains vitamin C and ascorbic acid, which helps to reproduce
collagen, thus lightening dark spots.
360g all-purpose flour for filling
2/3 cups powdered sugar 66g, for the shortbread, plus more
for dusting
0.5 tsp salt
170g unsalted butter
melted
3 tbsp lemon zest zest of three lemons
600g sugar
8 eggs large
240mL lemon juice
fresh
Instructions
Heat oven to 350F and line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment
paper.
Whisk together 2 1/2 cups of flour (300g) with the powdered
sugar and salt, then pour in the melted
butter and mix until combined. You can also do this using a
stand mixer with a paddle attachment. If
you'd like a dash of vanilla can be added in with the butter
at this step.
Sprinkle the dough into your lined pan and press down into a
flat layer. Bake at 350F for about 20
minutes or until a light golden color.
While the crust is baking add the sugar to a food processor
and add the zest of three lemons. Pulse
until the zest is fully incorporated and sugar is a light
yellow color. If you don't have a processor just
mince the zest and mix with the sugar in a bag or bowl.
Add the sugar and remaining half cup of flour to a large
bowl and mix well. You can sift together
however and zesty sugar bits will need to get dumped out of
the sifter as they might clog things up
and not go through.
Pour in the lemon juice and add the eggs then mix very well
until completely combined.
Pour the filling onto the warm crust then transfer to oven
and bake for about 25 minutes, turning
halfway through the bake. Remove from oven and allow to cool
for an hour before chilling in the
refrigerator for two hours.
Dust with powdered sugar and cut into bars using a clean,
sharp, damp knife. Clean and re-wet the
knife after each cut.
