Papaya Bars

Papaya Bars

Ingredients

Crust:
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup very cold unsalted butter, diced
Filling:
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• *3/4 cup red papaya puree (from a red papaya that weighed: 1.5 pounds)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons good-flavored honey (I used wildflower)
Topping:
• Powdered sugar (optional)
Equipment: 8 x 8 baking dish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare the baking dish by buttering it, placing a piece of parchment on the bottom of the dish and then flouring it. Set aside.
2. To the jar of a food processor, add the flour, salt and dark brown sugar. Pulse until combined. Add the cubes of butter and then pulse once more until the mixture resembles a coarse meal with a few larger chunks throughout. Transfer the butter and flour mixture to the prepared baking dish and press firmly so the layer is even. Place in the oven to bake for about 15 minutes, and until the edges are set.
3. Meanwhile, let's make the filling! To medium bowl, add the sugar, flour and salt, and mix. Whisk in the papaya puree, eggs, lemon juice and honey. The filling should appear glossy and smooth.
4. Pour the filling over the hot crust and transfer back to the oven for a remaining 20-25 minutes. You'll know the papaya bars are done when the filling appears set. Cool in the pan on a cooling rack until it reaches room temperature.
5. Run a sharp knife along the sides and gently lift the parchment
*To make papaya puree, peel and deseed the papaya. Cut the papaya into chunks and add to the jar of a food processor. Pulse until the papaya is completely smooth.