bake something fun, share it with the world, and you could win a super fun brownie baker set
The winner of this month's challenge was Susan from Minnesota. She was notified and her prize sent to her.
For the rest of our lives, most of us will look back on March 2020 as the start of a crazy, uncertain new world.
For many of us, baking offers some solace because it's a way to provide for ourselves and our families in a practical, meaningful way.
Time and energy spent in the kitchen results in something tangible that goes beyond nutritional needs. Baking fills a need to be nurtured, cared for, and even distracted by the pleasure of taking a few moments to enjoy something delicious.
At a time of social distancing, baking is something we are doing together. It's a way to spend time with the people in our homes and teach our children important skills. It stretches our creative capacities and offers the inexhaustible opportunity to learn new things. It's a chance to relieve stress and take a break from everything happening in the world by focusing only on what we are creating in this present moment.
Even at a distance, baking offers us a way to connect as we swap recipes and share online about what we are making.
The act of baking can do many things for our mental and emotional wellbeing, and and in the end, you are left with something delicious to enjoy and share.
So. Many of us are baking more these days.
When I launched the Bake Club a year ago, I could not have predicted that it would bring me so much connection with other home bakers. This aspect of the monthly baking challenge has added tremendous value to my life and my work for the past 12 months, but especially now.
To all of you who have sent in photos, taken the time to leave comments, ask questions, and send messages and emails, I want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for allowing me into your kitchens and your lives. ❤️
Let's talk about this month's challenge recipe.
(The winner of last month’s challenge has been chosen and will be announced, with their permission, on the March Bake Club Page once they have been notified.)
The April 2020 Bake Club Challenge Recipe:
One of the challenges in selecting a challenge recipe this month is the knowledge that many of us are dealing with local shortages in basic baking supplies like flour and sugar. Lemon Bars contain both, but in smaller amounts than something like a layer cake or batch of cookies. So, I'm hoping most of you will be able to get your hands on enough to participate.
Also, it's the beginning of Spring and I find myself craving bright, fruity flavors even though fresh summer fruit (in my neck of the woods, at least) hasn't yet arrived. So, Lemon Bars seemed like the way to go.
This recipe for Lemon Bars begins with a super-tender shortbread crust that literally melts in your mouth. The filling relies on three different sources of lemon flavor (lemon juice, zest and lemon extract or lemon oil) to maximize flavor while retaining a rich, custardy consistency. They are my idea of the PERFECT Lemon Bar. I hope they fit the bill for you, too.
The April Bake Club Prize!
I fell in love with this baking dish and server the moment I saw it. I hope you love it too and can't wait to send it to one of you next month. If you're new to the Bake Club, scroll down for more information and to Sign up!
How to Participate in the April Bake Club Baking Challenge
#1. Sign Up to Join the Bake Club.
You’ll receive an email each month when a new recipe challenge and prize is announced. This is also how I’ll know how to contact you if you win.
When you sign up for the Bake Club, you’ll be required to put in your name and email address. If you’re selected as the winner, I’ll send you an email and ask you where to send your prize.
(If you’ve signed up in the past, you’re golden. It's not necissary to sign up every month.)
#2. Bake this month’s challenge and show it off!
Snap a picture of your masterpiece and post it to Instagram, tagging it with #OfBatterAndDoughBakeClub.
You can also upload your photo to the Of Batter and Dough Facebook Page.
Or, send your photo to me in an email: rebecca@ofbatteranddough.com.
By sharing your photo you’ll be automatically entered to win this month’s prize. Bake the challenge recipe and submit your photo before May 1st.
#3. Want a bonus entry?
Leave a comment and a rating for these Lemon Bars and you’ll receive a bonus entry!
Questions about the Bake Club or this month’s challenge?
Leave a comment below or send an email to rebecca@ofbatteranddough.com and I’ll get back to you just as soon as I can.
Ready, Set, BAKE!
Suzanne says
These are so so yummy! My mom always made lemon bars and they were good, but these are amazing! Very lemony, but that crust is divine! And very easy, I didn't even have to get my stand mixer out! Delicious, as usual!
Rebecca Blackwell says
I am so happy to hear that you liked this recipe Suzanne! The crust is my favorite part because, well, BUTTER. 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment for me! I always love to hear from you! xo