MOJITO BARS

Created by Jon Payne

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup slivered almonds, finely ground
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3/4 cup fresh lime juice

35 mint leaves

 ½ cup light rum

2 teaspoon baking powder
Additional powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Generously butter a 13x9inch baking pan. Combine 2 cups flour, butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, ground almonds, lime peel and salt in processor and process until moist clumps form. Press onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake until edges are golden, about 20 minutes.

Muddle sugar and mint together.  Then whisk the sugar mint mixture, eggs, lime juice, baking powder, rum and remaining 1/2 cup flour in large bowl until well blended. Pour over hot crust. Bake until topping is set and lightly golden, about 25 minutes. Cool in pan on rack.

Sift additional powdered sugar over top. Cut into squares.