Orange Custard Squares – an old fashioned favourite cookie bar!

Ingredients

For the orange custard filling

• 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp custard powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups orange juice
• zest of 2 small oranges, finely minced, or 1 large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 egg yolks, lightly whisked
• 2 tbsp butter

For the shortbread crumble

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

To prepare the filling

1. Mix together the sugar and custard powder in a small saucepan.
2. Add the orange juice, zest and vanilla extract. Stir well.
3. Cook over medium low heat, stirring slowly but constantly. I prefer to use a silicone spatula for this, so that I can continuously run it along the entire bottom of the pot.
4. When the filling thickens, remove from the heat and pour about a half cup onto the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
5. Return the egg mixture quickly back to the pot, again stirring constantly. Cook for one more minute,
6. Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Set aside while you prepare the crumble.

To prepare the crumble

1. Mix together the flour, sugar & baking powder.
2. Sprinkle on the vanilla extract.
3. Using your hands or a pastry blender cut in the butter until the it is completely incorporated into the dry ingredients. You can also do this very quickly in a food processor.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch well greased baking pan. Pour the orange custard filling evenly over the bottom crumbs. Gently sprinkle the remaining crumbs over the orange custard filling and press down gently.
5. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 40 – 45 minutes or until light golden brown in color. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.