Lemon Slices-What to Make for Every Shower

Recipes that take us back to our childhood are usually the best! Don’t you agree? Lemon Slices are one of those recipes for me. I remember my mom and grandmother both making Lemon Slices. One of my most vivid memories is going to a “Coffee” with my mom at her friend’s house. In the 70’s, a “Coffee” was when friends gathered in the morning at someone’s home to catch up and drink coffee. Now we just head to Starbucks! Anyway, Mom brought these favorite lemon bars to the “Coffee” and I remember eating more than one. The trick was to take a bite and not have any powdered sugar blow off the top! I wasn’t old enough to be in school, so I’m guessing I was 4. Such sweet memories.

Lemon Slices are the Best Shower Food!

As I grew older, I can remember eating Lemon Slices at my grandma’s house too. I’m honestly not sure who had the recipe first, mom or grandma. (I need to ask my mom!) But one thing was certain, these were always brought to baby and bridal showers. There were church showers and showers in friend’s homes, and as a young girl, I loved getting to go to these fun parties. I still do! The thin lemon bars were the perfect additional to the shower, regardless of the theme or what else was being served.

Thin and a Little Crispy

If you have looked at the images in this post, you probably noticed that these are not a typical lemon bar. I’m guessing that’s why their official name is Lemon Slices. Lemon bars are typically thicker. These are made in a large pan with less filling. My mom and I have always agreed they are so much better than your typical lemon bars. Each thin slices offers a bite of lemon, buttery crust and the pop of sweet on top. They are simply the best! My kids call my mom Grammy, and this is one of Grammy’s classic recipes.

Simple Tips for Lemon Slices:

• Make sure the butter is cold for the crust.
• I prefer to cut in the butter with a pastry blender. I’m old school, but it’s fine to use a food processor, or just use your hands. The butter should be about “pea size”.
• I find it’s easier to use a small handheld mixer for the filling, rather than my big KitchenAid. It’s not that much filling.
• Don’t overbake! The edges should be turning brown but not too much.
• These do best in a metal pan.
• If you want a little thicker filling, bake in an 11×7 inch pan and bake an extra 5 minutes for the crust and filling.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to find. Typically, you will have all the ingredients in your pantry and fridge, which is a great reason to love this recipe. When you get a hankering for something sweet, it’s nice to be able to whip these up quickly. If you don’t have a fresh lemon on hand. it’s fine to use lemon juice in the bottle. I recommend REALEMON juice. As true with most recipes, they always taste better with fresh ingredients but sometimes you just use what you’ve got in front of you.

One more thing to add about these yummy bars. They are easy to transport and don’t need to be refrigerated. These are two big bonuses in my book. Lemon slices make a great treat for a picnic or a potluck. I have even brought them to my ladies Bible class in the evening. The lemony treat makes you think of Spring and Summer, which is the best time to make them.

Sweets are definitely my favorite things to eat. You probably have noticed that more of my recipes lean in that direction. Try the Lemon Slice bars and let mw know what you think. They are perfect with an afternoon tea or coffee, and a must for a tea party with some little ones. We had tea parties often when my kids were young. The boys would happily join in with their sister if there was food involved. My granddaughter just enjoyed her first tea party. I think I will be making these for the next one!

You are precious in His sight,