Lemon Squares
Serves 8
This favorite Southern tea or dessert treat can be made with lime juice as well as lemon juice. Think of these squares as easy-to-eat tarts.
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, ½ cup of the confectioners' sugar, and salt. Add butter and cut mixture with 2 knives or pastry blender until crumbly. Press dough into a greased 9″ × 12″ pan. Pierce holes in the pastry with a fork, then bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes or until crust just begins to brown. Remove from oven.
Whisk together ⅓ cup flour plus eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder until thick and blended. Pour mixture over crust and spread evenly.
Bake at 350ºF for 20–25 minutes or until lemon filling is set. Remove from oven and let cool. Sprinkle remaining confectioners' sugar over top before cutting into 16 squares.
Versatile Shortbread
Sweet shortbread crusts — like the one used for lemon squares — can serve as a base for a variety of bars. Top the baked crust with a favorite cheesecake filling or thick custard, or just pour melted chocolate over the shortbread and sprinkle with nuts.
