monday morning lemon squares

Monday mornings can be tough. The weekend is over, its back to work or in my case back to life where it's just Noni and I, and you know what would make a Monday morning better? A lemon square, or two.

If you and I (dear reader friend) lived in the same town and were able to sneak an hour or two away, I'd invite you over for tea and lemon squares. But since that can't happen, I'll just leave you with the recipe found on this blog...maybe you'll make some for yourself. A little note- these were so incredibly easy to make. I for one was always scared of lemon squares, but I'm telling you there is nothing to be scared about here. Super luscious and lemony! Yum!

Crust:

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Topping:
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp icing sugar

Line 13 x 9-inch metal cake pan with parchment paper, leaving 1 inch extending over long edges for handles. Set aside.

Crust: In bowl, beat together butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy; stir in flour in 2 additions. Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake in centre of 325 F oven for about 35 minutes or until golden. Let cool in pan on rack.

Topping: Meanwhile, in bowl, beat eggs with sugar until pale and thickened; beat in lemon rind and juice, flour and baking powder. Pour over baked base, spreading evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and centre is set. Let cool in pan on rack. Dust with icing sugar. Using parchement paper handles, lift out of pan. Peel off paper. Cut into squares. (Make Ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days.) Makes 32 squares.