Luscious Vegetarian Lemon Bars

You don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy these! However, they are a great option for anyone on a no/low cholesterol regimen since they are egg free. Cook time includes time needed to "set".

• Ready In: 1 hr 40 mins
• Yields: 12 bars

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 3  tablespoons agar, flakes
• 1⁄2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1  cup  granulated raw sugar (I like using granulated cane juice when I can find it)
• 1⁄3 cup margarine, chilled
• 2  teaspoons arrowroot
• 1  cup reduced-fat coconut milk
• 2  lemons, zest of, grated large
•  powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Grate the zest from 2 large or 3 medium lemons, then squeeze the lemons to obtain the 1/2 lemon juice for the recipe.
2. Combine lemon juice and agar flakes in a small non-reactive saucepan (stove method) or a 2 cup heatproof measuring cup (microwave method) and set aside for 15 minutes or until the agar has softened.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. Grease an 8x8 baking pan.
5. Whisk flour and 1/4 cup sugar together in a medium bowl.
6. Add margarine in small chunks and cut in with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles small crumbs.
7. Press crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for about 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven or until lightly browned at the edges.
9. Let crumb base cool.
10. If you will be using the stove to heat the lemon mixture, place the saucepan with the lemon and agar on the burner and bring to a boil over medium low heat.
11. Simmer, whisking every few minutes, until the agar dissolves; about 10 minutes.
12. If you will be using the microwave to heat the lemon mixture, place the heatproof measuring cup with the lemon mixture into the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute.
13. Remove the cup from the microwave and stir.
14. Continue to cook the mixture on high at 30 second intervals, stirring well after each time.
15. The agar should be dissolved after about 2 minutes of cooking, though this depends on the microwave.
16. Now, combine 3/4 cup sugar with the arrowroot powder in a small saucepan.
17. Add the coconut milk and stir together.
18. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stir, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute.
19. Remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon juice mixture and the lemon zest.
20. Pour lemon filling into the baking pan on top of the crust and let it set at room temperature for about 1 hour.
21. At this point, either serve the lemon bars or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
22. Bring the bars to room temperature before serving.
23. Dust with powdered sugar, slice into 12 bars and serve.
24. NOTE: It is very important that your agar flakes be fresh or their jelling power may be lessened.
25. To test your agar for this recipe, put a spoonful of the prepared lemon mixture on a small plate and chill it for 15 minutes.
26. The mixture should be firm.
27. If it isn't, dissolve some more agar and stir it into your lemon mixture and repeat the test until the mixture jells properly.