Lemon Bars

Preheat oven to 350° F. Stir vanilla into sugar until evenly distributed, then stir in the flour and salt. Cut in the butter and work into pea-size crumbles. Dump dough into an ungreased 9×13‑inch pan and pat until smooth and firm. Prick surface liberally with a fork. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until just lightly browned.

While the crust is baking, whisk together sugar, eggs, and lemon juice until the sugar is dissolved, then whisk in the flour. Pour over the baked crust. Return to the oven and bake another 20 to 25 minutes until set. Let cool. Optional: dust with powdered sugar. Cut into squares.