Cosmo Cocktail Cookie Bars

One more new recipe this year. It is really good and really refreshing with its punch of citrus flavors during a season of all the rich goodness of all the cookies and candies. I found it in a magazine that featured some recipes from McCormick's.



2 1/2 c. flour, divided
2/3 c. powder sugar
1 tbsp. finely grated lime peel
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) cold butter, cut into pieces
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 can (6 oz.) frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed
1 tsp. pure orange extract
Extra powder sugar
Extra grated lime peel

1, Mix 2 c. flour, powder sugar, lime peel and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press mixture evenly into greased, foil-lined 13x9 baking pan. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
2. Meanwhile, mix eggs, sugar, juice and remaining 1/4 c. flour and extract in a large bowl until well blended. Pour evenly over hot crust.
3. Bake 15-20 minutes or until filling is set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Sprinkle with extra powder sugar and lime peel. Cut into bars.

36 servings