Key Lime Squares

I took some limes up to Hebgen that needed to be used up and tried out this recipe.  It was very rich and good and calorie laden -definitely a once-in-a-while treat.  The key limes are usually sweeter so I wished that is what I had used. The squares were a little tart and the key limes would have helped that.  I enjoyed them better the next day when the flavors had blended a little.  I really liked the almond flavoring of the crust.     

   

Key Lime Squares

Crust

¼ cup slivered blanched almonds

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups flour

1 Tbsp. powdered sugar

¼ tsp. almond extract

Key Lime Filling

5 eggs

2 cups granulated sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

¾ cup bottled Key lime juice or freshly squeezed lime juice

½ tsp. finely grated orange rind

¼ cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350*. Grease a 12x8 inch baking dish.
2. To prepare crust, chop almonds in a food processor until they resemble fine meal. Combine almonds, butter, flour, powdered sugar and almond extract in a large mixing bowl. Blend well. Scrape mixture into baking dish and pat to a uniform thickness.
3. Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 325*.
4. To prepare filling, beat eggs. Add granulated sugar, salt, lime juice and orange rind. Mix well. Pour filling over crust and return to oven.
5. Bake 20-30 minutes, until filling is set.  Remove from oven and let cool. Sift powdered sugar over top and cut into 12 squares

Serves 12 Per Serving: 400 calories, 19g fat, 120 mg cholesterol, 5g protein, 55g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 55g sodium