Lemon Ginger Bars

Step 1

1 For the bars: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

Step 2

2 Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil

Step 3

3 Combine the flour, sugar, ground ginger and baking powder in a medium bowl

Step 4

4 Melt the 16 tablespoons of butter in the microwave or in a small saucepan over medium heat; use a little of the butter to grease the foil-lined baking dish

Step 5

5 Immediately add the remaining melted butter to the dry ingredients, using a flexible spatula to blend

Step 6

6 Add the egg, crystallized ginger, honey and lemon zest; beat vigorously to make a smooth dough

Step 7

7 Scrape it into the baking dish

Step 8

8 Use the palm of your hands to press it evenly over the bottom of the pan

Step 9

9 Don't be concerned if the dough looks greasy, or as though some of the butter has separated out

Step 10

10 Bake the bars until firm and lightly golden, 20 to 25 minutes

Step 11

11 They will rise slightly

Step 12

12 Meanwhile, make the glaze: Use a small flexible spatula to mix the confectioners' sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl to form a smooth glaze

Step 13

13 If the mixture is too thick, add up to 1/2 teaspoon water

Step 14

14 As soon as the dough has baked, place a cutting board over the baking dish and use oven mitts to invert the hot slab onto the board

Step 15

15 Remove the pan and foil and replace with a separate cutting board

Step 16

16 Turn right side up and remove the top board

Step 17

17 Immediately brush on the lemon glaze so that it sets as the slab cools

Step 18

18 When it is completely cool, cut into 2-inch squares