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This past weekend was absolutely gorgeous. We are talking walk in the park, sundress, and bar-b-q beautiful. And to top it off we had the perfect summer-friendly festivities to help us celebrate.

A dear friend of ours graduated law school (Congrats!!!) and another friend celebrated his birthday. Naturally, both of them threw a bar-b-q to celebrate, because... why not?

Anyways, the warm weather and the barbecues put me in the mood for something sweet, light and refreshing. I saw TexanErin's recipe for Paleo Lemon Squares on Pinterest and got inspired to take a stab at them. This was my first go at lemon bars... Ever... and I think they turned out quite nicely! I love Erin's idea to use desiccated coconut instead of powdered sugar on top! I updated the recipe a bit to exclude all eggs. I used honey and dates instead of maple syrup, and a mixture of cashews, coconut cream and turmeric instead of egg. The turmeric gives a nice yellow color and doesn't distort the flavor. It is also super good for you! Double Win. So these become a vegan, dairy free, grain fee, refined sugar free version of the classical dessert. The cashews in the filling make them taste somewhat like little mini-lemon cheesecakes. Yum!!

They were a hit at the party so I hope you like them, too! I think they will be a perfect accompaniment to the upcoming Memorial day festivities!

How about you? What desserts do you like to make to bring to a bar-b-q? And what are you excited about making for this Memorial Day weekend?

Enjoy and happy Summer!!

Serves: 15-18

Ingredients:

Crust

almond meal - should be coarsely ground, 1 cup

hazelnut flour, 1/4 cup (can absolutely sub with almond flour if you don't have hazelnut)

coconut flakes, 1/2 cup

coconut oil, 1/4 cup

honey, 1 tbsp

Filling

cashews, soaked, 1 cup

dates, soaked, 6

water reserved from dates, 1/4 cup

meyer lemons, whole, 2

lemon juice, fresh squeezed, 3/4 cup

tapioca starch, 1 tbsp

lemon essential oils, 3 drops

turmeric, 1/2 tsp

ginger powder, 1 dash

coconut cream, 1/4 cup

Garnish

desiccated coconut, ~ 2tbsp

Tools:

food processor

pan 9x13

Directions:

Crust

mix all dry ingredients together

blend the softened coconut oil and the honey together until well combined. make sure not to melt the coconut oil. (picture below)

blend all ingredients together and press evenly into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Then remove from oven and set aside

Filling:

de-seed the meyer lemons and quarter

mix all ingredients (including the 2 full meyer lemons, skin and all) in the food processor until combined. Blend until there is a smooth creamy consistency, about 5-7 minute in my food processor

Put it all together:

pour the filling onto the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.

bake at 350 for 25-27 minutes or until set in the middle

remove and cool completely

lightly sprinkle the desiccated coconut on top and place in fridge until ready to enjoy

slice into squares

serve and enjoy!

This is the desired consistency of the coconut oil after you mix in the honey. It should blend well but not be melted

Some Notes and Tips: