LEMON ALMOND STRIPS A lemon lover's delight. You can't go wrong with a supply in your freezer. Preheat oven to 350°F | 13- by 9-inch cake pan, greased ALMOND CRUST 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or 2 cups cake & pastry flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup ground almonds 1 cup butter or margarine LEMON FILLING 4 eggs 2 cups granulated sugar 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Confectioner's sugar, optional

CRUST: Combine flour, sugar and ground almonds in mixing bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press into prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until light brown. Cool for 10 minutes.

FILLING: Beat together eggs, sugar and lemon juice. Combine flour and baking powder; stir into eggs. Pour over baked crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or just until set and light golden. Cool completely, then cut into bars. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar before serving, if desired.

Makes about 45 strips.

TIP: Bars are popular items as they're really many cookies baked in one pan. They are easy to prepare and also easy to cut, wrap, store and transport.

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Baking time: 45 minutes| Freezing: excellent.

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