Lemony Cookie Bars

Why should you choose genuine U.S. dairy products? Because real milk, cheese and yogurt offer a unique package of nine essential nutrients that both children and adults need. Consider:

• Milk is the No. 1 food source for three of the four nutrients identified by the federal government as falling short in the diets of both children and adults. These are calcium, potassium and vitamin D.
• Experts agree that dairy foods deserve a special place in the diets of children. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, several nutrients critical for growth are lacking in the diets of children and adolescents. These include calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A. Dairy foods provide all of these.
• The shortfall in these nutrients is a significant public health concern. That’s why the government encourages adults to consume three servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy products daily and children to consume two.
• Dairy foods play a major role in bone health. Inadequate calcium and dairy food consumption among children results in a higher risk of osteoporosis and life-threatening fractures later in life.
• Eating the recommended servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods can lower blood pressure in adults. Studies also associate consuming low-fat and fat-free dairy foods with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as osteoporosis.
• By lowering the risk of these chronic diseases, consuming dairy foods may also help reduce health care costs.

One obstacle to consuming more dairy foods, especially among children, is lactose intolerance. For these individuals, most experts recommend alternatives from within the dairy food group, such as yogurt or lactose-free milk, over non-dairy substitutes.

That allows sufficient intake of calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients to avoid problems with bone health.

The REAL® Seal lets you know you’re buying a genuine dairy product, not an imitation or substitute. It guarantees you are benefiting from the many nutrients associated with products made with milk from cows on U.S. dairy farms.

REAL® Seal dairy products guarantee no casein, caseinate, vegetable oil, non-domestic dairy protein or ingredient, or any cheese substitute or cheese analog.

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Lemony Cookie Bars

These lemon bars are a perfect alternative to plain sugar cookies. They are not too sweet, and have just the right amount of lemon. Definitely use fresh lemons and Greek yogurt that has the REAL® Seal on it in this recipe.

Servings 3 dozen bars

Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients

• 11 ⁄2 plus 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour divided use
• 1/3 plus 11⁄2 cups powdered sugar divided use
• 3 ⁄4 teaspoon salt divided use
• 3 ⁄4 cup butter cold and sliced in pieces
• 3 eggs
• 1 ⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 ⁄2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 ⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• Extra powdered sugar for sprinkling
• organic blueberries for topping optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9" × 13" baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix 11⁄2 cups flour, 1⁄3 cup powdered sugar, and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt. Add sliced butter and mix well until crumbly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and pat down to form crust. Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
3. While the crust is baking, mix 1⁄4 cup flour, 11⁄2 cups powdered sugar, 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, eggs, lemon juice, yogurt, baking powder, and lemon zest in a large bowl with a mixer. Beat until smooth. Pour the lemon mixture on top of the hot cookie crust and return to oven. Bake for 35 minutes, until the topping is set and edges are light brown. Cool thoroughly in the pan. Sprinkle with extra powdered sugar, if desired, before serving. To store, cover and refrigerate for 3–5 days.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by REAL® Seal.  However, like always, the opinions are entirely my own.  Promise   My sponsors help make this blog possible.I only use quality products in my recipes and by using Greek yogurts that have the REAL® Seal, it gives me peace of mind knowing that my family is consuming only the best dairy products out there.  

Please visit the Real Seal Facebook page or website for more information.

If you like this recipe, you can find many other delicious ones in The Greek Yogurt Cookbook.  It’s a great resource for those looking to lighten up their favorite recipes!

Enjoy!