Timeless Classics from a Modern Kitchen: Lemon Bars in the VC5 Convection Oven

In a world where smart kitchen equipment is becoming increasingly popular, it’s easy to overlook the importance of traditional equipment like convection ovens. However, the time-tested Vulcan VC5 Convection Oven remains a cornerstone of a professional kitchen, offering unmatched reliability and performance. 

Unlike conventional ovens that can be a hit or miss with hot spots, the VC5 uses a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven’s cavity. Featuring a patented snorkel tube, it ensures consistent heat distribution across every part of the dish. This eliminates the need to turn the product halfway through the cooking process, guaranteeing perfectly cooked meals every time. 

The Vulcan VC5’s patented and award-winning design also ensures both speed and efficiency in cooking and baking. Its fan is uniquely positioned on the back wall, which helps to optimize airflow within the cavity. The patented snorkel moves hot air generated by the oven more efficiently through the cabinet, ensuring rapid and even cooking results. This efficiency is even backed by its ENERGY STAR certification! 

Maintaining the Vulcan VC5 convection oven is easy. Spot cleaning can be done throughout service and for deeper cleaning at the end of the day the Grab-and-go oven racks, stainless steel drip pans, and oven doors are all dish washer safe making for easy clean up. 

From the ever so popular cooking competitions to K-12 kitchens, versatility is where the Vulcan VC5 truly shines. This oven can handle a variety of cooking tasks, from baking and roasting to broiling and dehydrating. Its flexibility makes it an all-star in any kitchen, allowing chefs to experiment with different cooking techniques and recipes.  Whether you’re baking delicate pasties or roasting a huge batch of vegetables, the VC5 has you covered. 

Thanks to its even cooking and efficient heat distribution, the Vulcan VC5 enhances the flavor and texture of your dishes. The consistent heat helps lock in moisture, making meats juicer and baked goods more flavorful. Control is at your fingertips with the fan switch:  a “High” setting, perfect for roasting, baking or achieving a crispy texture, and a “Low” setting, ideal for delicate dishes that require a more controlled and slower cooking process, like custard or pastries. 

Try this recipe for Lemon Bars cooked in the Vulcan VC5.

Yield: 1 Full Sheet Pan 

For the crust:
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoon salt
3 cups unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Water – as needed

For the filling:
6 cups granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
16 large eggs
Zest of 8 lemons
2 ⅔ cups fresh lemon juice (about 12-16 lemons)
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

• Preheat the VC5:

1. Set the oven to 325°F with fan speed to “High”. 

• Prepare the crust: 

1. In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, cubed butter, and salt. Pulse until combined or resemble beach sand. Add water in small amounts as needed. 
2. Press the crust mixture evenly into a full sheet pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until just golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

• Make the lemon filling:

1. In a mixer bowl, combine the granulated sugar and flour and mix on low speed to eliminate lumps.
2. Add eggs into the bowl, add lemon zest and lemon juice, and whisk until thoroughly combined.
3. Evenly pour the filling over the pre-baked crusts on sheet pan. 

• Bake the lemon bars:

1. Set fan speed to “Low”. 
2. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, ensuring the filling is set and does not wobble when the sheet is shaken.
3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
4. Cut into desired sizes and optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.

The Vulcan VC5 convection oven is the unsung hero of modern kitchens, effortlessly blending old-school reliability with today’s need for efficiency and versatility - like the classic yet vibrant and craveable lemon bar. Its superior design ensures perfect, even-cooking making dishes taste amazing and look camera worthy every time. Whether you’re running a high-paced commercial kitchen or managing a catering service, the Vulcan VC5 is the workhorse every operation needs.