With creamy lemon filling (made from lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice) and a buttery crust, these classic bars offer the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Pack up a batch for a Mother's Day picnic or as a treat for neighbors.

Ingredients

Shortbread:
3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Filling:
2 lemons
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Kids' Cooking Skills: Use this recipe to teach your child how to make a shortbread crust and how to zest a lemon.

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350° F. For the shortbread crust, have your child use her fingertips to work the butter, flour, and confectioners' sugar in a large bowl until the mixture holds together. Transfer the dough to an ungreased 13- x 9- x 2-inch pan and press it into the pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.

2. While the shortbread is baking, make the lemon filling. Wash and dry the lemons, then grate the rinds using the small holes on your grater (you will need 2 tablespoons of zest). Slice each lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup until you have 1/3 cup. Remove any seeds.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. Whisk in the flour. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. When the shortbread has baked, pour the filling over it and return the pan to the oven for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the filling no longer jiggles and the edges are lightly brown. (Test by inserting a knife in the middle.)

4. Cool and dust with confectioners' sugar. Makes 24 two-inch lemon squares. Refrigerate any leftovers.

TIP: To grate a lemon, your child should hold the grater firmly with one hand and grip the lemon with the other, keeping the fingers as far away from the grater as possible.