BUTTER CRUNCH LEMON CHEESE BARS

Butter Crunch Lemon Cheese Bars

Crust
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup all-purpose flour
Cooking spray

Filling
1 cup 1% low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
3 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 large egg white
1 large egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.

Crust: Place first four ingredients in a large bowl, beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Add flour to butter mixture, and beat at low speed until well blended. Press crust into prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes.

Filling: Place cottage cheese in a food processor; process 2 minutes or until smooth, scraping sides of bowl once. Add remaining ingredients; process until well blended. Pour filling over crust. Bake for 25 minutes or until set (the edges will get slightly browned) and cool. Cover and chill for 8 hours.

Yield: 8 servings