Lemony tart, sweet and rich -- that's the basic description of a good lemon bar and this recipe has all three going for it.

Basic Lemon Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar - divided use
1 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
4 large eggs

Powdered sugar for sprinkling

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together. Using a pastry blender or fork, mix in 1 cup butter until well-blended. Press the mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9-inch pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. Meanwhile, to prepare the filling, beat together flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon juice, and eggs.
4. Pour this mixture over the hot, baked bars. Bake again for 25 minutes.
5. While still hot, dust the top with 1/4 cup powdered sugar.
6. Cool completely before cutting.

Makes 24 bars.