Cheap Therapy (AKA Lemon Cheese Bars)

Lemon Bars....they bring back memories of childhood summers, of  lazy days at the pool and of endless nights catching fireflies.  Those were the days when everything in my life was familiar and nothing ever changed. 

My life doesn't seem so simple anymore.  Change DOES happen and sometimes it comes with heartache that only time can fully heal.   

This week, my family experienced a big CHANGE. It left me feeling homesick... even though I wasn't away from home.

So what's a girl to do when she is yearning for something familiar? 

photo courtesy of Firefly.org

I haven't seen one firefly since we moved to Houston 7 years ago.  And I am not sure what kind of  "feel good" boost I would get from putting on a bathing suit and visitng the local pool (no picture necessary)

So,  I opted  for something more tried and true::

Lemon Bars!  There is nothing like eating half of a pan of Lemon Cheese Bars to cure an aching heart.(clearly I am not above emotionally eating).  I should know...I did that very thing just yesterday!

These lemon bars are a childhood favorite of mine and they are one of my "go to" recipes.  I am diligent about keeping my pantry stocked with the necessary ingredients so that I can quickly whip up a batch.  

 

Lemon Cheese Bars

(adapted from my mom's recipe)

Ingredients

1 Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix with pudding in the mix (or any other brand)
1 8oz cream cheese (I prefer Philadelphia brand for baking)
1/3 Cup sugar
2 Eggs
1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 TBS Lemon Juice (fresh or bottled)

1. Mix the dry cake mix with 1 of the eggs and oil. Mix with beaters until crumbly.

2. Reserve 1 Cup of the crumbly mixture and set aside.

3. Pat remaining mixture lightly in an ungreased 13x9x2 baking pan. Bake at 350 for 14-15 minutes.

4. While the cake crumbly thing is baking go ahead and beat cheese, 1 egg and the lemon juice together until smooth.

The consistancy should be smooth but not runny.  It is still pretty thick.

Hah, I am only showing you this picture because this is one of the few times I have actually had fresh lemons in the house when I needed one.  You can totally use bottled juice...I have never noticed a difference in taste.

5. After cake mix is done baking, take out of the oven and smooth cheese mixture over the already baked layer.

6. Next sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top and place the pan back in the oven.  Bake at 350 for 14-15 more minutes. Cool and serve.

The next time you need to whip up an impressive treat or better yet, provide yourself with some cheap therapy...go on and try the lemon bars!

Do you have a favorite recipe that reminds you of home?  Please share!


On a side note, I dedicate this recipe to our faithful and gentle Ginger.  Without whom I would never have had to eat a half a pan of lemon bars all by myself.

We will miss your unconditional affection but take comfort in the image of you in heaven and licking Jesus for all of eternity!

**I am linking this post with Works for Me Wednesday