Lemon-Macadamia Shortbread Bars

This updated lemon bar, with its zingy lemon filling, is a favorite. The shortbread base is enhanced with buttery macadamia nuts

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 36
• Yields: 36 bars

Ingredients

• CRUST

• 1  cup  roasted  salted macadamia nut
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  cup unsalted butter, cut up, softened
• 1  tablespoon  grated lemon peel

• FILLING

• 6  egg yolks
• 6  tablespoons sugar
• 6  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, cut up, softened
• 1  teaspoon  grated lemon peel
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped  macadamia nuts

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F Line 13x9-inch pan with foil so that foil hangs over edges. Cut 13x9-inch piece of parchment paper; place over foil in bottom of pan.
2. Place 1 cup macadamia nuts and 3/4 cup sugar in food processor; pulse until nuts are finely ground. Add flour, butter and lemon peel; pulse until mixture is blended (dough will not form). Spread mixture in pan; press evenly to form crust. Prick dough all over with fork. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until pale brown. Cool completely.
3. In heavy medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and 6 tablespoons sugar; whisk in lemon juice. Cook over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes or until thickened and temperature reaches 160°F Remove from heat; whisk in 1/4 cup butter and 1 teaspoon lemon peel. Place in small bowl; press plastic wrap directly on surface. Cool to room temperature; spread over crust. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup macadamia nuts. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
4. Remove bars by lifting foil ends. Slide bars with parchment paper liner onto cutting board. Cut into 36 pieces. Store in refrigerator.