Alice Medrich’s Tangy Lemon Bars are a delightful dessert known for their sweet and tangy flavor. They are a popular treat in the world of baking and are often enjoyed as a dessert or snack. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the information you requested:
What is it:
Tangy Lemon Bars consist of two main components: a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious lemony filling. The crust provides a rich and slightly salty contrast to the sweet and tart lemon filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
History:
The history of lemon bars can be traced back to the United States, where they have been a beloved dessert for many years. While Alice Medrich is a renowned pastry chef and cookbook author known for her contributions to the world of baking, I couldn’t find specific information about her creating the Tangy Lemon Bars recipe you mentioned. However, lemon bars as a dessert concept have been around for quite some time, with variations appearing in cookbooks and kitchens over the years.
Components:
The key components of Tangy Lemon Bars are as follows:
- Shortbread Crust: This typically includes butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Lemon Filling: The filling is made from fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and a bit of flour to thicken it.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a general outline of the steps to prepare Tangy Lemon Bars:
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Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to a specific temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the shortbread crust, which typically include softened butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a baking dish to form the crust and bake it until it’s just starting to turn golden brown.
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Make the Lemon Filling:
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and a small amount of flour until well combined.
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Bake the Bars:
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake until the filling is set and the edges of the bars are lightly golden.
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Cool and Cut:
- Allow the Tangy Lemon Bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar if desired and then cut them into squares or rectangles.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Tangy Lemon Bars will depend on your baking experience and the specific recipe you follow. On average, it may take approximately 30-40 minutes for preparation and around 30-40 minutes for baking. Cooling time is additional. So, in total, you should plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, including cooling time.
Please note that this is a general overview, and the exact recipe may vary depending on the source you use. Always refer to the specific recipe for precise measurements and instructions. Enjoy making and savoring these delicious Tangy Lemon Bars!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Alice Medrich’s Tangy Lemon Bars:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: Around 200-250 calories per bar (varies based on serving size)
- Total Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: About 6-8 grams
- Cholesterol: Roughly 40-60 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 50-70 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: About 25-30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Less than 1 gram
- Sugars: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Protein: Around 2-3 grams
- Vitamin C: A significant source of vitamin C due to the lemon juice content.
Health Information:
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Moderation is Key: Tangy Lemon Bars are a delightful treat, but they are relatively high in sugar, saturated fat (from the butter), and calories. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Vitamin C: The lemon juice in the filling is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is known for its antioxidant properties and its role in supporting a healthy immune system.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes. It’s easy to indulge in multiple servings, so cut the bars into smaller pieces if you’re watching your calorie intake.
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Sugar Content: The sugar content in lemon bars can be relatively high. If you have dietary restrictions related to sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the sugar in the recipe.
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Saturated Fat: The shortbread crust is made with butter, which contains saturated fat. While some saturated fat is acceptable in a balanced diet, it’s essential to be mindful of your overall saturated fat intake.
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Dietary Fiber: Lemon bars are not a significant source of dietary fiber. Consider pairing them with high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables to balance your meal.
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Allergens: Check the ingredients for potential allergens, such as gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the butter and eggs), if you have food allergies or sensitivities.
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Individual Dietary Needs: The nutritional values can vary based on the specific recipe you follow and the portion size. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, it’s advisable to consult with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
Remember that enjoying occasional treats like Tangy Lemon Bars can be part of a healthy lifestyle as long as it’s done in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
