Lemon Bars

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1. 1Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment paper, letting it go most of the way up the sides so the filling doesn't spill over.
2. 2Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar. Add the vanilla extract, 2 cups flour, and salt. Continue mixing until the mixture is crumbly and no dry flour remains.
3. 3Step 3: Spread the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Press it with your fingertips to flatten and even out the dough.
4. 4Step 4: Bake the crust at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
5. 5Step 5: While the crust is baking, zest and then squeeze the lemons and prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 7 eggs and sugar until blended.
6. 6Step 6: Add the lemon juice and lemon zest and whisk to combine. Add 1 cup of flour and whisk until smooth and very well blended, with no traces of flour remaining.
7. 7Step 7: Pour the filling over the warm crust and bake in the center of the preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set. As soon as the filling is no longer wobbly in the center, remove from the oven so you don't overbake.
8. 8Step 8: Cool in the pan at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
9. 9Step 9: Pull the parchment paper up slightly to loosen from the pan, then transfer to a cutting board and cut into 18-20 squares, then dust the tops with powdered sugar.