Olivia's Famous Lemon Squares

In some parts of the Northeastern United States, there are those who whisper tales of baked goods like no other.  Few claim to have ever tried them personally, but everyone seems to know someone who has.  Over the years the legend has changed a bit, but parts of it always remain the same: They're yellow.  And square.  And there's lemon in there, somewhere.

This weekend I had a chance to try these legendary treats.  "Are these they," I inquired?

"They are."

Olivia's Famous Lemon Squares
Adapted from Yankee Magazine's Just Desserts

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar  + more for dusting
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 tbsp freshly-squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix together flour and 1/4 cup confectioners sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture has the consistency of cornmeal. Press mixture evenly on bottom of an ungreased 9-inch square pan. Bake for 20 minutes.

While that is baking, beat the eggs, white sugar, salt, baking powder and lemon juice together until light and fluffy. Pour on to hot, partially baked crust. Return to oven and bake for 25 minutes. Dust with confectioners sugar. Cut into squares and enjoy!