Name: Lemon-Poppy Seed Bars
Yield: Makes 8 large bars
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter; Pinch of salt; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup flour; 1/2 cup poppy seeds, finely ground in a coffee grinder or blender, or crushed with the bottom of a heavy pan; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 cup sugar; 3 egg yolks; 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; Grated zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 3 egg whites; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

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Lemon-Poppy Seed BarsSteven Torres

I come from a Hungarian-Czech background, which means I grew up on lots of things with poppy seeds, like poppy seed cakes and poppy seed rolls. I still look forward to visiting my parents in New Jersey during the holidays and getting my annual fix.

These portable bars combine my love of lemon desserts, specifically lemon meringue pie, with my culinary heritage. You can make them ahead of time, chill them, and then cut them up at the picnic. They hold together very well and are fun to eat.

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