Resistance is futile

 

I've been having so much fun the last few days fooling around with conversation prints and cake-themed blocks to (perhaps) use with my cake stand blocks.  Can't.pull.myself.away.  Sadly, I have to put them down to get a few things done around here.  A deck scrub is on the list for today.  Thank goodness I tackled the big job last fall...I should be able to finish it up in an afternoon.  By the way, if you're thinking of painting your deck floor a light color, my advice would be 'think again'.

Molly's requesting recipes again so I decided to post this family favorite here.  I came across it years ago at an open house at my favorite Cleveland antique shop.  They had set up a table of refreshments for visitors...plates of lemon squares and pitchers of homemade lemonade.  I had brought M along for an opinion on a farm table I was considering for our dining room.  However, once he stumbled on these squares, he hardly heard a thing I was saying about the table.  Needless to say, we left with the farm table and the recipe.  I think these lemon squares may have cinched the deal!

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Lemon Squares

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Mix and press into an 8" x 8" pan, making sure to press up on the sides.  This is important* because it will form an edging in which to hold the filling.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

       Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 TBLSP flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3 TBLSP lemon juice (bottled works fine)
• 2 eggs

Beat together well and pour over baked crust.  Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  Sprinkle immediately with powdered sugar.  Cut into 16 squares.  Allow to cool in pan.

*The first time I made these, the crust was shallow and the filling ran down the sides.  I tried to take them out of the pan before they were totally cooled and made a big mess.  If you're going to make these for an event, I'd suggest baking a test batch first.  If your family is anything like mine, the squares won't go to waste.  In fact, you'd better grab your piece before anyone knows they're available!

Comments

[Melinda]

The squares sound yummy. So what is your favorite CleveO antique shop?

[kathy]

Yum. Recipe printed and ready to be made. Thanks Jan!

[Chris]

Hey, that's the same recipe my family uses!! We always end up making a double recipe of the crust...

[Kathie]

I always double the recipe too. Huge favorite in this house. One family member would prefer Lemon Squares to cake for her birthday. Last time I made them I added some coconut--it's listed as an option in the version of the recipe I have (in The Joy of Cooking).

Cute lemon cake block! Great idea.

[Scribbles & Bits]

I think the square is so cute! I'm completely taken with the label in the corner! And, if I get out of rehearsal early enough tonight, I am totally making a batch of these lemon squares!!!! Thank you for the recipe!!!!

[Corvus]

Ooo, that looks tasty!

[Wishing On Clovers]

I love lemon squares! Thanks for the recipe, I'll have to add it to my to-do!

[Wishing On Clovers]

I love lemon squares! Thanks for the recipe, I'll have to add it to my to-do!

[Rose Marie]

Will have to try this receipe soon! Thanks for sharing.

[susan]

my favorite desert!!

[susan]

add an s to that! woops!

[Cheri]

I love your cake block! Will you post others? This one is wonderful. :)

[Paula]

I like the block. It is so cheerful.

Oh, and the lemon bars sound so good. I can feel my hips expanding.

[Karen Alexander]

The addition of some chopped (Fresh!) pecans on top, if you like 'em crisp, or on top of the crust and before adding filling if you just like 'em (as a surprise!), makes them more "southern"... and even better.

Wonderful recipe - thanks for sharing. Now I'm gonna have to try with apple juice and raisins!!
Karen

[Mary HAINAngel2000]

I love the color choices you have chosen! Very good taste and talent!