When life throws you lemons...

...make lemon squares. Hehe.

I had used dayap (Philippine lemon) the first few times, substituting the lemon juice in the recipe with the juice of the the fruits of our little dayap tree in the yard. They're green, a little less than half the size of the American lemon and taste almost the same except for that peculiar tang that characterizes the yellow fruit.

Alas, when the orders for lemon squares started coming a few weeks before Christmas Day, the dayap supply just wasn't enough, so on I went to Farmer's Market and purchased three dozen lemons. Have you tried squeezing lemons with your bare hands?? It is a test not only of physical strength but of fortitude and humility as well. (I've since bought a new juicer as the old one seems to have vanished)

Frankly, I find these lemon squares delectable--they truly make me go "mmmm" and silently pay homage to the bakers who have the creativity and genius to come up with these heavenly recipes. In my case, it was a cousin who shared this recipe with me.

Lemon Snow Squares

Makes 16.

Preparation time: 45 mins.

Ingredients:

1 cup flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons grated lemon rind

Confectioner's sugar

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Cut in butter until mixture
resembles large peas.

3. Pat into 8-inch square baking pan. Smooth with floured spatula then bake
15 mins. or until edges are light brown.

4. Beat eggs in bowl, gradually adding 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp. flour and baking
powder.

5. Stir in lemon juice and rind. Beat well.

6. Pour over crust. Bake 20 minutes.

7. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. Cool. Cut into squares and store in airtight container.


* Image from Ritzcards